Trust is the bedrock of flourishing relationships, both personal and professional. It's a delicate essence that takes time and effort to cultivate yet can be shattered in an instant. However, while rebuilding trust is arduous, it's a journey that leads to deeper understanding and stronger bonds.
Trusting comes more naturally when young, but adulting presents a whole new set of challenges as we navigate the world and face realities. I've learned I trust deeply, almost blindly, after giving my all to people, situations, jobs, and even the institution of marriage.
However, bitter lessons like my second divorce and resigning from a toxic work environment left me feeling drained and like I would never trust again.
After recharging with a solo trip, I took a brave and bold decision to make a career change, and once more chose to trust again. I thought to myself, it's a new beginning, a new chapter, a fresh start, a clean slate, why not? After all, that is who I am at my core.
That trust broke again, leaving me unheard, unseen, and triggering old shadows. I wondered why I trusted so easily and gave my heart so freely. I realized I needed to learn a lesson and break the cycle. I also knew I wanted to trust freely and deeply. To be my authentic self.
When trust is broken, it hurts deeply partly due to a lack of control of the situation or dislike of the outcome. But mostly, because we don't feel seen or heard. Upon (self)critically analyzing the problem in front of me and trying to make sense of what went wrong, I realized I needed to learn a lesson from this situation and break the cycle I seemed to continue to find myself in when it came to trust.
I learned to accept this part of me, a person who trusts deeply, and that I didn't want these experiences to change the core person I am.
I read a quote recently that resonated deeply with my inner voice “Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” ― Maya Angelou
The pain of broken trust stems from our emotional investment, yet this depth of connection is also what makes trust so rewarding. Trust, in work, friendships, or family, is about emotional security and mutual respect.
When we trust, we forge meaningful, lasting bonds.
Reflecting on my experiences has shown that each breach of trust was an opportunity for growth, compelling me to look inward and better understand trust dynamics. Though I may trust easily, this openness has revealed the good in people while teaching me invaluable life lessons.
My journey has taught me to embrace trust with optimism, celebrating small victories and moments of mutual understanding. I'm deeply grateful for the connections I've built, which grow stronger daily. Trust isn't about avoiding hurt; it's about creating a bedrock of mutual respect and shared growth, allowing all to flourish.
So here I am, trusting again and knowing that I've learned many life lessons along the way, built some beautiful long-lasting relationships, and trusting that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.