Balancing Trust

Trust is such as delicate thing. We can’t see it but it is clear when it is present or lacking. There are many different levels of trust; the higher the level the more painful the hurt when it is violated. Trust is a very simple word but the experience of it is remarkably complex. Too much of it can be dangerous and too little of it results in a miserable life. How can we find the balance? How can we make the right decisions with trust? 

For many of us the negative events and experiences in our pasts create barriers when it comes to trusting others. Very often we are so concerned with protecting ourselves and our feelings that we miss out on great opportunities because we won’t allow ourselves to be vulnerable. We have all had unpleasant things happen in our lives that give us a need to act with caution, here are some tips I use to make decisions on trust:    
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1. Follow your gut and not your mind – our minds remember the past and sometimes are not trustworthy but our gut feelings are usually  
   
2. Own your happiness – you are the only person that can truly make you happy so make the CHOICE to be happy and commit to it  
   
3. Renew your mind – allow your mind to let go of the past, the things done to you, and the people who did them. The more you think on the past and relive it, the more damage you cause to yourself and those around you and the more power you give to those who hurt you.  
   
4. Get your support group on board – the people who love you need to support your efforts to move on with your life. Our loved ones often hurt when we hurt so they can become just as cautious about trust as us when it comes to our lives. When you make the decision to move on from the past you need your supporters to move on too.    
   
5. Expect the best from new situations – look for the best in every situation rather than expecting the worst. If you are looking for problems you will find them but if you look for positives they’ll be there too.  
   
6. Transform your thinking – replace every negative thought about the past with a thought of hope for the present and future. 

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