I Burn Bridges Because I Know How To Swim

Okay, picture this: Me, age probably around 10, standing on the edge of the community pool. Everyone else is cannonballing, doing fancy dives, the whole shebang. I, on the other hand, am clinging to the side like a barnacle, convinced I'm going to drown the second my feet leave the shallow end. My dad, bless his heart, is trying to coax me in. "Just let go," he says, "I'm right here!" Easier said than done, pops. Easier said than done.

Fast forward (a lot) of years, and I’m thinking about that pool a lot lately. Not because I suddenly developed a fear of chlorine (although, side note: chlorine is kinda scary, right?). No, it's because that whole "letting go" thing feels a lot like how I approach… well, certain relationships and situations in my life. You know, the ones where I’m perfectly happy to… well, burn a bridge.

Burning Bridges: An Extreme Sport?

Now, before you picture me as some kind of pyromaniac with a penchant for human bonfires (metaphorical ones, of course!), let me explain. I don't go around actively trying to torch every connection I have. I'm not some kind of social arsonist, I promise! But I do have a… let's call it a realistic understanding of my own capabilities. And sometimes, that means knowing when it's time to say "goodbye" – permanently – to a situation or a person that's just not working.

Think of it this way: I know how to swim. I’m not Olympic material, obviously. But if a relationship turns into a raging river full of piranhas and emotional debris, I'm not going to flail around desperately trying to build a stronger, fancier bridge. Nope. I'm going to jump in, swim to the shore, and find a nicer, less piranha-infested place to be. So, in some ways, I burn the bridge because I know I can swim. It’s about self-preservation, people!

The Myth of "Never Burning Bridges"

We’re constantly told to "never burn bridges." It's practically ingrained in our brains. "You never know when you might need that person again!" they cry. And sure, sometimes that's true. Networking is important, and holding grudges is exhausting. But what about the bridges that are already rotten? The ones that are creaking and swaying precariously, threatening to collapse at any moment? Are we really supposed to cling to those just because "burning bridges is bad"? I think not.

Let's be honest, some bridges are actively toxic. Some people bring out the worst in you. Some situations drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted and miserable. Why on earth would you want to maintain a connection to something that's actively harming you? That's like clinging to that rusty old diving board at the pool that everyone knows is about to snap.

Knowing Your Limits (and Your Swimming Skills)

The key, I think, is knowing your own limits. And, crucially, knowing your own swimming abilities. If you don't know how to swim, then yeah, maybe burning a bridge is a risky move. You might end up stranded. But if you're confident in your ability to navigate the waters (both literally and metaphorically), then sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is light that match.

It's not about being impulsive or reckless. It's about being honest with yourself about what you need and what you deserve. It's about prioritizing your own well-being and refusing to settle for less than you deserve. And sometimes, that means making the difficult decision to let go, even if it means burning a few bridges along the way. And don't feel bad, that means that someone else will be able to cross it instead.

So, the next time you're facing a bridge that's crumbling beneath your feet, ask yourself: Do I know how to swim? And if the answer is yes, then maybe, just maybe, it's time to grab a torch. Just saying.

P.S. Always wear a metaphorical life jacket. Just in case.