Trust

Description

Trust is having faith, hope, and a positive outlook. Trust is believing in someone or something. We have confidence that the right thing will come without trying to control or make it happen. We trust others to do what they say they will do and give them the space to be trustworthy. Sometimes, it is difficult to trust when life brings painful experiences. Trust is being sure, in the depths of our being, that there is some gift or learning in everything that happens. We move confidently with the flow of life, gathering strength from adversity. We know we are never alone.

 The Practice of Trust

• I maintain my hope.
• I do not nag others or try to control them.
• I believe there is some good in everything that happens.
• I allow trust to heal my fears.
• I am confident in my capacity for lifelong learning.
• I rely on Divine assistance.

Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

The virtue of trust within a family manifests as a foundation of unwavering support, open communication, and a profound sense of reliability. It is demonstrated through family members’ confidence in one another, knowing they can rely on each other’s words and actions.

Trust means feeling safe to share vulnerabilities and fears, knowing they will be met with empathy and understanding. It is evident in the belief that family members have each other’s best interests at heart and will consistently honor their commitments and promises.

In a trusting family, there is mutual respect for privacy, and conflicts are resolved with empathy and fairness, strengthening the bonds of love and connection that define the family unit.

Balancing Trust

To keep the virtue of trust in balance, several other virtues come into play:

• • • Wisdom: Wisdom ensures that trust is not blind but rooted in discernment. It helps us make informed decisions, recognizing when to trust and when to exercise caution.
    • Courage: Courage empowers us to trust in the face of uncertainty or past betrayals. It enables us to take calculated risks in relationships and endeavors, knowing that growth often requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
    • Humility: Humility reminds us that trust should be mutual. It encourages us to trust in our abilities and judgment while acknowledging our limitations and the wisdom of seeking help and guidance from others.
    • Forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential to maintaining trust in relationships. It allows us to repair trust when it has been damaged, recognizing that people make mistakes, and growth often involves forgiveness and reconciliation.
    • Compassion: Compassion nurtures trust by fostering empathy and understanding. It reminds us that everyone has their struggles and challenges, encouraging us to extend trust and support to others in their journey.

Trust is a powerful virtue that can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life when balanced with wisdom, courage, humility, forgiveness, and compassion.