Self-trust is one of the most important parts of healing and growth. For us to move forward, we first have to trust that we are safe outside of our comfort zones. As trauma survivors, as people in recovery, as human beings, we all need to feel safe. Safety is important for our survival; it’s innate in all of us.
When we go through a traumatic experience, it can cause us to feel like we can’t trust the world around us, and sometimes, not even ourselves. We live our lives in our small bubble, in survival mode. But for us to grow and thrive, we must go beyond our comfort zone and experience all that life has to offer. This journey starts with building self-trust.
5 Helpful Tips To Start Building Self Trust And Start Living Life Outside Your Comfort Zone:
Try Something New
Have fun exploring new things. Studies have shown that a great way to boost confidence, is to begin & try. Don’t worry about not being good at something. Every single person was a beginner at something.
“Dare to suck at something new.”
Make Mistakes and Learn From Them
Mistakes give us experience, and experience builds confidence (see a pattern yet?). Trying new things is also a great way to learn about yourself.
“Do I like this?” “What am I learning?”
“When You Know Better, Do Better”
One of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes: “We don’t know what we don’t know.”
Once we do know, however, we have to use this newly acquired knowledge to better ourselves. Knowledge isn’t enough…we can know a lot of things, but unless we apply it to our everyday life, it’s wasted knowledge. “Wasted knowledge is knowing how to swim, but choosing to drown anyway.” -Me
Use the tools in your toolbox.
Learn to Forgive Yourself
Ooofff! This one is easier said than done, isn’t it?! I know. Without mistakes, there is no growth. Your past self did the best they could. Holding onto guilt prevents you from moving forward. The past no longer exists. Focus on the now.
Honor Your Commitments and Boundaries
You owe it to yourself to follow through with your commitments. You owe it to yourself to create space where you feel safe, and where you prioritize your own needs without feeling selfish or guilty.
Remember that growth isn’t linear and change takes time. Be patient, be consistent, and above all, be kind to yourself. You are loved and you are safe.
Read more from Niki Szenasi: When Dry January Turns Into Dry 2021: A Non-Addict’s Discoveries After a Year of No Alcohol
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