Trust

The meaning of this word has changed for me over the years, and I certainly do not hand it out easily, that's for sure.

What is trust to you?

Does it look like the 'tried and true' trust exercise you see in therapy sessions on TV?

Is it a certain way you expect people to act?

Is it a gut feeling you get about someone; where you feel they might only be looking out for themselves?

Whatever it is for you, the point here is that it is the most important element of any relationship, whether personal or professional. Without it, you won't accomplish much and, for most people it is super demotivating if there is a lack of it.

Let's think for a moment about what you would do for someone you trust and conversely, what you would do for someone you don't trust. I'm sure the results are similar to mine; why spend time on someone you don't trust? and Why spend time with someone who makes you feel psychologically unsafe. With such an important focus put on mental health in the world today, it is equally as important to choose YOU every time.

Let me illustrate this for you.

Trust is psychological safety (as mentioned above). It is being able to speak up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes without being punished or humiliated.

Trust is being vulnerable. Being able to be yourself and show your true colours without feeling embarrassed or judged.

Trust is a feeling built over time. Being with a friend or loved one and just knowing that you can say whatever is on your mind, joke around freely or just sit silent in each other's company.

If you don't have or experience these things, choose YOU and remove yourself from the situation or scenario. Whether professionally or personally, you must always choose YOU. It's hard, I know. There is always something stopping you; family obligations, a company, a reputation to uphold, the fear of what others might think of you, negative self-talk; whatever might be stopping you or getting you to pull the emergency brake (as Mel Robbins might say), figure out how to get over it and choose YOU.

Remember to always be kind and, be kind to yourself!