4 Rules for Living Now!

There was a day when my world fell apart. Exploded or imploded might be a more accurate way to put that. A series of events beginning with the death of a best friend, the end of an important professional chapter, the start-up of a new chapter, the suicide of a business partner and then, the end of a 33-year relationship. The last event came unexpectedly and suddenly and I was on the floor, my legs wouldn't hold me anymore. Fortunately, the man I called was calm with the most profound and important piece of advice. "This is a defining moment, Paul," he said. "What you decide to do with the moment will define who you are and who you become."

My journey from that moment became one of self-discovery and one of a strong commitment to certain values that would become my rules. I made commitments to make certain things happen and for certain outcomes that were important to me. Yes, my faith was important to me as I recognized certain things such as my friend's advice that I can only describe as "grace." The "grace" of forgiveness was another discovery. I also discovered Eckhart Tolle whose "A New Earth" helped to understand my new consciousness. Byron Katie's "Loving What Is" helped me to not just accept but to love everything life brings and to question my thoughts to cleanse away any negativity. Another teacher who came to me was Don Miguel Ruiz who described "The Four Agreements." For me these have become Four Rules for Living Now and In the Now.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word. This is more than be truthful or honest or a person of integrity. It means to recognize that your words have power. They have the power to build up or to destroy. Choose your words carefully. Be especially careful with your words to yourself. Many of talk to ourselves in ways that we would never permit another person to talk to us. Start listening and start making yourself become not just honest, but impeccable, with your words. Make sure your words build up and create and are brimming with positivity and possibility. To be impeccable means there is no margin of mistruth allowed. Always be one hundred percent truthful and positive.