Find the courage to ask questions

"1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret."

~ Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

Accept no one's definition of your life

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." – Harvey Fienstein, Actor

Every Human Being Has Limits

"Our daily lives are proof of our inherent strength.  We women move through uncharted occupational territory, have and care for children, nurture others emotionally and physically, and explore our psychological and spiritual dimensions.  Although we are usually strong for others, we often feel weak and victimized while attempting to set realistic limits that respect us as individuals.  However, every human being has limits and, if we do not honor ours, we can become overextended, resentful, and even ill.  So sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is be aware that we can't do it all for everyone." ~ The Woman's Book of Courage: Meditations for Empowerment and Peace of Mind, by Sue Patton Thoele