"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone- but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy." - Walter Anderson

TRUST: arguably the most valued quality in any relationship whether it be platonic or romantic.  To trust someone, is to give up reservations, let down your guard, and hold belief that the feelings you voluntarily give over to another person will be handled with the utmost care and protection.  Lately I have been thinking about trust & happiness and how they relate to each other.  In a relationship that is built on trust- a certain degree of pressure is  also built.  The more faith and confidence you put in a person, the more stress that is added to the relationship to not break that faith.

So what happens if that trust is broken? The happiness you placed in that person and in that relationship is tarnished and you can't help but question the alliance.

You have two options, the first is to let yourself be absorbed in anger, doubt and disappointment, and to guard yourself from any future battle wounds.  It's easy to build walls, and every time you remember the feelings of mistrust, to layer one brick after another.  Before you realize it, you have constructed the Great Wall of China around your heart that restricts others from experiencing, or even attempting to experience a glimpse of you. 

Option two is easier said than done. It requires forgiveness- and the willingness to let actions and conviction do their part to build trust back up to where it was, and hopefully surpassing that to make it stronger (obviously taking much time, dedication, and action).  

Going back to Walter Anderson's quote- the choice to trust is completely an act of will and intention, a decision and action necessary to maintain a strong and healthy relationship.  Trust is a commitment that leaves you vulnerable  and susceptible to sorrow... while on the flip side-offering a connection entwined with such love and joy that it surpasses any feelings of opposing nature.  

aloha nui loa