Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick must have memorized Don Miguel Ruiz’s classic, “The Four Agreements“–a book introducing the wisdom of the ancient Toltec, a Mexican tribe of scientists and artists–because it appears he’s got the first agreement down: “Be Impeccable with Your Word.”

“Listen, my wife is…the center of my world,” he told reporters who pelted him with questions in two heavily attended press conferences due to his announcement last week that he would be cutting back on his weekend and evening hours to care for his wife, who is suffering from exhaustion and depression.

When some inquiries tried his patience–like the one asking him if he was considering stepping down (I mean, come on), he didn’t snap, telling them to go book a room in hell, like I have done after hearing for the fifth time that I’m not “thinking good enough thoughts” and am therefore depressed.

“Thank you for the question,” he said courteously to that journalist’s query, and went on to answer another. To me, that kind of control is as impressive as the support he offers his wife of 22 years.

And by studying his diplomatic and graceful style in exposing his wife’s depression–and therefore educating the public on mental illness–while protecting her privacy on some of the details, I learn some important lessons on what I should divulge in my own struggle with depression, why (analyzing my intent), and how (tactfully, which doesn’t come naturally for me).

This is what Ruiz says about words:

“The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. It sounds very simple, but it is very, very powerful.

“Why your word? Your word is the power that you have to create. Your word is the gift that comes directly from God. The Gospel of John in the Bible, speaking of the creation of the universe, says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word is God.” Through the word you express your creative power. It is through the word that you manifest everything. Regardless of what language you speak, your intent manifests through your word. What you dream, what you feel, and what you really are, will all be manifested through the word.”