#54: Trust Restored

“Only a confident, secure, courageous person can choose to trust.”
-Richard Fagerlin

It is safe to say that after years of betrayal as I grew up (parents, extended family, foster parents, and two ex-husbands by 21) I struggled with confidence, security, and courage. In fact, I lost all hope in humanity.  I was powerless, disconnected, and vulnerable. I never thought my trust could be restored; I was content staying closed off and moving through life with trust in no one other than God.
But in 1997, when I married Steve, I gave trust another try. Slowly but surely as time went on and with a strong intention to try, I successfully (brick by brick) built a safe haven of trust with my husband. Opening my heart and trusting Steve was one of the hardest (and most worthwhile) challenges I have overcome. It took FIVE years before I felt truly at ease in our relationship. 

No relationship is perfect, misunderstandings happen, and the hurt eventually passes. When something arises that could hurt our relationship: we address it, clear it up, and heal the wound. Be mindful of who you trust and pay attention to red flags, especially those that relate to your safety. Set boundaries and hold people you let in accountable. Trusting others can be difficult, especially when you come from a world of hurt. But trust in the right people is worth it!