I have always been someone who kept to herself, led a private life [not announcing her moves or life updates online]. Heck, I wouldn’t even share my travel plans even with closest friends, not until I had boarded the train, flight or bus and over a period of time they all understood and stopped asking me, patiently waiting for the update. I did not share images or photos on Instagram as it happened, it was always a week or few days later. Never had FOMO, YOLO or any other syndrome! Don’t really know how or when this happened, but I think it’s just me! This became intense as I entered the 40s. There is a saying that wisdom comes with age, and I started to believe it. Another one of life’s most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding myself with positivity. It’s a journey that has led to a quieter, more fulfilling existence.
For the longest time, I found myself entangled in relationships that brought more drama than joy. People who seemed essential to my life were, in fact, consuming my energy [I had friends who sucked up more of my energy, but I was happy giving it to them, I was thrilled they needed me, be it as a support or a crutch, without realising it a little too one sided]. It was a gradual realization, a slow awakening to the fact that not everyone is meant to stay in your story.
I used to think having a large circle of friends was the ultimate goal. But as life unfolds, I’ve realized that it’s not about the number of friends you have, but the quality of those friendships. Today, I cherish a small group of people who truly understand and support me. They’re my confidants, my cheerleaders, and my rocks. We’ve shared laughter, tears, and countless adventures together. It’s a beautiful thing to have a handful of people who know you inside out, who accept you for who you are, and who lift you up when you’re down. There’s a sense of peace and contentment in knowing that you have a solid support system.
There’s something incredibly liberating about cutting out the noise. It’s like decluttering your mind. When you remove toxic influences, you create space for genuine connections, personal growth, and a deeper sense of peace. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-preservation. It’s about valuing your time, energy, and mental health. It’s about choosing contentment over chaos. I find myself surrounded by people who uplift, inspire, and support me. It’s a beautiful thing. And while there are still lessons to learn, I’m grateful for the journey that led me to this place of tranquillity. Time has also shown me who are the ones who genuinely care and those who just kept in touch cos I was helping them with their issues/life. And as I’ve said before, I do believe all relationships have an expiry date, even friendships that lasted decades…
Have you ever felt the need to simplify your life by letting go of relationships? Share your experiences in the comments below.
