Trust
Listening to the whispers of enlightenment from within
Seeing the path forward when the skies are cloudy, foggy, or tumultuous can feel overwhelmingly daunting. During these times of turmoil, upheaval, and uncertainty, we often discover our grounding in the power of trust. The American Psychological Association defines trust as the “reliance on or confidence in the dependability of someone or something.” When faced with hardships, we can find solace in the nurturing embrace of self-trust, lean on the support of those around us, and trust the grand design of the universe, believing it guides us toward our highest good.
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Trust
Self-trust is the belief in our ability to navigate life’s challenges and ultimately achieve our aspirations. Even on the darkest night, we can tap into our inner reservoirs of wisdom, strength, and resilience, reminding ourselves that the dawn will eventually break. Intuition acts as a guiding star through the shadows, beckoning us to listen closely to the subtle whispers of enlightenment that call from within. When we cultivate self-trust, we engage in a compassionate dialogue with ourselves, transforming our mistakes and hardships into invaluable lessons.
As crucial as it is to lean on our instincts during trying times, it is equally important to seek the comforting presence of trusted friends, family, and professionals who can offer their support and guidance. Trust holds a relationship together, creating a solid foundation for meaningful connections to flourish.
Renowned researcher Brene Brown provides a framework for building trust through her acronym, BRAVING.
Boundaries: Recognize and firmly establish personal limits; know when to say ‘no’ and honor the boundaries that others set as well.
Reliability: Follow through with what you say you will do. Be mindful not to stretch yourself too thin by overcommitting.
Accountability: Own your mistakes, accept responsibility, and let these experiences serve as stepping stones for growth.
Vault: Protect the sacredness of others’ privacy. Refrain from gossiping or disclosing personal information without their explicit consent.
Integrity: Do what you know is right, even when no one is watching. Live and act in alignment with your values.
Nonjudgment: Release harsh judgments toward yourself and others. Create a space where problem-solving can occur and where others can seek help without the fear of criticism.
Generosity: Approach interactions with the assumption of positive intent. Be considerate with your time and resources.
When we feel lost in the shadows, we can look skyward to the stars, where fragments of hope glimmer in the vastness of the universe. Trusting the universe means surrendering our need for control and accepting the natural ebb and flow of life. In doing so, we embrace uncertainty, knowing we possess a plethora of inner resources to weather any storm. The challenges we face in life allow us to learn the lessons we need to grow along our journey. Our lives unfold in cycles through days, seasons, years, and decades. No matter how dark the night may seem, the sun will rise each morning, illuminating our path with hope, inspiration, and boundless opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The uncertainty of hardship casts a heavy veil over our skies, enveloping us in clouds of darkness and doubt. In these tumultuous moments, we can find solace in the trust we place in ourselves, others, and the vast universe that cradles our existence. Relinquishing the desire for control allows us to let go of the weight of the past, opening our hearts to fresh opportunities and transformative beginnings. The moon and stars offer glimmers of guidance until the radiant light of dawn breaks, unveiling the path ahead. This journey encourages us to welcome the beauty of what is yet to reveal itself in the mysterious course towards our highest potential.
Weekly Reflection
How can you surrender control and trust the wisdom of your intuition this week? Consider the moments when you typically feel the urge to micromanage or overthink. What if, instead, you allowed yourself to listen to that quiet inner voice? Explore opportunities to step back, breathe deeply, and tune in to your instincts, trusting that they can guide you to the right choices and experiences.
Michelle R. Smith
Mental Health Therapist~ Writer~ Peacemaker~ Advocate🕊



Michelle, thanks for this post. I think trust is such an important topic- one that we don’t talk about as much as we should. Thank you for wonderful insights and reflections on the topic.
I’ve been thinking about my response to your reflective questions. For me, its about doing less this week, not pushing through, and trusting that rest and pauses are not a detour but part of the path. By taking breaks and listening to what my body and heart are asking for, I’m practicing a quieter kind of trust — one that says its okay to let go and to let things be unfinished. That’s a tough thing to trust for me. 💛✨
Thank you for these insights and the references to nature. My word for this year is Trust. So this resonates deeply. This week, I am allowing my mind to be "bored", so creativity can flow through. I feel like I am constantly consuming valuable knowledge, yet it can get in the way of trusting myself. Hope that makes sense!