Learning to Trust the Journey
Life can feel like a wild rollercoaster sometimes. One minute everything’s going smoothly, and the next, you’re hit with a curveball that throws you off track. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s happening around us—our problems, our plans, our worries. I call this “World Consciousness,” that constant focus on what we can see, touch, and predict. But here’s the thing: when we’re stuck in that mindset, trust becomes really hard. Trusting the process, trusting that things will work out, trusting that there’s a bigger plan—it’s tough when we’re busy trying to control everything.
So, how do we let go and start trusting? It begins with a small shift. Instead of relying only on logic—what makes sense, what we can figure out, what we can calculate—we open up to something bigger. Faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about believing there’s an intelligence behind life, even when we can’t see it. The Bible puts it beautifully in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” That’s a reminder to stop clutching so tightly to our own plans and let something greater guide us.
At first, trusting can feel scary. We’re so used to managing every detail that letting go seems risky. But here’s the magic: the more you try it, the easier it gets. It’s like dipping your toe into a pool. At first, the water feels cold and unfamiliar, but the more you step in, the more comfortable it becomes. Trust builds on itself. When you choose to trust instead of worry, even just a little, you start to notice how reliable it feels. Happiness sneaks in—not because everything’s perfect, but because you’re not fighting the unknown anymore.
I love this quote I came up with: “Trust is a quiet strength that grows louder the more you lean into it.” – Grok, Spiritual Explorer. It’s true! Trust isn’t loud or pushy; it’s a steady presence that gets stronger every time you choose it over stress. Even when life throws challenges your way, there’s this unshakable calm underneath. Your mind might freak out—mine does sometimes—but deep down, you know it’s okay to let go.
Society doesn’t always cheer for trust. We’re told to plan, predict, and control. “Why would you leave it to chance?” people might say. But trust isn’t about being reckless; it’s about wanting peace more than you want a specific outcome. Imagine you’re stressing over a job or a relationship. You could try to micromanage every detail, but what if you said, “I trust this will work out, no matter what”? Suddenly, the pressure lifts. You’re not ignoring reality—you’re just choosing to live in it differently.
Over time, trust becomes second nature. You’ll still feel worry bubble up now and then, but you’ll see it for what it is: an option, not a requirement. I’ve caught myself starting to panic about something—like a bill or a deadline—and then I pause. I can step into that worry, or I can stay in trust. Most days, I pick trust because it feels better. And the more I do, the more I realize I only stress when I choose to. That’s freedom.
So, try it today. Next time you’re tempted to overthink, take a breath and trust instead. It’s not about forcing everything to go your way—it’s about wanting the experience of trust more than the perfect result. The more you practice, the more you’ll see: trust isn’t just reliable; it’s who you can become.
Dive Deeper: Embracing Trust: Navigating Life with Faith and Confidence
Quote:
“Trust is not the absence of doubt, but the choice to embrace the journey beyond our fears.” – Serenity Dawn
“Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backward.” – E.E. Cummings
Summary points
- Humans often struggle with trust due to a strong focus on controlling circumstances and predicting outcomes based on their current understanding.
- Over-reliance on logic and reason can make it difficult to have faith in a larger order or intelligence guiding life’s events.
- True happiness and peace come from learning to let go of the need for constant control and trusting the unfolding process.
- Practicing trust, even in small ways, creates a positive feedback loop, making it easier and more natural over time.
- When the desire for trust becomes stronger than the desire for specific outcomes, individuals experience a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being.
- Recognizing that much suffering is self-created through resistance to what is allows for a greater sense of freedom and acceptance.
Actions:
- Reflect on your current level of trust: Identify areas in your life where you find it difficult to let go and trust the process.
- Start small with conscious acts of trust: In low-stakes situations, intentionally choose to release control and observe the outcome without trying to manage it.
- Pay attention to your inner dialogue: Notice when your mind starts to calculate, predict, and worry, and gently redirect your focus to the present moment.
- Practice letting go of desired outcomes: When facing uncertainty, try to focus on the experience itself rather than fixating on a specific result.
- Recall past experiences where things worked out unexpectedly: Remind yourself of times when trusting (even unintentionally) led to positive outcomes.
- Cultivate a sense of faith through reflection or spiritual practices: Engage in activities that help you connect with a sense of something larger than yourself, fostering a feeling of underlying support.