In a time when most if not all of us are feeling a little more needy then usual lets spend more time Building Bridges then Burning them. Take a moment today to ask yourself, what can I do to serve others? Past clients, past relationships, Friends, strangers or neighbors. Everyone could use a little extra encouragement, kindness or support. So instead of thinking what is in it for me, today think and plan to serve others. As we are often encouraged to live with a Grateful Heart of what you got out of today, May I encourage you in addition to ask What did I not get but Give today? Who could you build a bridge with and give just a little bit more of you to?
Burning Bridges
I’ve been thinking a lot lately, “How many bridges can one person burn until there are no bridges left?” To me, good relationships are one of the many keys to living an exceptional life. Over time, that will also include relationships that end due to a change in season, someone moving away, changes in personal values as we grow, children coming into adulthood, a sports season ending, a change in jobs, or a relationship that has simply run its course.
Throughout the course of many good relationships that I’ve experienced, I’ve also had someone in my life that has always needed help, whether it be financially, emotionally, or mentally. When it came to this person there was always a story behind the problem, and it was always someone else’s fault. No matter the season, they had struggles in every area of their life from work and relationships to finances to health.
As I continued to watch this person’s story unfurl, I was left with the question I previously posed, “How many bridges can one person burn until there are no bridges left?” As I pondered this, and took a step back from this person, I had to accept that it’s not that I didn’t care anymore; rather, a person only has so much to give until there’s nothing left.
Sometimes, for those who have experienced others stepping away, it may feel as if they’ve been abandoned or are unloved. It’s very unfortunate that they can’t see their part in creating the struggle and how they could empower themselves to make a positive change. In some ways this reminds me of the boy who cried wolf where, eventually, people stopped listening or lending a helping hand.
While it may seem uncaring and unkind to the person, it’s out of self-preservation and not allowing others’ stories and struggles to take you on an emotional roller coaster every day. Good relationships are guided by boundaries and self-care. Holding onto unhealthy, toxic relationships with someone who is unwilling to care for and stand up for themselves will never serve them, nor will it serve you.
This week, I encourage you to reflect on your current relationships. Do you notice any of these warning signs in a relationship that are affecting your well-being and positive health? If so, I inspire you to make one forward step toward caring for yourself first.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Who is it time to burn a bridge with to start a new chapter in your life?
Who should you work on mending a bridge with in 2020? What do you feel are the first steps?
How have you handled a burned bridge in the past? How has that changed how you care for relationships now?
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