Trust Begins Within:

I’ve been cultivating a habit lately—one that has transformed the way I connect with the people closest to me. Whenever someone shares their dreams, goals, or plans with me, I make it a point to say, “I trust you. You can do this.” Sometimes, I catch myself wondering, “Pure Crown, do you even know how this person will start? Do you fully understand what they’re talking about?” But then I remind myself: Trusting people should be easy.

It’s not about having all the answers or knowing every detail of their journey. It’s about believing in their potential and giving them the gift of confidence. Does this mean I’ll never experience heartbreak or disappointment? Not at all. Trusting others doesn’t guarantee they’ll always meet our expectations. But here’s what I’ve learned: when you tell someone, “I trust you,” it’s more than just words—it’s a powerful affirmation. It makes them feel seen, valued, and capable. It gives them the courage to believe in themselves, even when they doubt their own abilities.

Before you can extend that trust to others, though, you must first trust yourself. Trust that you can handle whatever comes your way, whether it’s joy or heartbreak. Trust that your belief in others is never wasted, even if things don’t go as planned. Because in the end, trust is not just about them—it’s about you, too. It’s about choosing to live with an open heart, knowing that your trust has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform.

Trust is one of the most fragile yet essential elements of human connection. It’s the glue that holds relationships together, the bridge that allows us to connect deeply with others, and the foundation of love, friendship, and collaboration. Yet, for many, trust has become a source of pain. We’ve all experienced the sting of betrayal, the disappointment of broken promises, or the heartache of being let down by someone we believed in. These experiences can leave us guarded, hesitant, and even cynical about trusting others. But here’s the truth: If you don’t trust yourself, how can you ever truly trust anyone else?

The Cycle of Distrust
When we’re hurt by others, it’s natural to build walls. We tell ourselves, “I’ll never trust anyone again,” or “People always let you down.” But what we often fail to realize is that distrust doesn’t just isolate us from others—it isolates us from ourselves. If you’ve been let down repeatedly, you might start to question your own judgment. “Why did I trust them? How could I be so naive?” This self-doubt erodes your confidence in your ability to make decisions, to discern who is worthy of your trust, and to navigate relationships with clarity and courage.

The irony is that when we lose trust in ourselves, we become even more vulnerable to disappointment. Without self-trust, we second-guess our instincts, ignore red flags, and stay in situations that no longer serve us. We become trapped in a cycle of distrust—not just of others, but of ourselves.

Trusting Yourself First
Before you can trust others, you must first learn to trust yourself. Self-trust is the belief that you have your own back, that you can rely on your own judgment, and that you will honor your values and boundaries no matter what. It’s about knowing that even if others let you down, you will always be there for yourself.

Here’s how to start building self-trust:

Honor Your Word to Yourself
If you say you’re going to do something—whether it’s going to the gym, setting a boundary, or pursuing a dream—follow through. Every time you keep a promise to yourself, you strengthen your self-trust. Conversely, every time you break a promise to yourself, you chip away at it.

Listen to Your Intuition
Your gut instinct is a powerful tool. Start paying attention to it. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. If something feels right, don’t second-guess it. The more you listen to your inner voice, the more you’ll trust it.

Embrace Imperfection
Trusting yourself doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes. It means you trust yourself to handle those mistakes with grace and learn from them. Perfectionism is the enemy of self-trust because it sets unrealistic standards that no one can meet.

Set Boundaries
Self-trust is deeply tied to self-respect. If you allow others to cross your boundaries, you’re sending a message to yourself that your needs don’t matter. By setting and enforcing boundaries, you show yourself that you are worthy of respect and care.

Forgive Yourself
If you’ve been hurt in the past, you might blame yourself for trusting the wrong people. But trusting others is not a flaw—it’s a strength. Forgive yourself for any past mistakes and recognize that every experience, even the painful ones, has taught you something valuable.

Trusting Others Again
Once you’ve built a solid foundation of self-trust, you’ll find that trusting others becomes easier. Not because people are suddenly more trustworthy, but because you trust yourself to handle whatever comes your way. You’ll be able to approach relationships with an open heart, knowing that even if someone lets you down, you’ll be okay. You’ll have the clarity to discern who deserves your trust and the courage to walk away from those who don’t.

Trusting others doesn’t mean being naive or ignoring red flags. It means being willing to take a risk, to be vulnerable, and to believe in the goodness of people—while also knowing that you have the strength to protect yourself if needed.

The Power of Trust
Trust is a risk, but it’s also a gift—to yourself and to others. When you trust yourself, you give yourself the freedom to live authentically, to love deeply, and to pursue your dreams without fear. And when you trust others, you create the possibility for meaningful connections, collaboration, and growth.

So, start with yourself. Rebuild that trust. Honor your instincts, keep your promises, and treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you’d offer a dear friend. Because when you trust yourself, you unlock the ability to trust the world—and that’s where true magic begins.