I Walked Away From My Friends To Save My Life… And I Don’t Regret It

 

There was a time I used to move with two close friends. One was my former colleague at work, the other I met through an old classmate. We were like brothers. We laughed, we chilled, we shared moments. But looking back now, I realise I was slowly losing myself.

My first friend loved bottles. Green bottles. He could drink and eat pepper soup like it was a competition. He didn’t care whether his family had eaten or not. I didn’t drink like him, but I loved hanging around “happening” guys, so I often ended up footing the bill. It didn’t make sense, but that was life then.

My second guy is a mechanic. He makes good money repairing cars. But sadly, most of it goes up in smoke. Literally. He smokes like a chimney and is always high.

Then, life gave me a wake-up call. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The doctor gave me medications and advice. But I ignored it. I told myself alcohol helps the heart, at least temporarily. But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. My health was failing.

One day, I sat myself down and asked, “Is this how I want to live the rest of my life?” That was my turning point.

I cut them off.

Not out of pride or hate — but for peace. For life. For my wife and my family. I needed to grow. I needed clarity. And I wasn’t getting younger.

They called. I didn’t answer. I knew what they wanted — more drinks, more gist, more wasted time. But I had found something better: peace of mind.

Now, I don’t have many friends. But I have my family. I have my health. I have peace. And that is enough.