RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT OF OTHERS
When you are a guest in someone’s home or natural environment, it’s crucial to exhibit respectful behavior and understand that you are in unfamiliar territory. If you sense that the environment may be hostile towards you, it might be wise to avoid it. For example, a church may not be a welcoming environment for a Satanist, so it would be unwise to go there and cause disrespect or engage in conflicts.
I frequently deliver talks on Satanism. However, prior to confirming any engagement, I evaluate the venue and its ambiance meticulously. Essential considerations include understanding the audience's mindset and discerning the genuine purpose of the invitation. Key questions like, "Are these people genuinely interested in learning about Satanism or are they just looking for an opportunity to insult me?" These are important factors that should not be overlooked.
Additionally, if you need to have a crucial or sensitive conversation with someone, it's advisable to choose a familiar environment. By doing so, you increase your chances of emerging victorious.
BE DISCRET
When facing challenges, it's easy to confide in the wrong person—someone who may not have your best interests at heart or who listens out of mere politeness or curiosity. Sharing personal and intimate details with such individuals can leave you exposed and vulnerable, without any real benefit. Worse still, they might spread what you’ve shared, causing even greater harm. That's why it's essential to be cautious with your words, especially in public settings. Always assess the situation and the person you’re speaking with, avoiding anything that could be damaging or misused against you. If you’re uncertain, it's often wiser to keep silent about your personal life. In many cases, silence is the most prudent choice.
Exercise this caution not only when confiding in others but also in how you speak to and about yourself. No matter how pressing the situation or strong the urge to share, carefully evaluate the trustworthiness of your confidante to prevent complicating an already delicate matter. This mindfulness should also extend to your self-talk. Avoid negative affirmations like, "I can't," "I'll never succeed," "I'm a failure," or "I have bad luck." Words hold power, and persistent negative thinking and speech can attract negative outcomes.
DO NOT ACT IMPULSIVELY
In certain situations, when you see someone in trouble, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Avoid jumping in impulsively unless they explicitly ask for your help. Even then, take a moment to carefully assess the situation before deciding to act.
There are times when, after offering assistance to a friend or acquaintance, you may feel unappreciated or disheartened by their lack of gratitude. Additionally, your efforts could unintentionally make you a target of hostility. Before involving yourself in someone else's problems, evaluate whether it’s truly wise to get involved. If you still feel compelled to help, start by having a conversation with the person to confirm if they genuinely want and need your support. Protect yourself from potential disappointments, especially those rooted in ingratitude, as they can cause considerable emotional distress. Furthermore, attempting to solve someone else’s problem can sometimes make it your own. Therefore, it’s essential to make informed and thoughtful choices.
Photo by Chaozzy Lin on Unsplash