I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older, or maybe it’s the way the world is these days—politically, socially, or otherwise—but I’ve come to a realization: I have no patience left for unkind, pretentious, self-centered, or entitled behavior. My tolerance for passive-aggressiveness, unthinking cruelty, or just plain negativity has run out.

And I have to say, I believe social media has played a massive role in creating a new kind of bully. It’s exhausting, and frankly, I’m over it.

If you really know me—truly know me—you already know my circle has always been small. I’ve never been someone with a long list of close friends, but over time, even that small circle has grown smaller. And I’ve decided that’s okay. These days, I’ve made a quiet choice to protect myself by keeping those who genuinely bring light and love into my life close, and letting go of the rest. I don’t need dramatic announcements or “goodbye speeches” like I’m leaving an airport terminal. I’m simply stepping away from anything that disrupts my peace, quietly and peacefully fading out of spaces and relationships that no longer serve me.

Here’s the thing: I know the world is a mess. I know politics are a mess. And trust me, I’m crystal clear about where I stand on issues—I’ve never been shy about that.

But lately, I’ve realized there’s more to my life than politics or any of the noise swirling around us.

Those things will always be there. But what won’t always be there is time.

Time to focus on what truly matters to me, on the people and things that need my attention the most.

Right now, that means my family. My spouse is waiting for a kidney, and their life depends on it. My child is facing challenges that weigh heavily on my heart every single day. And I’m navigating my own struggles, recovering from a head injury while dealing with depression for the first time in my life. It’s all overwhelming. It’s a lot to carry. And I’ve realized I can’t keep carrying the weight of the world and hold on to my own well-being at the same time.

On the advice of a dear friend—someone who knows me well and sees what I’m carrying—I’ve made the conscious decision to protect my peace. And for me, that means stepping back. It means disengaging from the things that drain me, from the people who bring negativity into my life, and from the endless noise that doesn’t serve me.

It means prioritizing the things and people that truly matter.

This isn’t easy for me. I’m not someone who likes to disengage or fade into the background.

But I’ve come to understand that this isn’t about giving up—it’s about choosing myself, my family, and my peace of mind. It’s about finding the strength to say, “I don’t have to listen to everything everything,” and being okay with that.

Because here’s the truth: life is hard enough as it is. We all have our battles, our struggles, our silent fights that no one sees. And I’ve realized that protecting my peace isn’t selfish—it’s survival. It’s about preserving the parts of me that need to be whole, for myself and for the people I love.

So, I’m doing the work. I’m stepping back, setting boundaries, and focusing on the things that truly matter. I’m protecting my peace, and I’m doing it quietly, intentionally, and without apology.

At the end of the day, my peace is my power. And right now, I need every ounce of it.