In January of this year, instead of making a resolution, I made myself a promise. I promised I would learn to trust myself. I’ve trusted people I shouldn’t have for as long as I can remember. I’ve put my value in other people’s opinions of me. And I’ve found when operating under those conditions, life was challenging. I was ready to focus the year on learning the valuable lesson of inherent trust.

While I won’t admit to being a self-trust expert, I will admit to making huge strides in trusting myself. I’ve acknowledged that I make sound decisions. As the only adult regularly in my household, I’ve successfully kept it afloat financially and domestically. And I’ve even improved its physical appearance. I’m steadfast in my convictions, despite what others have to say about me. And folks in my inner circle know they can be vulnerable with me safely. This list doesn’t make me perfect. I’m not. But this list does make me worthy of my own trust.

A Shift

Earlier this year, I suffered a great loss when my beloved, Crush, crossed the rainbow bridge. At the time, getting another dog was inconceivable. But during a 20-day COVID quarantine, I had the overwhelming feeling it was time to rescue a dog. And instead of pushing the feeling away, I homed in on it and rescued Minnie Mouse. I trusted that my mind, body, and soul knew it was the right time. The day Minnie Mouse came home to us, I had a profound adjustment in my thought process. I successfully trusted myself without pushback and, as it turned out, I had made a fabulous decision. By myself.

Minnie Mouse was the first dog I’ve rescued. In the past, I’ve always purchased my dogs from breeders. And the common saying is true: I know I rescued her, but she really rescued me. She’s taught me I’m dependable and a consistent leader. She’s taught me I’m capable of living a joyful and goofy life. And most important, she’s taught me that if I trust myself, my life will prosper in ways I can’t yet imagine. She’s taught me more in the last month than I’ve taught her – and she already knows a few tricks and is housetrained!

As Golda Meir, Former Prime Minister of Israel, is known for saying, “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you’ll be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

And now that these inner sparks have been fanned, I’m ready for the achievement flames!