One of my many learnings during these long, stay-at-home days is how to trust. A few years ago, I penned another post about trust. I titled that one, “The Nature of Trust.” It was focused on building and maintaining trust with others.

What I’m discovering lately is the importance of trusting myself. During these times of aloneness, self-trust is paramount.

For instance, I’ve learned to trust my financial decisions, both personal and business-related. It’s easy to take for granted that little “emergency fund” I set up years ago, but I trust it will allow me to keep a positive attitude (and cash flow) during these times.

I’ve learned to trust my instincts as I’m utilizing more and more online tools. Rather than asking a technical colleague for help on how to do “x, y or z” online, I’m trusting myself to learn on my own. All this free time helps me build trust in myself.

And, I’ve been getting outside more than ever lately, hiking trails and paths I haven’t hiked in years (if ever). When I’m out there, all alone, enjoying the weather, the scenery and the terrain, I sometimes let self-doubt creep in: Did I take a wrong turn? Will I find my way back to the trailhead? What if I get lost? In actuality, however, I’ve learned to trust my sense of direction and trust that I’ll always be able to find my way home.

The over-arching issue that I’ve grappled with is whether I can trust myself to get through all the uncertainties, unknowns and overall unease in this world we live in today. Can I weather this storm?

The answer is “yes.” We should all remind ourselves not to overlook the self-trust that we have cultivated over the years. Or, as Dr. Benjamin Spock (remember him?) was known to have uttered,

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”