NON-NEGOTIABLES

There's this thing Pastor Iren would often say, and I find it so profound. He'd say, "We can play, as long as we know there are some things we can't play with."

In my head, I'd always be like, Gbam!

Some people call it standards. Me, I call it non-negotiables, because every individual has to have the basics they don't joke with. While everything else is negotiable, we can dance around preferences and vibe around opinions, there are just some things that simply cannot be played with.

Now, when we differentiate the negotiables from the non-negotiables, then we can truly walk together.

You see that scripture that says, "Can two walk together unless they agree?" What do you think they are actually agreeing on? They obviously cannot agree on everything, can they? Yet, they must agree on something, and that becomes the basis of their journey together. That is what I believe non-negotiables are.

And we must prioritise this above all else. We must put systems in place that filter out the kinds of associations, conversations, and convictions that don't align with who we are.

Dearest reader, what are your negotiables? The things that are simply preferences, the things that can bend and be worked around. And what are your non-negotiables? The things you won't compromise on. The things you'd rather walk away than betray.

Call it standards. Call it values. Call it whatever you want.

Just have them.

@favvy_Okwans🖤.