We’re constantly trading in our soul for something or someone else, which eventually over time becomes one expensive trade-off.
We often hesitate to live our truth, speak out when needed, speak truth to those in power, and share opinions on certain topics, all because we’re worried we may, or will, offend someone. We fear being disliked. We worry we will jeopardise a relationship or a future opportunity – which, by the way, may never come anyway. Why sacrifice today for an uncertain tomorrow anyway?
The worst kind of trade-off, in my opinion? Anything over humanity, truth, and kindness.
Take Priyanka Chopra as an example, how does she get to continue serving as an UN ambassador when she applauds war? How can she talk about BLM, yet remain silent on the big issues in her own country? How can she refer to farmers as ‘India’s Food Soldiers’, yet continue to support Modi? Is the popularity really worth it?
Take those who worked in Trump’s administration. Can you imagine working for someone who lacks integrity, kindness, and who signs off policies against human rights, yet you remain in the role and business? This can also be said to those working for managers or CEO’s that have the same, or similar, traits as Trump. Is the (any) job or promotion really worth it?
Let’s not forget religious leaders and institutions. These people are the most powerful (and dangerous). They’re experts in preying on people’s insecurities and vulnerability. They thrive on guilting and shaming people in the name of religion. When these leaders and preachers are put in positions of power (by people), they lose sight of any logic and kindness. Followers rationalise immorality and justify all types of bad – terrorism being one example.
The most complex and complicated of them all are personal relationships, whether these be platonic or intimate relationships. All with the hope and need to save relationships, we betray ourselves and waive our rights to another – and that’s when things get complicated. We rationalise and justify all kinds of unjust, disrespectful, and unkind behaviour, all in the name of saving and controlling relationships, and to keep appearances (just set some god damn boundaries, people!).
These are just a few examples, but we’re all selling our soul in some way or another. We’re trading our truth, beliefs, and values for something or someone all the time. Whether it’s for the ego boost, power, likeability, validation, security, personal gain, or for some sort of progression, we’re all doing it. But let’s ask ourselves, is any of it really worth it, and what is ever enough?
*All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.