Knowing Myself

I am compelled
To know myself,
If for no other reason
Than to be true
To that self.
I have found
Many things in life
To be in violation
Of who I am.
They are not
Necessarily wrong,
Just wrong for me,
I have been presented
With numerous opportunities
To make money,
Or to do things
Which seem inviting,
That also conflict with
My sense of self.
I have found
Whenever I do them anyway,
I suffer consequences
Far exceeding
Any benefit gained.
I came to the conclusion
That it wasn’t worth it
To do anything
That conflicts with
Who I am.