Trust from the Inside Out
Trust is the cornerstone of healthy relationships. The most significant relationship in life is with your Self.
How would you rate your level of self-trust?
I trust myself:
0% - 10% of the time
10% - 30% of the time
30% - 50% of the time
50% - 75% of the time
75% - 100% of the time
Trust is innate to our connection to our Self. Observe a baby for five minutes, and you will see their trusting communication loop. When something is not OK in an infant’s world, (hungry, wet, tired) they show their discomfort immediately. In turn, if all is OK in the moment, satisfaction is expressed. As we grow, we explore our world and expand our communication loop of ‘what feels good’ and ‘what doesn’t’. A four-year old at play is not attempting to figure out if the swing or the merry-go-round is the best use of their time. They simply choose what brings them the most joy in the moment.
“Developmental psychologist, Erik Erikson observed that our interaction between ourselves and the environment begins with the stage of ‘basic trust vs mistrust’. When trust is nurtured it expands.”
As we get older our natural rhythm and inner guidance system often gets suppressed. During the middle years, a child may learn to disconnect from their emotions, opinions and ideas because their home or school environment is not supportive or safe. Intense peer pressure in the teen years can cause adolescents to disregard their own inner guidance system in order to ‘fit in.’
Over time the intuitive awareness that once guided our rhythm and choices may get clogged with others’ beliefs or attitudes. We may become conditioned to seek outside approval or value others’ opinions over our own. This can create self-doubt, perfectionism, excessive anxiety or fear of failure.
The gift of self-trust is that it lies at our core, we simply need to re-activate the resource.
Choose to T-R-U-S-T and you will renew your healthy relationship with your Self.
T Truth
R Respect
U Unconditional Love
S Self-Care
T Thankfulness
1. TRUTH
Be honest with your Self. Turn inward with your first breath of the day and connect with your true essence. Experience your life-force. Through-out the day be aware of what you know as true from your core.
2. RESPECT
Respect your Self. Honor ALL of who you are – insights, instinct, rhythm, values, skills, interests, strengths, challenges, wisdom, and more. Respond to yourself with Respect.
3. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Unconditionally accept your Self. You are Unique – there is Only One You! Be aware of the messages you are giving your Self through your thoughts, feelings, and gut response to what is happening in the moment. Listen and begin to be understand your communication with your Self.
4. SELF-CARE
Make life-giving choices. Treat yourself in a caring way by choosing thoughts, feelings, food, and relationships that nourish your well-being. Allow yourself compassion as you move through life’s challenges.
5. THANKFULNESS
Express gratitude for life. As you continue to accept your life as a precious gift, your trust will expand and your appreciation deepen. Your renewed T-R-U-S-T will reach out and change your world from the inside-out.
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.” -- Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel
If you are ready to activate your self-trust and develop healthier relationships in your life, Ilene would be honored to work with you. Contact her at 913.353.6867 or email ilene.resolve@gmail.com
Ilene Kimsey, PhD
Resolve Counseling and Wellness
