Trust [reflection] [Greek translation]

As I was feeding squirrels in the park,

I noticed a small one that didnt seem to

trust me. While the others came close

enough to eat out of my hand, he kept

his distance. I threw a peanut his way.

He edged up, grabbed it nervously,

and ran off.

Next time he must have felt less afraid,

because he came a little closer. The safer

he felt, the more he trusted me. Finally he

sat right at my feet, as bold as any squirrel

clamoring for the next peanut.

Trust is like that —

it always seems to come down to

trusting in yourself. Others cant overcome

fear for you; you have to do it on your own.

Its hard, because fear and doubt hold on tight.

We are afraid of being rejected, of being hurt

once more. So we keep a safe distance. We

think separating ourselves from others will

protect us, but that doesnt work, either. It

leaves us feeling alone and unloved.

Trusting yourself begins by recognizing that

its okay to be afraid. Having fear is not the

problem, because everyone feels anxious and

insecure sometimes. The problem is not being

honest enough to admit your fear.

Whenever I accept my own doubt and insecurity,

I'm more open to other people. The deeper I go

into myself, the stronger I become, because

I realize that my real self is much bigger

than any fear.

In accepting yourself completely, trust becomes

complete. There is no longer any separation

between people, because there is no longer

any separation inside. In the space where

fear used to live, love is allowed to grow.

• Artist:Michael Jackson
• Album:Dancing the dream