Trust. It is such a simple word. It is one that puts you in the middle. It is a feeling. It is emotional. It is hard to gain and easy to lose. It is a part of being human.

What is trust? Why do we trust some people and not others? What are the qualities that allow us to trust?

The ability to trust lies in the inner portion of the brain. It is emotionally based and has no capacity for language. It leads us to trust people based on a common ground. It is communities that build trust. Neighbors open to one another, leading to help. This human interaction is the seed that grows to trust.

Do you trust me?

We humans long for interaction with others. Video conferences do not fully replace this interaction. The eye-to-eye and hand-to-hand contact is a part of who we are. It is how we build trust.

Trust is integral to human beings. They have to exist or we get more disconnected and more self-centered. Trust is about interactions. It is interactions. No matter the level of experience another may have in what we seek, if there is no trust, there is no relationship.

Trust allows us to take bold steps. It allows us to build great things. Great works. Great wonders. Trust is forged in the heat of battle and the most tender of moments. It breaths and moves. It endures.

Do you trust me?

The start toward trust harbors in the Why of others. When you know why someone does what they do; what drives them to continue; how deep their level of commitment, it is far easier to trust them. You have their motivation. You know there is nothing hidden.

Secrets breed mistrust. Lies add fuel. Openness brings light. Trust only grows in the light. Darkness will surely kill trust. Once dead, it can be nearly impossible to revive.

Do you trust me?

I do what I do because of my Why. I long to empower people. I find joy in watching others discover their dreams, realize their goals, max their potential. Without trust, no one will allow me to know them well enough to help them.

I can help people change their lives. I cannot change it for them. They must walk the path, but knowing someone they trust is behind them will help.

Think back to that first bicycle ride without the training wheels. Was someone holding the seat? Did they run along until you had enough speed to stay steady? How did it feel when you looked back and they were no longer holding the seat? How did it feel when you saw the smile on their face as you achieved? What was it like when it was your turn to hold the seat? That feeling is trust?

Without trust, there is no community. Without community, there is no society. Trust is the very thread that holds us all together. In its absence, insanity rules. Arbitrary laws get passed when people no longer trust one another to do the right thing. Regulations run amuck and the largest gun wins.

Without trust, people are suspicious of others. Without trust, travel becomes more burdensome. People watch one another and quickly turn to authoritarian leaders for protection. No one is safe. All feel uneasy.

It is time to rebuild trust. Time to reconnect with one another. Time to reach out your hand and say hello. It is time to be known by your neighbors and understand each other. It is time for openness and warmth. Let the light in. Build trust.

Do you trust me?