As you go through life, you start to realise something important. The things that bring you happiness, keep food on your table, help people know your worth, and let you sleep peacefully at night, those things are worth protecting.
It sounds simple, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes, the world pulls you in a hundred different directions. People expect you to give more than you have. You might feel guilty for saying no, for slowing down, or for choosing what’s best for you. But you have every right, actually, every responsibility to protect the things that matter most.
If something makes you happy, protect it. Whether it’s your passion, your family, your free time, or a quiet hobby that fills your heart, don’t let others make you feel like it’s not important. Not everything has to be productive to be valuable. Your happiness matters.
If something brings you income, guard it. Whether it’s your job, your skills, your business, or your side hustle, honor the work you’ve put in. You’ve earned it. Don’t let people take advantage of your time or talent. And don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything at once. Stability matters too.
If you’ve earned recognition or built a name for yourself, protect that reputation. Stay true to who you are, even when it’s tempting to change for approval or likes or social media monetization. You don’t need to please everyone. What matters most is being proud of the person you see in the mirror.
And peace, peace is everything. If something steals your peace, it’s worth stepping away from. You don’t need to be in every argument, answer every call, or say yes to every request. Peace isn’t laziness; it’s strength. It’s knowing what’s worth your energy and what isn’t.
In the end, it comes down to this, the things that bring you joy, feed your soul, support your life, and give you rest are yours. You don’t need to apologise for protecting them. You just need to remember they’re worth it. Every single time.
Therefore, at all costs, protect what brings you joy, stability, and peace.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
