Bridges Are For Burning
We’ve all heard the aphorism at one point or another: Never burn a bridge.
It is to say, never end a connection with something or someone because you might need it or them later.
It makes literal sense. If you need to cross a river, for example, and you burned the bridge, you’re screwed.
In the figurative sense, it’s more about not letting go of something. It’s about keeping the ties that bind. It sounds like a good idea, right?
I’m not entirely convinced.
These days, I’ll harken to soft rocker James Taylor, who once sang in “Walking Man,” ‘bridges are for burning.’
He says, “so don’t you let that yearning pass you by.”
And so walks the Walking Man, willing to burn the bridges after he crosses them.
Or perhaps burn the bridges so no one can cross over.
Which one is it?
Perhaps it’s both.
In fact, I know it’s both. It’s about cutting the ties.
Abandoning the ship.
Burning those bridges.
Whether it’s for freedom or isolation, burning those bridges is an act of self-care.
Do it whenever the time is right, and often if needed.
Then walk on by.
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Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
