Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth and strength of a deity, person or thing. When you trust in someone or something you have faith in them and you believe in them. You rely on them and depend on them. You have confidence and hope that what is inferred or promised will take place.
It can be very painful and sometimes devastating when someone or something you trusted betrays that trust. You are most vulnerable in your relationship with your God and your religion. That is the ultimate challenge. You have to trust that everything you believe in is valid.
The next challenge to trust is in your relationships. Your spouses, partners or family can break the faith and destroy your trust. A friend can also have a destructive impact on your trust.
There was a clever sign in a retail store years ago. It said, “In God we trust. All other’s pay cash.” This captures the commercial and monetary aspect of trust. Most business transactions are dependent on trust. They trust that you will be honorable and pay for your purchases and services.
Some people have been disappointed so many times that at some point they can no longer trust anyone or anything. If a child learns that they cannot depend on their parents or caregiver they will stop trusting altogether. This will carry over into all of their relationships. It is possible to jinx a good relationship because you do not trust the other person or partner.
In order to experience the best of life it is necessary to learn to trust. It usually requires a change in your thoughts and feelings. There are some exercises you can begin with. You can fall back into someone’s arms trusting that they will catch you. You will not get hurt. You can float in the water trusting that the water will hold you up and support you. You will not drown. Be someone that is trustworthy yourself.
Patricia Frank is a Licensed Psychotherapist. She can be reached at 305-788-4864, 212-308-0309.
