Sometimes you have to burn the boats

If you are unfamiliar with the expression of burning the boats, the origins of it are reported to go back to the year 1519. Legend goes that Hernan Cortez arrived in what is now called Mexico with 600 men. His mission was to capture the massive gold believed to be there. O

Allegedly once he arrived and everyone was off the boats, he ordered the boats burned so that everyone fully understood there was no way back but only forward. In other words, retreat simply was removed as an option.

Sometimes in life we have to severe ties with something in such a way as we can never go back. This is a bold strategy and can force real change. Before deploying such options, it should be thoroughly thought through because by design there is no going back.

So how does this relate to self-defense? First it is another tool in your figurative tool box. More “tools” means more options. Second if you were familiar with it and have been reluctant to do so, consider all pros and cons. Then if you decide to go forward with it, so so boldly and never look back. There are times for new chapters in our lives. YOU GET TO DECIDE WHEN!

One final piece of key information. There is never a guarantee that the new chapter will be better than the previous one. So as you contemplate a new chapter, but bold and beware!