Mother's Day Daily: Day 41

You've probably seen this little gem floating around Pinterest boards and coffee mugs, but have you actually *used* it? Because let me tell you, this Polish proverb has become my personal force field against every guilt trip, impossible request, and "emergency" that mysteriously becomes my problem to solve.

Here's the thing: just because someone throws their chaos at you doesn't mean you have to catch it. Your sister-in-law's drama with her neighbor? Not your circus. Your colleague who "forgot" about a deadline and wants you to stay late fixing it? Not your monkeys. Your teenager who claims they'll literally die if you don't drop everything to drive them somewhere they could have asked about yesterday? Well... okay, that one might actually be your monkey, but you get the idea.

Start small. The next time someone tries to hand you a problem that isn't yours, take a breath and ask yourself: Is this actually my circus? If the answer is no, practice saying "That sounds tough, but I can't help with that right now." No explanation needed. No guilt required. Just boundaries, mama. Your sanity will thank you.