It’s 6:08 AM. The sun is technically up, but it still feels like the world is holding its breath. I haven't slept since sahur, and there’s this weird, floaty clarity that comes with being awake while everyone else is slowly drifting back to sleep. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions, or maybe just unsaid judgments about why I’ve built these quiet boundaries around my life lately. Like it’s not about being exclusive or feeling like I’m above anyone actually, it’s totally the opposite. It’s about knowing how easily I can get lost in the noise if I don't hold the reins. I’ve started being really intentional with my algorithm and what I let into my digital space. It’s not really about being a control freak; it’s just that I’ve realized my headspace is like a studio(?). If it’s cluttered with things that don't resonate with me, I can't breathe, let alone create. So i’m just trying to keep my indoor air clean. Actually, it’s quite humbling to realize how much we’re influenced by what we scroll through. By choosing what I see, I’m just trying to be a better version of myself for the people who are in my life. People might wonder why I’m so selective about who I talk to or spend time with. Honestly, it’s because I want to give my best self to the people I’m with. I’ve learned that I’m not built for surface interactions anymore. They literally leave me feeling empty. I’d much rather have a deep, meaningful conversation with one person than a dozen how are yous that don't really mean anything. It’s genuinely not about judging others; it’s just about knowing my own limits. I only have so much energy to give, and I want to make sure it goes where it’s actually felt. In this morning light, it feels so much more natural to just… be quiet. To not feel the need to broadcast every thought or give everyone a front-row seat to my life. There’s a certain kind of ruang aman or safe space you create when you decide that some parts of you are just for you, and that’s okay. The world is about to wake up and get really loud in about an hour. But for now, in this post-sahur stillness, I’m just grateful for these walls I’ve built. Not to keep people out, but to keep the peace in. And literally, that’s more than enough, Alhamdulillah.