"I speak my mind and do and say what is consistent with my perspectives or, do I bite my tongue, suck it up and play the game like many others."
I spent the first 40 years of my life doing the above quote from your post as in biting my tongue. I don't anymore and I can sleep better at night. The truth is, I like you better just the way you are (even if I don't always agree).
biting the tongue is painful for a reason perhaps and might lead to grinding of the jaw which can cause headaches. Speaking the mind should really be done more often for health reasons. Peace of mind is definitely worth it.