By Susan Liddy

Most of the time, when we think about the word "trust," our relationships with other people come to mind. Who do you trust? Your mom? Your husband? Your best friend? Why do you trust that person? It is because you have come to rely and depend on them, right? They make good on their promises to you. They keep your secrets. They can be counted on to behave toward you in a loving, caring and supportive manner.

Have you ever considered how important it is to trust yourself?

Having trust in yourself is not a whole lot different from having trust in other people. We depend on our virtues and values to guide us through certain situations - like being able to smooth over an argument or complete things in our own unique way.

Having trust in yourself is about acknowledging that inner voice that gently guides you through a new experience (or sends you a warning sign about someone or something that may not be "good for you").

People who trust themselves allow their inner knowing to lead the way. They know when to push ahead. They know when to be silent. They allow their lives to flow smoothly and they experience a greater sense of balance than most - all thanks to that inner voice, guiding them on the path of their life, assuring them to have faith in their own ability.

Are you someone who may be disconnected from your inner voice and sense of trust in yourself? Some people do need to develop this skill a bit more, and that's okay if you do. Maybe it's because someone else has always "called the shots" for you up until now. Or, maybe you’ve never allowed yourself to engage in experiences that lead to a stronger sense of self.

Encourage and nurture your self-trust by getting out there and really living, trying new things... allowing yourself to "mess up" knowing the experience will leave you something to learn from. Build this trust through new adventures and activities - Fearless Challenges - that stretch your mind into new awareness.

Trust has to do with learning to love ourselves through memories of the past. Once we begin to take more risks, we will trigger old feelings. Beliefs that we have held onto for most of our lifetime may emerge once again. As this happens to you, be mindful of the patterns of your thoughts and feelings and then loosen the grip of those old, outdated beliefs!

As you grow through new experiences, remind yourself that TODAY, you are capable of managing whatever feelings and fears are triggered.

Reality Check

Do you find your "mistrust of self" sometimes leads you to...

• Have a dream or big idea, yet not move toward it?
• Hold back your opinions, distrusting they are acceptable?
• Hold your breath and tense up instead of flowing with a moment?
• Worry and obsess – awfulizing about things that haven't even happened?

Fearless Integration

Today, begin to engage in activities that can build self trust:

• Journal about what your feelings tell you!
• Meditate to quiet your mind!
• Check in with yourself throughout the day!
• Write daily acknowledgments!
• Nurture your belief in a higher power!
• Discover your passion and purpose!
• Develop an opinion about a current event!
• Pick an adventure and step into it!

Susan Liddy's Fearless Females are moving past old, outdated beliefs and building stronger trust in themselves. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, come and check out our Fearless Challenges program for women of all ages.

About the Author:

Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC is the founder of AspireLifeCoaching.org, a women's coaching organization whose mission is to empower women to aspire fearlessly. Susan's unique and groundbreaking life coaching programs teach women how to break through the fear and disempowering behaviors that block them from who they are and what they want.

To learn more about Susan Liddy and AspireLifeCoaching.org visit AspireLifeCoaching.org or call (408) 835-9908.

©2008 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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