3 Times When You Should Burn Your Bridges

Don't Burn Your Bridges

The old warning not to burn your bridges is wise.

It’s especially wise when it comes to relationships, since there’s little point in leaving a trail of flaming ill will behind you when you leave a job, relationship or dinner party. Keeping your options – and channels of communication – open does seem like good advice.

But when it comes to stuff, it can be better to close the door behind you.

Here are 3 times when you should let the bridges burn.

1. Lose Your Multi-Size Closet

If you’ve lost a lot of weight, then you may be holding onto larger-sized clothes ‘just in case’.

Ask yourself whether it’s time to let go of the safety net and donate all those too-big items. It might be scary to take the leap in this way, but by making it so easy to back-track, you may be leaving yourself open to self-sabotage.

Instead, by locking your wardrobe down at your current weight, you’ll gain closet space, simplify dressing and feel more committed to your slimmer self.

2. Let Your Interests Move On

If you were once in a besotted relationship with matchboxes, frog ornaments or Charlie’s Angels memorabilia, then you may find it hard to admit that it’s over.

Maybe one day you’ll get back into it. Maybe one day your kids will get into it. Maybe one day it will be worth a fortune.

How likely is that? And in the meantime, what is it costing you in time, frustration and clutter?

Ask yourself whether your life would be simpler, better, happier without your former love. If the answer is yes, then it might be time to kiss and say goodbye.

3.  Let Go Of Other People’s Expectations

Do you have things in your home that oppress you with the sheer weight of their expectations?

Fancy-schmancy culinary devices – when you only enjoy simple recipes? A shed full of terrifying gadgets and tools – when Ikea and Allen keys exhaust your DIY repertoire?

If you’re holding on to devices or appliances only because you think you should use them, then these are ideal candidates for donation.

Let someone else have the pleasure of using them – and let yourself have the pleasure of breaking free of somebody else’s expectations.

What Do You Think?

Are there other times when you should burn your bridges?  Do you have some bridges of your own to burn – and clutter to clear in the process?

Please let me know what you think in the comments.

Michele | Get Organized Gal

Michele is into writing, books, simplicity, love, TV, productivity, and staying thin in a world of chocolate.

15 thoughts on “3 Times When You Should Burn Your Bridges”

  5. Michele Connolly says:

    @Kathryn,

    If the family history stuff is taking up a lot of room in your home, it may be a good candidate for off-site storage. The time you’ve invested and the meaning attached to the memorabilia may justify keeping the collection – at least until your son’s old enough to decide if he wants to take up the baton.

    M 🙂

    Reply
  8. Kathryn says:

    Good advice, Michele. I cleaned out my closet this morning, but had to grapple with the rather unhappy acknowledgment that I will never be a size 8 again! sigh. But on point No. 2, I can see it might be worth investigating what to do with all the family history research if no other immediate family is interested! Having become the repository for quite a lot of interesting memorabilia, I’m having to cull some items and wondering what happens if my son really can’t be bothered. Now who would like my food processor…..

    Reply

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