By Sandy Hibbard

Choosing who you believe, and where and who you rely on for knowledge is something we do quite mindlessly. In the vastness of information we are exposed to everyday, there’s an underlying current guiding us: TRUST. We might not always consciously acknowledge it, but with every headline we read, every news segment we watch, and every email we open, we’re making choices about who and what to trust. It’s a decision that shapes not only our understanding of the world but also our beliefs and actions.

Recently, as I sifted through my email spam folder, I stumbled upon a headline that caught my attention. It claimed that a particular sleeping position could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Another email touted the miraculous powers of an exotic nut to cure various ailments. Both seemed outlandish, so I quickly dismissed them. But it got me thinking: why did I dismiss these claims while others might embrace them?

The answer lies in the culmination our experiences, our values, and the voices we have chosen to listen to.

Growing up, we absorb knowledge from our parents, teachers, and mentors. We trust their guidance because it’s grounded in personal connection and shared experiences. But as we navigate adulthood, our sources of information diversify. We turn to friends, the internet, social media, religion, news outlets, and professionals for guidance on everything from health to politics to spirituality.

Yet, amidst all this noise, how do we discern truth from fiction?

Do we place our trust in the echo chambers of social media, the sensationalism of news networks, or the wisdom of our inner selves? The answer isn’t straightforward. It’s a complex interplay of critical thinking, intuition, and discernment.

Our beliefs, opinions, and worldview are shaped by the narratives we choose to embrace.

Whether it’s the reassuring voice of a trusted mentor, the authoritative tone of a medical professional, or the persuasive rhetoric of a news anchor, we’re constantly evaluating and reevaluating where to place our trust – or we should be! However, there is a huge number of people who blindly believe what they hear from their “preferred source”, without questioning or critically analyzing the information presented to them.

In today’s hyper-connected world, the challenge is not only to filter out misinformation but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of our own beliefs and biases. It requires humility, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge our assumptions. It’s about recognizing that truth is often multifaceted and subjective, shaped by the lenses through which we view the world.

So, who and what do you trust?

Take a moment to reflect on the sources of information that inform your beliefs. Are they rooted in evidence, reason, and personal experience? Or are they influenced by fear, prejudice, or external agendas? It’s a serious question with far-reaching implications for how we navigate our lives and engage with the world around us.

As we journey through today’s massive network of information, let’s anchor ourselves in the pursuit of truth, love, and understanding. Embrace diversity of thought, engage in meaningful dialogue, and remain open to new perspectives. In doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also contribute to a more informed, compassionate, and interconnected society.

In the end, the choice of who to trust is ours to make. Let’s choose wisely.

“The things that you need for today will be taken care of, they will be provided. Just trust.”

I believe this and I don’t think it to be some out of this world mystical, magical, religious or spiritual thing, I think it’s as natural as you and I and I know that if we embrace what’s happening today and focus on doing our best, the needs that we have will be taken care of.

I am thoughtful. I ponder it and wonder…. Is this Universe so compassionate that it does its best to take care of us all? How is that so? And why does it all seem so partial and uneven in the distribution of this grace throughout time and across the world? That I cannot speak to. I think of people who throughout time have lived under cruel and unjust circumstances, where survival has been their daily struggle. In fact, I feel a twinge of pain in my gut to speak so positively from my own good fortune while others have suffered in manners unspeakable. Yet, this is my experience, and although I have not escaped pain and tragedy in my own life, I have always been taken care of – one way or another. Not always as I had wished for, but somehow I was able to climb right back out of it – whole. With the strength of love, and the support of wiser people than myself, and my own damn tenacity, I am here. I. Am. Here.

So yes, I say trust. To everyone I say trust in yourself that you can do [overcome, handle, get through, slay, endure to the end] whatever is before you. Cry, scream, curse and sleep, then get up and love. Get up and believe. Wake up and work and do what is in front of you to do. Stay solitary in your focus. Give within your means and sometimes beyond your means. Find strength in knowing that the bad never stays, good things will come. Meet the bad things head on! Hold on to a grateful heart and a strong will. Don’t give in or give up, but bend, bend as is necessary and grow tall and strong in yourself. Then, when you have done all that, stand firm. Look for opportunities for your life, speak with your word the truth – release creative energy with your speech, and love. Love while always giving. Trust and uphold the good and put away from your mind the things that would make you feel less than you are. And know this… joy will come in the morning. I don’t know how and I sure as hell don’t know why… but it does. We are quite wonderful … all of us.

© Sandy Hibbard 2019