It’s not always a bad idea to burn bridges behind you…especially if you are being chased by zombies.

BRIAN WEINER

Have you ever burned a bridge behind you?

We are taught, with frequency, that we would be most wise to never burn our bridges….but is that always true?

Perhaps there are times where burning the bridge is the very best thing you can do.

The aged perspective is to always leave certain opportunities open, for you never know when that may come back to fruition to your benefit.

But what if there are zombies on the other side of the bridge.

Not the Hollywood ghouls of legend, but metaphorical zombies who will never warrant your time or attention again.

When you have completed a chapter with specific individuals, companies, institutions, organizations, or other collective bodies of humanity, you may awaken to a core knowledge that there is no longer cause or reason to ever make contact again.

In that innate knowledge, you can, in most cases, make that mental break and never look back, without a word spoken. That bridge is closed, usually through unspoken terms by one or both parties. The world of online dating exemplifies how readily achievable this simple exercise is.

But… sometimes a word must be spoken. An action taken. A notice relayed. Because sometimes, the other party or entity is less willing to take no for an answer, and may pursue us through countless methodologies, some of which can truly be overwhelming.

That’s where the zombies come into play.

If that person or entity is continuously pursuing a dynamic with you that is not of your choosing, and you have tried simple and polite methods for communicating this, then perhaps the bonfire on the bridge may be your only resort.

Zombies became the perfect Hollywood villain because they are humanoid, so they embody certain human qualities, yet they are mindlessly in pursuit of those who are not. Further, as they carry no nationality, religion or any other identifying qualities that embody a sector of society that could potentially feel indignant that this film has singled them out as the villains of the story, zombies are only male or female. Young or old.

Zombies can manifest in your own life through countless circumstances. You may have found yourself working for a company that is practicing unethical behavior. Or you may engage with a group and discover that their core beliefs do not align with yours. You might find yourself readily identifying with a large group who are engaging with a cult of personality whose morals and behavior you do not agree with or whose behavior offends your own core religious beliefs.

Wherever these zombies occur in your life, never be afraid to recognize how and why they are no longer a fit in your life, and take actions to remove yourself quietly from their company. If they refuse to let you leave easily…. Torch the bridge and walk proudly away.

Happy Monday!