Personal principles
I've said this once and I'll say it again; My reputation means nothing to me, nobody can ever control me by holding it over my head. I will do what I need to do, because I follow my heart and my soul, and I am willing to do what's right and just, no matter how much I will lose for it.
The truth and fighting for the meek and innocent from injustice are far more important than a little bit of social currency, or emotional hedonism. In a way, being miserable is something I am comfortable with being, because it means that I am giving something of myself for something much bigger and more important than myself. I'd rather suffer in pride than to enjoy easy easy ignorant bliss at the expense of those around me.