Anne’s November Update and Musings - TRUST

Trust is a big word with an even bigger meaning. I love this definition:

“Trust is a belief in the reliability, honesty, or good character of someone or something. Trust can be a crucial element in building relationships. It can allow people to be vulnerable, love freely, and give to others without fear.”

And I do believe it is one of the main tenants for any relationship, whether that is personal or professional. Think about those people that come to mind when you hear the word trust. And I hope you have a long list of them. I do. And I also have a list of those that don’t fall into that category.

As a relatively new author, I have been introduced to the less attractive side of the publishing business lately. People who tell you that they have your best interest at heart, as long as it is in their best interest first. And that has been disappointing for me. But then, we don’t live in a perfect world, at least not yet.

As these “opportunities for investment” have come my way, I have at times struggled with their authenticity. My mind grabs hold of the idea and begins to run with the possibilities of what they may bring. And I will fully admit that it has taken me some soul searching to find the answer that supports me in the moment. To ask the question: “What should I do?” And that takes introspection. I have learned a new level of trusting what I always know to be true, my body. I can always trust that my egoic mind can run a story for an infinite amount of time and never really give me the answer. But when I go to my heart and ask, my body will always tell me.

I will feel anything from a slight discomfort to outright cringe in my gut, and then I know. When that is the response to a question I ask myself, I know immediately, it’s not for me. And when I make that decision that it’s not right for me, in that moment, the gut clench disappears and is replaced with that wonderful “aah” feeling. A knowing.    

And then the next question is, “What am I learning from this experience?” And I am able to review my beliefs around it and decide if that belief is still serving me, or whether it’s time to upgrade my belief system. If it is a belief, it needs to be defended. It is polarity. But if it is a knowing, it requires no defense. It just is. And you totally trust it.

I think it comes down to learning to hear and feel your instincts. And that takes practice and a willingness to engage. And it takes getting out of your head and into your heart.

So, what did I learn from all of these “opportunities for investments” around my authorship? I learned that I choose to write because it is my passion. I choose to write because it puts me in a place of joy. And if I am the only recipient of that joy, then that’s OK. If I can bring joy to others, even better. And that is a knowing that requires no defense. And I trust it implicitly.   

In this season of gratitude, I am so thankful for all of you and your support and feedback. When you can offer someone else the opportunity to be vulnerable and love freely through your trust, that is one of the greatest gifts there is. So thank you for that gift. Trust me, it means more than you can know.    

Love and Light,

Anne