I was taught to not trust myself.
I was taught to not trust myself. Not explicitly but indirectly. I grew up in a culture where showing respect to adults, means doing what they say because they have more experience and know best. This meant I frequently had to ignore what I knew and to put my trust in others because they “know better than I do”. And this mindset and outsourcing of trust continued on for years, until recently when I’ve learned to trust myself, my knowledge, and intuition. I know better when it comes to deciding what’s right for me. Yet, I am still scared at times when doubt creeps in. This creation journey is a reminder that I can find trust in myself even when scared.
Trusting oneself is a transformative process that often requires unlearning deeply ingrained cultural or familial conditioning. Like many, I was raised in an environment that equated respect with compliance—where adults' experiences were prioritized over personal insight. This taught me to suppress my own judgments and instead defer to others, believing they knew better. However, real growth began when I realized that trusting myself is not about ignoring advice or external wisdom, but about balancing it with my own intuition and knowledge. At first, this new way of thinking felt scary—it’s natural to fear making mistakes when stepping into uncharted territory. But embracing this fear rather than avoiding it allowed me to build resilience. Each time doubt arose, I reminded myself that fear is a signal of courage, not weakness. Practically, this means taking small steps to assert my decisions and validate my instincts daily. I started journaling to reflect on choices and how they aligned with my values, which gradually strengthened my confidence. Self-trust also involves accepting imperfections—understanding that making mistakes is part of the learning journey and that my worth doesn't diminish because of them. This journey has taught me that true respect for others includes respecting myself. By acknowledging my own experiences and feelings, I can engage with others more authentically and make decisions that truly serve my well-being. Trusting myself has not only improved my decision-making but also deepened my connection to my inner strength and resilience. If you find yourself struggling with self-trust, remember it’s a practice cultivated over time. Surround yourself with supportive voices, seek knowledge when needed, but always honor your intuition as a vital guide. Trusting yourself, especially when scared, is a powerful act of self-love and growth.
