A King's Word

When I’m excited, caffeinated or blissfully joyful, I try to not answer phone calls until my mood returns to baseline.

Same goes for WhatsApp messages and DMs.

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SIDE NOTE

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This above would be better understood by people whose incoming calls and messages are predominantly seeking a favor, not contributing. Take what applies to you, leave what doesn’t.

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END NOTE

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I keep them all on hold, pausing all responses to requests until I come down from the high.

This is because a preponderance of dopamine can make you feel extraordinarily optimistic in the moment, exaggerating possibilities and minimizing your perception of risk.

You’d then be more likely to make unrealistic commitments you can’t keep.

We’re all taught about the dangers of anger BUT…

The devil awaits on both sides of extreme emotion - extreme joy and extreme anger.

When Old Testament kings have committed irreversible acts of passion, they’ve been said to have been in high spirits.

John the Baptist didn’t lose his head because of his verbal indiscretions.

He was jailed for them, but death wasn’t the initial punishment until Herod promised a blank cheque in high spirits.

And when he realized the consequence of his unnecessary promise, all his remorse could not reverse it.

A King’s word was sacrosanct after all.

You’re a King as well.

Unlike the peasants of this world who would promise away their house because their darling Chelsea FC won a match, your own pronouncements, commitments and promises hold value as well as consequences.

In the heat of passion, never let yourself be rushed into promising anything - not love, not fortune, not forgiveness.

The intensity of the moment can make fools of even the wisest, binding them to impossible oaths.

Every act appears easy when you’re happy; and people who themselves do not keep their word, will demand that you keep yours.

And so, wait until you have retreated into the safety of your own soul, and then decide.

Wait until your trusted advisors have had a say.

We do not take blind action like the masses do.

We make war, Solomon style - with a multitude of counselors.

And when all things considered, you have decided and committed - keep your word.

We do not require legal agreements to hold us to account.

Your word should be enough.

Once you give your word, you must keep it.

This is the way of Kings.