“Trust” is a big word which describes so much.
When we trust someone, we feel safe with that person, we feel comfortable showing our vulnerable side and sharing our painful or embarrassing secrets. Trust allows us to approach difficult topics or opposing opinions in an authentic way and yet know that we care about each other.
But trust is not established through a single action, checked off as one particular task on a “trust to-do list”.
Trust is developed slowly, steadily, over time.
Trust comes from showing up when we are needed, from helping, but also from feeling comfortable to reach out and ask for help. Trust is founded on respecting confidentiality, on listening and advising without judgement.
But trust can also be expressed by just sitting together without explanations, by holding a trembling hand in silence, by giving the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong, by acknowledging a mistake and by apologizing when an apology is due.
Trust is compassion, and it is built in the smallest of moments.
Wishing you a wonderful week trusting yourself and others.
Christine