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Writer's pictureDamien Blaauw

Deal Breakers Break Deals


As I navigate through life, I find myself constantly confronted with situations, ideologies, and propositions that challenge the core of my belief system. It's not that I actively seek out conflicts or opposition, but rather that the world around me presents an array of perspectives that clash with the principles I hold dear. It's in these moments, I realize that I simply cannot accept things that go against my deeply ingrained beliefs.


My belief system is not just a set of rules or ideas I've adopted arbitrarily; it's a culmination of my experiences, upbringing, and introspection. It's the product of the values instilled in me by my family, the lessons learned through triumphs and failures, and the conclusions drawn from a continuous quest for understanding and truth.

At times, this unwillingness to accept conflicting viewpoints might appear rigid or stubborn to others. But to me, it's a matter of staying true to my convictions, honoring the principles that guide my decisions and actions. It's not about dismissing differing opinions outright, but rather about staying grounded in what resonates as right and just within my moral compass. I have battled myself to get to this point, as I would simply do things that made others feel happy or comfortable, at the expense of me. I would become infuriated in trying to stand up for myself and my beliefs, as elements of my childhood and upbringing would ring out loud in my head, due to having suffered injustices as a result of not just keeping quiet, but also in trying to speak up for myself.


This stance does not imply an aversion to growth or learning; on the contrary, it requires openness to exploring and understanding diverse perspectives. However, when faced with ideas or practices that contradict the fundamental core of what I hold to be true and ethical, I struggle to reconcile them within my belief system.

For instance, if a situation arises that challenges the values of integrity, empathy, or equality that I deeply cherish, I find it immensely challenging to accept or align myself with it. This doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge the complexities of various issues or the perspectives of others. Still, it does mean that I prioritize remaining faithful to the principles that define my sense of self. I have encountered these moments in relationships, the workplace, at church and even on the sports field.


The world is a mosaic of beliefs, ideologies, and cultures, and disagreements are an inevitable part of this rich tapestry, and while I respect the diversity of thoughts and opinions, there are certain lines I can’t cross without compromising my core values. I have come to experience this more and more as I started understanding and respecting myself.

This refusal to accept what goes against my belief system does not stem from a desire to impose my beliefs on others. Instead, it’s about safeguarding my own integrity and staying true to the principles that guide my decisions and interactions with the world. I am not the finished article, as I still face challenges and growth in this respect. I tend to still experience some compromise in certain aspects of my life, but I am aware of those and I actively engage in order to remedy the conflicts.


In conclusion, the strength of my belief system lies not just in the beliefs themselves but in the unwavering commitment to uphold them. It's an essential part of who I am, shaping my perceptions, actions, and the way I engage with the world around me. Although it might lead to moments of tension or conflict, I stand firm in my resolve—I can't accept things that go against my belief system. I respect myself too much to give in to the whims and demands of others!


Deal breakers, break deals and I am done with being acceptant of things I should not be tolerating!



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