Gangrene of the spirit

In the not too distant past, someone who I once categorized as a friend told me that I had abandoned them, that I changed.

When I replied that I merely evolved while they chose to stay stationary – they scoffed.

Sadly, I only heard from them when they needed something, no small talk, no pleasantries, no queries on how I was doing.

I was a dumping ground for what burdened them, a sounding board… Once they got their fill, radio silence would ensue, until they needed another refill.

Energy bandits will rob you of your resources if you allow them to.

We think of gangrene as a physical malady.

Definition of gangrene.

But –

what of the gangrene that impacts our spirit, mental faculties, the proverbial oceans of our emotions?

Like gangrene.

Our attachment to the limb – or the infected part of self/relationship, offers a familiarity of sorts and we are loathe to sever that connection, even though we know that maintaining it will lead to certain demise.

Our friendships have the propensity to either lift us up – or to dampen the wherewithal to be better versions of ourselves.

Although we wince in the anticipation of the pain.

We are duty bound to cut, so that we can not only live, but to thrive.

Extract those gangrene infested people from your orbit.

Don’t be a moon – when you can endeavor to be a planet.