Barbara Schmidt's Blog, page 7

3 Lessons I Learned From Being Gaslit

My dear friends,

Last week, Merriam-Webster released their annual word of the year, and for 2022, it is gaslighting. According to their article, “A driver of disorientation and mistrust, gaslighting is “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one’s own advantage.” 2022 saw a 1740% increase in lookups for gaslighting, with high interest throughout the year.”

For me, this choice of word for the year wasn’t a surprise, yet a true confirmation of what has been trending, and what I’ve been noticing over the past few years. Many of us feel gaslit, both on the macro and the micro levels of life. We’ve been through so much on a global scale, where the truth has been skewed and of course, we experience gaslighting in our personal lives and relationships, as well.

In the spirit of this word of the year, I want to share some lessons I’ve learned from being gaslit. While all very painful and damaging, coming out the other side of gaslighting can help you feel empowered and knowledgeable to spot the red flags in the future.

Remember, gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation and abuse, and if you’ve experienced gaslighting, please know that it was not your fault. I hope as more information disseminates about this psychological tactic, we can all start to heal, spot the signs, and set clear boundaries with those who seek to manipulate in this way.

You are not to blame for being gaslit. Many of us people pleasers tend to take responsibility for things that we simply aren’t responsible for. Never feel guilty for placing trust in someone who you felt was trustworthy, especially emotionally manipulative and abusive people. People who are inclined to gaslight will use our weaknesses and turn on a specific charm to get us on the hook. Rather than feel guilt about the experience, start to ask yourself how being in certain people’s presence makes you feel. Oftentimes, we will get gut instincts about people who have nefarious intentions; this is my biggest red flag in relationships. People who constantly make you question yourself and your mental abilities, are not your people.  The m.o. of a gaslighter is to make you feel like you’re the problem, that there’s something wrong with you, or even that you are simply crazy. According to Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, “It’s always someone else’s fault. This is the gaslighter’s mantra.” Gaslighters will never take responsibility for the emotional damage they create, so if you find yourself always falling on your own sword, taking the fall for other people’s behavior, or questioning your abilities, you might be in the presence of gaslighting. The people who are meant to be in your life for love, kindness, support, and respect will never make you question yourself.Having one person who you can rely on to support you and believe you, matters. Because gaslighters love to deny reality and the truth, we can oftentimes feel like what we hear, see, and experience with a gaslighter, isn’t real. Because their mantra is to deny and deflect, it’s important to cultivate relationships with people who are truly trustworthy and will help bring you back to the truth and to reality. This could also look like seeking out a licensed professional who can help you to unravel all of the webs that a gaslighter weaves.

I hope these lessons are helpful for any of you who resonate with this psychological dynamic.

Remember, you are always worthy of love, kindness, and care.

xo, Michelle

The post 3 Lessons I Learned From Being Gaslit appeared first on Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.

15 Uplifting Affirmations for the Holiday Season

My Dear friends,

I know that we can all agree the holiday season brings up a wide array of emotions, and at times, it can feel overwhelming. For me personally, this year has felt extra challenging, so I have been relying heavily on my tools and practices to keep me in a level-headed, calm, and clear space. If you can relate to any of this, I want to share my favorite affirmations that I use during this time of year, as a way to break up any negative chatter that comes into my mind, and redirect me to the present moment where all is well. Remember our power lies in choosing, and this moment is the only time we actually have a choice in how we will respond to life’s challenges.

As a reminder, affirmations are not meant to give a false sense of hope or a denial of reality, but rather, a reinforcement of our goals, wishes, hopes, and dreams. Affirmations are a redirection, a course correction, to bring us into the present moment and get us mentally back on track towards feeling better about life.

I wake up excited for each new dayLife is happening for me, not to meEvery moment presents opportunities for happinessI am safe, I am healthy, I am wellMy life is filled with magicI am loved, I am honored, I am cherishedI am worthy of my deepest desiresI am grateful for everything that I have in this momentI trust the timing of my life. Everything is unfolding for me as it shouldThe joy that I share always comes back to meI am present, I am patient, I breathe through stressful momentsI release unnecessary expectations, I know that I am always enoughI find happiness in the smallest joysI feel calm, centered, and grounded within myselfI trust myself, I love myself, all is well

Wishing you happiness, strength, and calm during this week. Remember no feeling is final, this, too, shall pass.

xo, Michelle

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Remembering the Importance of Gratitude

My dear friends,

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us here in the US, I wanted to send you all a helpful about the importance of gratitude.

Sometimes I get stuck in really negative mind games with myself. I think we all do, right?  Sometimes we have bad days. Maybe we spend too much time watching the news, or on the Internet comparing ourselves with others.  Or, maybe we’ve eaten poorly, or we have received bad news at work.

Whatever the situation may be, we’ve all been there when our mind runs amuck, and takes us down a rabbit hole to a pretty negative place. It’s not the nicest place to be, but over time, I’ve learned how to get myself out. That’s been my saving grace, especially in these really dramatic days.

The world we live in gives us a million reasons why we should think our lives are in shambles, or why we should think we aren’t good enough, and this is really unfortunate. Good thing for us though, there are tools that we can use to combat this. One of the most powerful practices for overcoming the comparison, depression, and rabbit-hole thinking mind game is gratitude.

So what is gratitude exactly? I’m sure by this point you’ve heard the word a million times on lots of other websites similar to this one. This is my definition: “Gratitude is being present to what is, honoring the present moment, whatever it may contain, and accepting it. Gratitude is saying thank you and being truly appreciative for the privileges of your life. Gratitude is also paying it forward and showing kindness to someone else. It is acknowledging life in ourselves and others in each breath. Gratitude is never taking for granted anything that we rely on every day to survive.”

So, how can we remember to be more grateful, every day?

I’m glad you asked!

Here are some fun ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine:

―Wake up, open your eyes, and say thank you for another day of life.

―Every time you go to eat, silently bless your food.

―When walking down streets, thank your body for the ability to move with ease. If this doesn’t apply to you for physical reasons, you can use other parts of your body instead.

―Randomly select a loved one each week to text (or better yet call) to tell them you appreciate them in your life

―At the end of each day, take a few moments to recap your day, say thank you for all that you experienced, and all the breaths taken.

Remember gratitude is the positive attitude we all can use daily!

I hope this little list serves you. Keep me posted in the comments below!

xo, Michelle

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8 Reminders For The Upcoming Holiday Season

Dear friends,

As we officially begin the holiday season, I wanted to share some simple reminders to you if this time of year brings up an array of uncomfortable feelings.

Generally speaking, when we think of the holidays, we think of happiness, family, fun, and cheer. Expectations can feel high this time of year, and we can be pulled in many different directions.

For many of us, if we don’t feel all the “right” feelings we are supposed to feel during the holidays, we think there is something wrong with us. I’m here to tell you that this is just not true. While wonderfully festive and fun, the holidays can bring up so many feelings that aren’t incredibly pleasant for so many of us. Loneliness, disappointment, sadness, and even anger can arise during this time.

It is my intention to give you some tools to help you take care of yourself and your feelings this holiday season. Here are eight simple self-care practices for the holiday season…

If you’re feeling stressed:

Give yourself permission to stop. To-do lists can be a mile long, expectations can be high, your presence can be demanded in many different places at once, and all that can feel very overwhelming! If you’re feeling this way, rest assured it’s natural, you’re only human! You can only do so much, please so many, and be in many places. Release the desire to be a superhero this holiday season, and strive to be the most well-taken care of version of you. You don’t have to do it all. You can say no. It’s ok to stop, and start again!

If you’re feeling lonely:

While holidays are historically a time for family, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes, loneliness sets in when we think that our lives don’t match the cheesy holiday version of what we think life should be. Some of us are missing family members, some of us are going through loss, some of us are struggling personally, and again that is all ok. Remind yourself that you can be your own best company. If you have down time or alone time, take advantage of it by starting to cultivate the very best relationship with yourself. Honor yourself and your intuition, and know that you don’t have to be with other people to be loved and accepted.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed:

Remember to breathe. Our breath can work as the most basic and effective stress relief system available, when we remember to use it! Have you ever noticed that in some of the most tense moments of the day we usually aren’t breathing, or if we are, they are very shallow breaths? If the holiday events and to-do lists make you feel overwhelmed, remember you can always come back to your breath. Take a moment, close your eyes, and deeply inhale and exhale. It’s an instant mood shifter!

If you’re feeling confused:

Write it out. Whenever I don’t know how to make a decision, or am searching for clarity, I immediately reach for my journal. Journaling is a wonderful tool that has a myriad of benefits, but I find it most comforting when I’m searching for answers and getting stuck in my head. There’s magic when pen hits paper, and the inner workings of your soul come onto the page.

If you’re feeling frustrated:

Move your body. Whenever I feel frustrated, and can’t seem to shake it, moving through it physically helps immensely. There is so much healing to be received through mindful, enjoyable physical activity. Hit up a class that you love, or if you are short on time, take a few moments in your home to literally shake it out. It may look and feel silly, but vigorous shaking off of the bad vibes or the frustrating feelings is effective, I promise!

If you’re feeling angry:

Find activities that bring you joy, and do them unapologetically. Sometimes the holidays can make us feel like we are giving and giving and giving, and then we feel depleted and sometimes angry and bitter. What better antidote to this than doing something for yourself that brings you pure joy? Make time for self-care this holiday, and don’t feel guilty about it! My joyful activity go-to lately has been dancing, and truly I am so much happier exiting class each and every time. Rather than stewing on the things that are making you upset, be proactive and incorporate joy.

If you’re feeling distracted

Practice being present. The greatest present you can give this holiday season is your peaceful presence. We can be pulled into a lot of different directions during the holidays, which really can be stressful on the nervous system and our mental state. Rather than multitasking this season, try doing one thing at a time with purpose and intention. One thing I know for certain is that so many people often say that the holidays pass by so quickly. We can change that! Present moment living will allow you to fully savor the moments of the holidays, leaving you feeling satisfied and complete when the season ends.

If you’re feeling disappointed

Practice gratitude. The holidays can remind us of what might be lacking in our lives, I’ve definitely been there. Rather than focusing on what isn’t present in your life at this moment, try to come back to what is, and really honor it. Life can change so quickly, don’t take for granted the good that is in your life right now. Be grateful for the gifts of today to prepare for the fortunes of the future.

I hope these little antidotes give you some support this holiday season. Always remember to feel whatever you’re feeling, and know that it all passes in time!

Do you have any tips for managing the holidays? Share your favorite self-care practices below!

xo, Michelle

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My One Favorite Practice for Clarity and Self-Discovery

Hi my friends,

Lately, in conversations with friends, I’ve found myself commenting often about the passage of time, and how elusive time feels, and even how time is slipping by at such a fast pace. To be honest, it’s felt hard for my mind to comprehend it all.

In the so called “normal times”, I often feel extra reflective when the seasons change, and as we start to ease out of Summer and into Fall, there’s so much that comes up for me regarding time: my relationship to it, how I want to spend it, where I’m wasting it, and and how it all makes me feel.

Whenever I catch myself in these reflective, but also uncertain loops, I know that it’s a signal for me to tap into my own clarity, intuition, and purpose. With so much happening in the world around us, I know that when I become still, the answers that I need are always here within me.

Journaling is the practice for me, that helps me to connect when I feel disconnected, uncover hidden truths, find direction when feeling lost, and remember what’s important when it all feels so confusing.

Journaling is the practice that soothes my soul, taps in to my intuition, and helps me to release anxious thoughts and worries.

Journaling is the practice of giving your thoughts a home.

Studies show that we have over 60,000 thoughts a day, many of them repetitive, and most of them negative in nature (that statistic alone makes me feel overwhelmed and confused). When we do not find a productive and tangible place for the negative thoughts, either in action or in practice, our mind will hold on to them tightly, and they will repeat as often as possible.

The practice of being cognizant and mindful of what you’re thinking, when you’re thinking it, and releasing it onto another medium, can bring a sense of clarity and newly found meaning.

Releasing your thoughts onto paper allows your mind to let go of the tightly held grasp of your thoughts. It puts your anxious mind at ease, knowing that you’ve acknowledged the thought, and you’ll take appropriate action with it.

Every night, I spend a few moments before bed, reflecting on my day. I put my pen to paper and allowing whatever thoughts arise to flow out of my mind, without attaching too much meaning or judgment on what comes out. Often times, the thoughts that come are the ones that I know are taking up too much space and not serving me. They’re the repetitive, negative ones, that hold me back and make me feel small.

Giving these thoughts a home allows me to create the mental space to clearly hold the vision of the hopes and desires that I wish for my life. It’s like skimming the top layer off, so that you can get to the goodness that lies just beneath the surface.

Which is why I love this practice so much. Journaling meets me where I am, allows me to be messy and authentic, and guides me to the truth, wherever it may be hidden, in any given day. It’s the perfect practice to encapsulate who I am in this moment, and to propel me to become who I wish to be.

I’m sending you lots of love in your own journey to self-discovery!

xo, Michelle

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The Importance of Self-Reflection

Dear friends,

My birthday is this week, and in the spirit of celebration and starting a new chapter of life, I find myself feeling extra reflective and introspective.

Life can feel fast paced and at times, overwhelming, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown fond of the periods of my life where I can pause, reflect, and recenter myself.

One of my very favorite, and most rewarding aspects of living an aware and mindful life is the privilege of really learning, understanding, and honoring who I am, as a person in this large, crazy world. I do truly believe that we are all here for such incredible, unique purposes, and that, we really do ourselves a disservice when we don’t take the time and energy to cultivate a strong sense of self, and a loving relationship with that self.

Self-reflection and introspection is that tool that can help us tap in and cultivate that most important relationship in our lives, the one we have with ourselves.

For a large part of my life I felt a mistaken sense of identity. I used the external world as a mirror to create a false reflection all around me. I strived so hard to fit in, to be liked, and to be understood, but really what I was yearning for, was to fit in, like, and understand myself.

I have passionately made it my mission to release all the lies and false pretenses, to untangle the messy webs, and to peel back all the layers I surrounded myself with, in hopes of uncovering who I really am.

The road to self-discovery is long, in fact, it’s a life-long journey. And this is the truth that I want to share with you today.

I used to think that when I finally found myself, I would reach a holy destination and everything would magically fall into place. The truth of the matter is, we are never really found, but rather in a constant state of becoming and uncovering.

Not too long ago, I hit a brief moment of frustration on my path in cultivating my own strong sense of self, when I felt angry that I didn’t have all the answers, and I didn’t feel like I had it all together in the way that I thought that I should. And then, a massive light bulb when on, and I realized, that this is simply not how life works! It’s not possible to know everything, all the time. We are not meant to live a stagnant life, without change and evolution.

We get the privilege of having a front row seat to watch ourselves grow, learn, and become. We get to be the witnesses of our very own personal high’s and low’s, be the private audience of our own life’s story. And who doesn’t love a really good story?

The moment I stopped trying to label and figure myself out, and started acknowledging and honoring who I am in this moment, life began to feel more free, more colorful, and more exciting. Chasing the end goal feels heavy and unattainable. Satisfaction, grace, and gratitude for who I am and where I am now, feels so much lighter, satisfying, and more fun.

The journey to self-discovery is the greatest adventure you can undertake, and I encourage you all to make space for simple moments where you can feel the love, appreciation, and understanding of yourself; your unique beautiful soul. Don’t try to put yourself into boxes and find pre-conceived labels to match, please just remember that you are always blossoming and evolving, shedding and regenerating. You are perfectly beautiful this way.

Remember, you are worthy of the time, love, and energy that you so freely give to others. Allow yourself the time to spend with yourself, getting to know yourself, and honoring who you are.

xo, Michelle

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5 Reminders When Dealing with Heartache

Dear friends,

I recently received a few requests to talk about heartache, heartbreak, and maneuvering through break-ups. I sat on these requests for a while, and probably have avoided delving too much into romantic relationship content, mostly because I feel like this is an area in my life that I’m still working through and figuring out. But that is life, isn’t it!

We are all continuously learning, growing, and moving through new experiences. Truth be told, I have had some tough romantic encounters, and I’ve learned so much from them, so I can authentically share from that space in hopes of helping or inspiring all of you.

There’s something uniquely devastating when separating from a romantic partner. When I think back to each of my break-ups in life, they all were incredibly challenging and painful. It’s as though there’s a certain part of our heart that breaks the worst, when we lose a significant other. That part of the heart requires some extra love and care to mend itself. I’ll never forget my thought process during a particularly difficult separation. I remember thinking that I was going to be forever upset about a relationship that didn’t work out. I literally thought I was going to be stressing over it, until the day I die. It might sound dramatic, but that’s exactly what was going through my mind at the time!

Day after day I got up, put one foot in front of the other, and as time went on, the pain began to lift. The process wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t over night. However, I can say with full certainty that releasing that attachment was one of the more emotionally challenging things I have ever had to do, and here I am, on the other side of heartache, living, breathing, and thriving. So I know for certain that this is possible to achieve!

I am sure at one point or another you have experienced that gut-wrenching, soul shaking, life-changing break-up that leaves you feeling listless and breathless. I’m not exactly sure what it is about break-ups that make it feel like life may not go on, or that you are not going to be ok again, but somehow these thoughts tend to creep in our minds when we go through these periods, and we believe them to be true.

Even though I can’t explain the physical chemistry of why break-ups feel this way, or give you five simple tips to never have to go through it ever again, I can share with you positive reminders to lift your spirit and assure you that you are not alone.

I hope this gives you a boost if you’re going through heartache now, or if you know someone who is in a time of need.

1. Remember, these feelings will pass. When I was going to the aforementioned break-up, I was given a bracelet with the saying “this too shall pass” engraved on it. I wore that thing every single day, and relied on its message through the very dark and difficult moments. Though it might feel cliche, the message is true. Whatever you’re feeling now is not permanent. Find ease in knowing this truth.

2. Regretting the love you gave, won’t make the pain go away. I spent so much time living in the feeling of regret for the love that I shared. Perhaps it’s a protection mechanism to keep us from getting hurt again, but I honestly believe that love is never wasted. The love that we gave to someone else in that moment was the love that particular moment required. Honor yourself for the love you gave, and the love you received.

3. However difficult this situation may feel, take comfort in the truth, that it is teaching you something you need to know. Boy oh boy was this hard for me! Like I said before, I have learned so much from my relationships, and I’m so grateful for it all… now. Even if you’re in the thick of it, try to take yourself into the future where you know you will be older, wiser, so much better equipped to take on a new relationship.

4. You are not a failure, and you are never unlovable. Just because a relationship ran it’s course, does not mean it didn’t mean anything. It doesn’t mean that you did something to ruin it, and it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with you for no longer being apart of it. The truth is, not all relationships are meant to last a lifetime, and that in no way reflects on your ability to have lasting, meaningful relationships. It certainly does not define your worthiness for love.

5. You are stronger and more capable than you realize. Even though the heart may break, and it might feel like it can never come back together again, we are so much more resilient than we give ourselves credit for being. Take care of yourself, and strengthen the relationship that you have with yourself. As you nurture, honor, and cherish the person that you are, know that (if you are wanting one), a new relationship is always just on the horizon.

I hope these reminders help you through heartache and difficult moments in your relationships. Deep down, I know that there isn’t much that can be said to lessen the blow or ease the pain, but shifting our mindsets to a more positive place can be a huge relief. I would love to hear your thoughts on managing heartbreak, and any tips you have on getting through those rough patches.

Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!

xo, Michelle

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How to Attract More of What You Want in Life

Dear friends,

We all have desires, wishes, hopes and dreams. Many of us work so hard, hustle, and try to do everything it takes to get what we want and still feel empty handed. We think success and getting what you want has to do with luck. What if I told you that you have influence of what you get in life? The good news is you do have that ability. The bad news is you have to work to cultivate the intention and awareness to do so. What I mean by work for it is you have to change your thoughts, which for many of us is a lot of work. Your thoughts truly matter; your thoughts influence everything in your life. Your thoughts become your reality.

I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on my life and what I’ve created and what I still wish to see come to fruition. I’ve felt grateful and also disappointed, I’ve recognized what I’ve built but also know that there is still so much left to do. In my personal deep dive, I remembered that I am a co-creator of my life. So what am I currently creating?

Asking myself this  lead me to start to observing my thoughts, acknowledging my current situation, and think about what thoughts I might have had to create the situations I am experiencing right now. Usually, I can pinpoint a thought or belief system that has manifested into a life situation that is in the present moment, which I might not really desire. This has been a huge revelation for me, as it has given me a big sense of control in what I am creating for my life.

The simple act of redirecting my thoughts and reframing my beliefs has dramatically changed my life. I have found so much freedom and happiness in simply being aware of how I want to feel, and choosing thoughts based on those desires. It’s time to be the magical co-creator of the life of your dreams. You can have what you desire, you just have to start with the thoughts in the mind.

Are you ready to change your thoughts and change your life? Here is a simple step-by-step guide to get you on the right path.

1. Get clear. How do you want to feel, and what do you wish to attract? Clarity is the foundation on which you build the life of your dreams.

2. Observe your thoughts. Are your thoughts in alignement with your desires? Begin to notice how your mind works. Make adjustments accordingly.

3. Be the energy you wish to attract. Live in the energy of what you desire. Act as if you already have all that you so deeply wish for.

4. Let go of the attachment to the outcome, and enjoy the ride. The present moment is where the magic truly happens. Release the attachment to specific outcomes, and see what unfolds when you are living freely in the now.

What are you wishing to attract in your life? Feel free to out your desires here in the comments, sending it out to the Universe! We will create manifesting magic together here!

xo, Michelle

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11 Ways Meditation Has Changed My Life

Dear friends,

Today, (October 10ths) is World Mental Health Day, and so, with this in mind, I wanted to share with you some of the ways meditation and mindfulness have benefited and positively impacted my mental health.

These past few years of upheaval, uncertainty, and loss undoubtedly has impacted our mental health and wellness. I think it’s safe to say we all have struggled with managing the wave of emotion that comes with a pandemic, big life changes, and uncertainty. I do not believe that there are any quick fixes when it comes to balancing out our emotions, and moving through traumatic occurrences, but I do believe that the more positive, healthy habits we add into our lives, the better we will start to feel, even if for just one moment.

I know that meditation is a very buzzy, popular practice these days, but I think for many, it still feels elusive or hard to implement. I have been meditating daily for about eight years now, and though my practice has seen ebbs and flows, it’s an aspect of my life that I would not want to go without. Mostly, I just want to share that meditation is my daily connection with myself, a little check-in, to see how I’m doing and what I’m feeling, day-in and day-out.

I try not to be hard on myself or too rigid with my practice, I follow what feels good for me in an aligned and happy way. Some days meditation feels forced or grueling, and other days it is a welcome moment of peace. But no matter what, I find a way to do it, knowing that I will always feel better for it. Just like with brushing my teeth or taking my daily vitamins, meditation is part of my healthy, daily routine that helps me to stay balanced, stable, and calm.

In addition to all the benefits I’ve named above, I want to share these 11 tangible positive impacts meditation has had in my life:

– A stronger connection to myself and to the people around me
– More self-confidence and self-awareness
– Feeling better equipped to manage stress and anxiety
– A deeper sense of knowing and stronger sense of intuition
– Stronger feeling of guidance and living life in the flow
– Confidence to say no to people, places, and things that are not in alignment with myself and my goals
– Clarity to know what I want, and the action steps to get there
– More motivation and drive to go after what I want
– Openness and willingness to forgive and release those who have hurt me (including for myself)
– Ability to surrender and trust the unknown
– Find peace within myself, my life, and my life path

…to name a few.

If you haven’t yet incorporated this practice into your life, I’d love to gently invite you to do so this week, knowing that you can start small! Take a minute in the morning before you get out of bed to close your eyes again and just breathe. That’s all! That is meditating and it’s perfectly valid.

If you already have a meditation practice, I would love to hear your daily rituals and routines in the comments below!

Happy meditating!

xo, Michelle

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6 Ways to Become Trustworthy

My dear friends,

The ability to cultivate and sustain trust is one of the most challenging and important part of relationships. So often we think about how we can cultivate trust in the people around us, and it’s usually not always easy. But what does it mean to actually be a trustworthy person? What are the things that we can do ourselves to elicit trust from other people? To make people feel safe in our presence? To be the kind of person that people look up to and rely on?

I always say that relationships are two-way streets, it’s not enough to focus outwards, we also have to look within. If we want to have the relationships and interactions in life that make us feel loved, fulfilled, and understood, we have to cultivate that all inside ourselves as well. Cultivating trust is no different.

This week, I wanted to share with you some tangible ways that we can be that trustworthy person and show up in life the way we all would like for others to show up for us. I hope they are helpful!

Be honest but kind. People can tell when they are being fed something that isn’t the truth. Relationships that lack honesty often lack trust. Say what you mean and mean what you say.Communicate clearly. Life gets so much easier when we can clearly communicate our needs, wants, and desires to the people around us. It takes away the space for guessing games and confusion.Be reliable. Trust is chipped away when your actions don’t match up with your words. If you commit to something, try your best to follow through with it.Set clear boundaries. The most trustworthy people are the ones who know where to draw a line and stick with it. If you don’t know what you stand for, you’ll fall for anything.Be understanding and empathetic. People love to feel safe to be vulnerable around the people they love. There is nothing better than a loved one caring for you in a time of need.Be authentic. When you know exactly who you are and what you want, you allow everyone else the opportunity to know the same. Show the people in your life the real you.

What are some attributes you find make someone trustworthy? Let me know in the comments below!

xo, Michelle

 

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