Fall Brings Renewal… and Agreements

By Susan “Honey” Good

The other day, I was sitting on a park bench in the charming little park across the street from our condominium building with our new pooch America. The park has a cobbled path that leads through it to another lane and has become a very popular walkthrough. America and I sat watching my fellow Americans; some with their children, some walking their pets, some arm in arm, some with caregivers, and some racing through to visit shops in the area. I smiled, got up with America and entered the lovely little park, found another bench and was grateful for some peace and quiet.

The falling leaves on the ground impacted me as I thought of the changing season and all that goes with it. When the season changes from summer to fall, it is common to look forward to revamping our wardrobes, reorganizing our closets, remodeling a room, restyling our hair, relocating to a new community, and of course, the approaching holidays. In other words, darlings, fall should be uplifting.

I thought about what I am adding to my wardrobe, our trip in October to Europe with our grands, returning to Palm Springs and friends, Thanksgiving in Florida, and vacationing in Bali with my ultimate concierge in December.

What am I adding to my wardrobe? A leather skirt, a glossy trench coat, clunky sneakers, a few Missoni headbands if I can find them, fabulous belts and handbags and new jeans, etc.

Where did we decide to travel with our grands? We wanted to organize a trip that kept us together night and day. We wanted them to experience a great history lesson. We chose to do two days in Paris and then we will hop into a van with a driver and guide to the Normandy Beaches. We will visit Versaille, Monet’s Garden, Mont Saint- Michelle and Bayeux to see the Tapestries, eat in bistros along the sea and bond as a family.

Palm Springs and friends, Florida for Thanksgiving, December on a romantic Island… all were just passing thoughts of gratitude and excitement.

On a more substantial note, I thought about the past seasons of my life, probably because it is the week of the Jewish holiday; a time to rejoice, repent and ask for forgiveness.

Coincidently, I just read a book, The Four Agreements, and I want to share its lessons. My trainer, Jeffrey, gave it to me.

What are the Four Agreements?

1. Be impeccable with your word.
   2. Don’t take anything personally.
   3. Don’t make assumptions.
   4. Always do your best.

Agreement #1

Be true to yourself and say only what you mean. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love for all those in your life.

Agreement #2

Nothing others do to you is because of you. What others say and do to you is because of their own reality. When you become immune to their actions, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Agreement #3

Communicate with friends, family, and co-workers as clearly as you are able to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and of course, darlings, drama.

Agreement #4

Do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Thousands of years ago in Mexico there were a group of people of knowledge, called Toltec. They were scientists and artists who came together. This book is their story told by the author who is a Toltec.

I recommend this book by don Miguel Ruiz. Read it. You will not be sorry.

Happy New Year to my Jewish darlings. May you have calm waters, heightened interests, and love around you. To all of my darlings, happy Fall. It is time for your renewal, your reinvigoration, and revitalization. How lucky are we to have the chance to embrace it? I hope you AGREE.

Susan “Honey” Good is the founder of HoneyGood.com where this blog originally appeared. The site is a collection of lessons learned, life advice and insights from not only her, but from a fantastic group of contributing writers, each adding their own spice to the recipe. Honey Good.com representing “a family tree of women” — wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters, aunts, cousins and girlfriends — coming together to talk about what makes them tick as well as what they have in common. Honey Good discusses life experiences with wisdom, humor and intellect, enabling all to attain a “Honey Good Style of Life.”