Head & Heart

I've been told I'm too trusting.  And naive.  And too open.  And in need of settling down to act my age.  

RUBBISH!

I'm alive!  So what is the big issue about trust?  Well, this is my blog, so here are my thoughts...

Since old enough to even understand trust, I've noticed two generally large groups of 'trusting types' among humans.  The first are the ones who trust no one.  I mean, you really have to PROVE that you are trustworthy around these folks.  Of course people have this condition in various degrees.  Once you've earned their trust, you've got it with most!  But there are the hardliners and nothing satisfies their suspicions.  They have a thief in every cubbard of their home and a new conspiracy theory around every corner of life's journey.  Life must be dull, a bit dark, and anxious on some level all the time for the more hardened folks in this group.  I notice they tend to be pretty loud too...if anywhere near them, you will hear all about it.

The other trust disposition includes those who trust everyone, no matter what, from the beginning of their acquaintance.  And with these folks, you are a disappointment if you prove yourself to be less than absolutely trustworthy.  I fall into this group.  I would give anyone the keys to my car if they needed it.  And I'll give almost anyone a hug.  I've been known to say, "What's mine is yours," to some folks.  And I forgive easily.  I consider trust a 'gift' I give to others...and the ability to do so, I consider a gift the universe gave to me upon birth.  

My observation (not scientific; only personal) is that neither group chose their position entirely...though family attitudes and personal temperaments certainly influence it.  And maturity can offer opportunities for decisions about our trust choices.

I honestly can't say I've ever lost anything significant because I trusted someone who disappointed me.  Just move on, lady...most losses are recoverable.

I think of this because the present political climate, with an approaching presidential election, has brought out the extremes of both propensities.  And those extremes are not demonstrating a lot of thinking or reasoning...just bold gut reaction....as well as too many declarations of things neither can really know for sure.  With reasoning out the window, shallowness fills in the void.  Lots of shallow voters roaming around out there.  But I think incredible things will happen between now and November to clarify matters a lot.  What will it be?  Who will sit down?  Who will rise up?  Where is the silent dark horse?  In what direction does the money flow?

In the meantime, it's enough for me to just discern daily who to trust with my money when I'm purchasing 4 brand new tires, or when I need help making investment decisions, or when opportunity for work, play, love, faith, friendship, or health knock on my door.  So, I choose to just trust myself: my innate nature, my trained knowledge, my experience, and my inner voice. And with confidence I accept that most gifts of trust will be honored and the few that are not will bring restoration sometime along the way.  

When in our most responsible frames of mind, I believe trust is a decision.  And receiving it from another is also a decision of conscience and honor.  We all have a long history of living the differences and being influenced by the tides of trust all around us.  It won't be long now...an opportunity to choose trust is coming our way.