My life had become a dull, repetitive cycle: hospital, carpool, home, hospital, carpool, home. The excitement and joy had been sucked out, leaving only a dull monotony. My career had consumed me, leaving no room for a social life. A social life was literally nonexistent. Who could maintain friendships when they were never present? The notion of having friends seemed like a distant memory.

One day, a nurse’s casual comment struck a chord. She mentioned planning an event and when I jokingly asked if I was invited, she replied, “Even if I invited you, you won’t come”. Her reasoning? “Doctors never attend anyone’s event. It’s not just you, all of you are the same. You’re always working, and you don’t have time for anything.” Her words lingered, forcing me to confront the truth.

I began to recall all the missed events, birthdays, weddings, and school meetings. One memory stood out: my first cousin’s wedding. She had called me and entrusted me with critical tasks on her special day and just ensured that her day was a success, but I arrived late. I got to my dear cousin’s wedding after the vendors had packed up. The disappointment in her eyes still haunts me. Our bond was never the same, and she never again entrusted me with important matters.

The nurse’s comment echoed in my mind:” You don’t have time for anything else.” But I asked myself, is it truly a matter of not having time, or is it a matter of not making time? Was I so consumed by work that I couldn’t relax and enjoy life? This wasn’t the kind of life I wanted to have. It was not a balanced life. I realized I needed to make a change.

I decided to shake off the monotony. I started going on vacations, alone and with my family. I attended events, reconnected with friends, and explored new interests. I broke free from the triangular life I had been living and discovered a world beyond the medical community.

This newfound balance transformed my mental health. I became more relaxed, more attuned to my surroundings, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Expanding my social circle opened doors to new business opportunities and investments outside the medical field.

I learned that life is too precious to be spent in a never-ending cycle of work. By making time for what truly matters, I discovered a more fulfilling, balanced life.