You know that feeling when someone wrongs you, hurts you, burns you, and you just want to walk away, slam the door, and never look back? I get it. We’ve all been there. But over the years, I’ve learned that there’s a better way—one that leads to growth, stronger relationships, and a lot more peace of mind. Instead of burning bridges, I’ve made it my mission to be someone who solves problems, and I can tell you—it changes everything.

The Easy Route: Burning Bridges

When something goes wrong—whether in business, friendships, or family—it’s so tempting to throw our hands up and say, “I’m done.” It feels easier in the moment. Less messy. Less exhausting. But that’s just short-term relief. Long term? Burning bridges often leaves us standing alone on an island, wondering why we keep facing the same issues over and over again.

I’ve seen it happen in business so many times. A stylist quits abruptly, a supplier drops the ball, a team member makes a mistake. The knee-jerk reaction is frustration. Maybe even anger. And I could take the easy route—fire them, cut ties, refuse to work together ever again. But what does that really accomplish? Nothing but resentment and a track record for being difficult to work with.

The harder but more rewarding path is stepping back and asking, “What can I learn from this? How can I fix this? How do we move forward in a way that benefits everyone?”

Gratitude for the Messy Middle

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that every problem—no matter how frustrating in the moment—is an opportunity to learn. And when you approach life with that mindset, even the worst experiences can turn into gifts.

Several years ago, I was completely gutted by someone I mentored in business. It shook me. But once I got past the initial hurt, I asked myself, “What can I take from this?” And what I found was gratitude. Gratitude for the lesson. Gratitude for learning to set better boundaries. Gratitude for the opportunity to refine my leadership skills. This hurt led me to take action, with MYSELF. You can’t change anyone else but you can change how reactive you are and how you show up in conflict. So I doubled down on therapy and business coaching and when the universe gave me the same situation it was like I got a do-over and handled it completely differently.

The same thing applies in personal relationships. Have you ever had a friend completely misunderstand you? A family member let you down? It’s easy to cut people off when they hurt us. But the truth is, sometimes the hardest conversations lead to the deepest connections. Sometimes working through conflict instead of walking away creates something even stronger. If you find yourself unable to communicate in a healthy way or being reactive, it’s an opportunity to look inward and see what you can work on.

Choosing to Solve Problems

Being a problem solver doesn’t mean ignoring red flags or staying in situations that no longer serve you. It’s about approaching challenges with curiosity instead of resentment. It’s about asking, “How can I make this better?” instead of “Who’s to blame?”

It’s a skill I’ve had to develop in business. When things go wrong, instead of dwelling on frustration, I immediately shift to:

• What’s the real issue here?
• Why am I feeling so triggered by this situation?
• What’s the solution?
• How can I grow from this?

And the wildest thing? This mindset shift makes things so much easier. Instead of carrying the weight of grudges and regret, I get to move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Power of Relationships

When you choose to solve problems instead of burning bridges, something incredible happens: You build a reputation as someone people trust. In business, that means more opportunities, stronger partnerships, and a team that feels valued. In personal life, it means deeper connections, less drama, and a whole lot more peace.

I won’t lie—there are still moments where I want to walk away from hard situations. But every time I lean in and choose problem-solving over burning a bridge, I’m reminded that this is the better way. A way that leads to growth, gratitude, peace, and a life filled with people who are willing to do the same.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”.

The “Let Them” Theory

But here’s the thing—sometimes, the other person is the one choosing to burn the bridge. Sometimes, no matter how much you want to work through something, they refuse. Sometimes trust is so broken that it’s unsafe for you to continue the relationship. And in those moments, you have to let them go.

This is where the “Let Them” theory comes in. If someone is unwilling to problem-solve and insists on walking away or treating you like the villan, let them. Let them leave, let them misunderstand you, let them make their own choices. And then, let yourself move on in peace, knowing that if it were up to you, you would have worked through it.

Maybe that’s the universe’s way of protecting you—removing people from your life that you wouldn’t have removed yourself. Maybe their exit is actually making space for something better. And that’s not a loss. That’s a blessing.

So next time you feel that urge to walk away, pause. Ask yourself: Is there a way to solve this instead? And if the other person refuses, let them. It might just be the best decision you ever make.

We’re all works in progress. Doing our best. Seeking love and acceptance.

Warmly,
Kendra