The Four "Oh!"-greements: Because One Syllable is Easier to Remember

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word... Or Just Say "Oh!"

Original: Don't gossip, lie, or use words against yourself or others.

"Oh!" Version: When you're about to say something stupid (we all do it), just say "Oh!" instead. It's like a verbal eraser for your brain-to-mouth filter fails.

Example:

  • About to gossip? "Oh!"
  • Going to lie about why you're late? "Oh!"
  • Self-criticism brewing? "Oh!"

Congratulations! You just saved yourself from foot-in-mouth disease.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally... Just "Oh!" It Off

Original: Nothing others do is because of you. It's all about them.

"Oh!" Version: When someone's being a jerk, instead of taking it personally, just "Oh!" it. It's like a force field for your ego.

Example:

  • Someone cuts you off in traffic? "Oh!"
  • Get a nasty comment on social media? "Oh!"
  • Your cat ignores you again? "Oh!" (But seriously, what did you expect? It's a cat.)

Look at you, letting things roll off your back like water off a duck. A very zen duck.

3. Don't Make Assumptions... "Oh!" and Ask Instead

Original: Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want.

"Oh!" Version: About to jump to conclusions faster than a caffeinated kangaroo? "Oh!" yourself into curiosity instead.

Example:

  • Think your friend is mad at you? "Oh!
  • I wonder what's up?" Assume you bombed that job interview? "Oh!
  • Maybe I should ask for feedback?" Pretty sure that mole is cancer? "Oh! Time to consult Dr. Google... I mean, a real doctor."

Congrats! You're now less assuming and more awesome.

4. Always Do Your Best... Or at Least "Oh!" Your Way Through It

Original: Your best changes from moment to moment. Just do your best under any circumstance.

"Oh!" Version: When you feel like you're not doing enough, "Oh!" yourself into acceptance. Your best is your best, even if your best today is just managing to put on pants.

Example:

  • Feeling lazy? "Oh! This is my best right now."
  • Procrastinating? "Oh! I'm just preparing... very thoroughly."
  • Mess up at work? "Oh! Learning opportunity!"

Look at you, turning self-judgment into self-compassion like a boss.

The "Oh!"-greements in Action: A Day in the Life

  • 7 AM: Alarm goes off. "Oh! Another day to practice not being a horrible human."
  • 9 AM: Coworker takes credit for your idea. "Oh! Their need, not my problem."
  • 1 PM: Realize you forgot a friend's birthday. "Oh! Better late than never."
  • 4 PM: Get passed over for a promotion. "Oh! Time to ask for feedback."
  • 7 PM: Burn dinner. "Oh! This was my best cooking effort today."
  • 11 PM: Scroll through social media, feeling inadequate. "Oh! Time to put the comparison stick down and go to sleep."

Why This "Oh!"-greement Mashup Works

  1. It's Simple: "Oh!" is easier to remember than a bunch of Toltec wisdom. (No offense, Don Miguel.)
  2. It's Quick: You can "Oh!" your way to personal freedom faster than you can say "ancient spiritual practice."
  3. It's Versatile: "Oh!" works for all four agreements, and pretty much any life situation. It's the Swiss Army knife of personal growth.
  4. It's Discreet: You can practice this anywhere without looking like you're having a spiritual awakening in the middle of Walmart.

The "Oh!"-greement Challenge

For one week, try to "Oh!" your way through The Four Agreements.

  • Be impeccable with your "Oh!"
  • Don't take anything personally, just "Oh!" it
  • Don't make assumptions, "Oh!" and ask
  • Always do your "Oh!"-est

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