I've entered my protecting-my-peace era. I don't justify how I mother. I don't shrink myself to make others comfortable, or chase approval from people who don't live my life. If it costs my peace, it's too expensive. If it brings chaos into my home, the door stays closed. Motherhood taught me this: my family's peace is non-negotiable. I will guard it fiercely. I will choose boundaries over burnout. And I will never apologize for protecting what matters most.