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Bridges Quote by Bret Anthony Johnston

“The past was a bridge that looked solid and sturdy, but once you were on it, you saw that it extended only far enough to strand you, to suspend you between loss and longing with nowhere to go at all.” quote by Bret Anthony Johnston
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“The past was a bridge that looked solid and sturdy, but once you were on it, you saw that it extended only far enough to strand you, to suspend you between loss and longing with nowhere to go at all.”

Bret Anthony Johnston

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Last Bridge, 2015

Life’s past can seem stable, yet it may trap us between grief and yearning with no clear path forward.

In simple terms: The past can feel solid but can trap you.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when past memories hinder progress.

Themes

memory longing transition

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief counseling
  • relationship break‑ups
  • career pivots
  • creative blocks

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the “bridge” symbolize for you?
  • How can you move beyond longing?
A Different Perspective

Clinging to the past may prevent growth.

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