I AM SAFE NOW

Trust, hope, believe; not always easy to do.  Suspecting betrayal comes naturally to me, despite the fact that it’s been many decades since my trust was last betrayed and even though I have had numerous experiences of loyal and respectful connection.  It’s almost as though doubt and suspicion have been imprinted on my DNA.  Learning to distinguish between healthy caution and appropriate apprehension has been a difficult task, learning to recognize trustworthy behavior and signs of a dubious nature, very hard.  When I was young I learned to paint the world with broad strokes of doubt and skepticism to prevent being taken advantage of or hurt.

Today, I am much more capable of discerning who is and isn’t trustworthy.  I can paint with finer lines now and have experienced reliable, dependable, and honest relationships.  I have discovered far more people are safe than dangerous.  I have become skillful at setting boundaries and taking care of myself.  I can relax and remind myself that I am secure now and have the power to choose who and when I will trust.