Carrie Link

I wanted to share with all of you what I believe are the essential rules of life. They are called the Rules of Cooperation. They are so powerful in their simplicity. They can easily be taught to children, and are highly effective for solving conflicts with adults, as well.

THE RULES OF COOPERATION

PART I

Rule #1: NO SCARITY - "I agree to act on my belief that there is enough of what we all need if we cooperate."

Rule #2: EQUAL RIGHTS - "I agree to respect your rights as a person, as equal to mine." Everyone has an equal responsibility to cooperate.

Rule #3: NO POWER PLAYS - "I agree not to use power plays to get what I want." Power Plays - hitting, yelling, withdrawing, slamming doors, threatening, staying angry, refusing to talk, refusing to cooperate, etc.

Rule #4: NO RESCUES - "I will not do for you anything that makes me angry."

Rule #5: NO SECRETS - "I will tell you what I am feeling, especially when I am feeling angry or afraid."

Tomorrow I will detail the process for stating anger and fear, cooperatively.