It's OK to burn bridges to a toxic past

Guys,

Have you ever heard the saying, don't burn your bridges?

It's like one of those age old adages, almost near proverbial status, with the author or authors unknown. In this case, I am led to understand that the saying burn your bridges had its roots in ancient Rome where it was a tactic during warfare to burn one's bridges and boats in an attempt to cut the enemy off.

In modern terms, however, burning bridges has become more of a philosophical concept where one severs ties absolutely with a former friend, an intimate partner, a work associate or a professional contact of some other sort. And the reasons for doing so may vary, but in this context, when persons are urged not to burn their bridges, the thinking is that you should never close the door on relationships even if you think you have elevated beyond them because you never know when you might need that person or that connection or that relationship again.

Well, guys, I might be wrong on this one and I'm open to a discussion about it if you think I am, but this is not a school of thought that I subscribe to.

I think it's quite okay to walk away completely and resolutely from toxic persons and situations which don't fulfill you. Trust me, it's the best thing you can do.

Why people stay in toxic situations

Usually people stay in toxic relationships and situations because of a feeling of material dependence. So, for example, one may choose to stay in a toxic work environment or in a relationship that's stressful because it pays the bills and helps you to afford a certain lifestyle.

Some people stay in toxic situations because of a sense of emotional dependence or for fear of the unknown. They may recognize that their situation is less than ideal, but they may be manipulated into believing that it is the best situation they could ever get and that leaving would only make things worse.

But guys, I have learned that the unknown isn't always bad, it can be adventurous. And I've learned that nothing can compensate for peace of mind. You can't have peace of mind in a toxic situation. You can't manifest your best self. It's just not possible. Conversely though, I have found that once you are at peace, mentally and spiritually, everything else fall into place.

So here's my advice:

• Seek situations that help you to grow to become better than you were the day before.

• Seek relationships that are harmonious.

• Seek balance in all aspects of your life.

• Walk away from places and people that reduce you, limit you, tie you to an uncomfortable manifestation of yourself.

  And listen, when you extricate yourself and move forward from toxicity, it's okay to burn those bridges connecting you. You shouldn't even feel like you need to think, speak on, or give them any opportunity to slip back into your space and your aura in any way, like rainclouds blocking your shine. Na, don't let guilt and fear moor you when you are meant to sail. Burn those bridges and throw the match away.

  I strongly advise it.