Here's What My Dog Taught Me About Trust

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the most extraordinary life lessons come from the simplest of things? Well, today’s lesson comes from my dog Simba. He is a rescued chihuahua mix about four years old and was on the point of starving to death when I adopted him. Since I have no idea what his life was like before he came to me, I’m still learning some of his particular quirks.

At times, he tends to be a little suspicious about taking any food from my hand. Today, I was in the kitchen and gave his sister Bella some coconut oil. She’s also a rescued chihuahua mix and is very food motivated. She happily gobbled up the coconut oil from my hand while Simba looked on suspiciously. This is pretty much a daily ritual in our house. Bella eats the oil and I have to drop his on the floor where he will stare at it suspiciously, then at Bella to see if she’s still alive. Meanwhile, Bella is getting seconds while he is still deciding if he wants to eat what I’ve given him.

So, while this little drama is replaying today, I turned to Simba and said “Simba, your inability to trust means that you’re getting less”. Then it hit me! This is true of all of us about one thing or another! For example, have you been afraid to date because you haven’t had great success in the past? Are you feeling stuck in a relationship but hesitant to leave because maybe you won’t find anyone else better out there? Are you staying in a job that you hate because you’re afraid to take a risk and find another? The examples are endless. How do you think your inability to trust is shaping or hindering your life?

Like Simba, learning to trust can be a process. It requires you to be vulnerable yet courageous. Hopeful yet cautious. Wise yet care-free. So, how do you begin to trust when you feel afraid and shut down?

Here are some ways to begin:

Decide that you want to take a chance

 In order to be different, you have to do something different. For example, if you would like another job, then start taking steps to find a different one. This can be something small like taking an online class, or college classes to increase your skill set. Looking at job postings can often inspire you to take a different direction.  If you could do anything, what would you do?

Release attachment to the outcome

Sure, we would all like that first date to turn into something more, but are you going to be ok if it doesn’t? Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith without trying to control the circumstances. Often, what causes us the most anxiety is some perceived reality not meeting our expectations. This incongruency leads to feelings of frustration and failure. Neuro-Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) is excellent for helping you release the effects of a perceived failure while also dealing with reality vs expectations.

Believe that you deserve something better

You don’t have to be stuck in a particular circumstance or situation. Often, our fear or low self esteem keeps us in situations far less than desirable. It’s important to identify what makes you really afraid about changing your circumstances. These fears are keeping you trapped. By facing them, you take away their power. Regaining your power means regaining your life!

The ability to trust is a very important thing to so many areas of your life. Many people believe that trust makes you vulnerable. Instead, it actually requires great courage to face the world with a trusting heart and mind. A lack of trust in yourself or the world around you keeps you shielded from opportunities and even greater love. If you need help opening up yourself on any level, then Neuro-Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) may provide relief.

 Dr. April Darley is an expert at resolving stuck patterns of behavior through Neuro-Emotional Technique (N.E.T.). By identifying self-sabotaging behaviors, she can help you regain confidence, improve relationships, remove blocks to health, wealth and success in any area of your life.