Self Trust
When my cousin Andrea's "Self Trust" course landed in my inbox just weeks after my layoff, the timing couldn't have been more serendipitous. What followed was a seven-week journey (November through February) that offered exactly what I needed: a structured path toward trusting myself during a period of transition.
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny inner sparks of possibility inot flames of achievement.”
The Course Structure
Andrea thoughtfully designed the course to progress through various self-care tools and practices:
Morning affirmations to set positive intentions
Music to elevate daily energy
Meditation practices (finally addressing that New Year's resolution!)
Journaling prompts for deeper reflection
Movement exercises like intuitive dancing and tapping
I’m not giving away the secret sauce—the course content contained so much more! The beauty of it—it never felt overwhelming. Some days, the "assignment" was as simply taking time to rest and letting go through dance. Other days invited deeper introspection, but always at a manageable pace.
The Expanders Concept
One of my favorite modules introduced the concept of "Expanders" – people who have walked similar paths and achieved what you aspire to. These individuals expand your sense of what's possible by demonstrating that your dreams are achievable. For my Expanders mood board, I chose three women who represent different aspects of my aspirations:
Ina Garten / At 30, she took a massive leap of faith by purchasing a specialty food shop in the Hamptons. Through dedication and attention to detail, she built an empire that eventually brought her into America's living rooms via the Food Network. Her approach to hospitality and eye for meaningful details resonates deeply with my own values.
Julia Cameron / Author of "The Artist's Way," which transformed my creative practice at 30. Her development of tools like Morning Pages and Artist Dates provided a framework for creative renewal that I know I'll return to throughout my life. Her multi-faceted creative career shows that creative pursuits can evolve and multiply over time.
Erin Foster / A writer, founder, and podcaster whose timeline defies conventional expectations. She reminds me that success doesn't have an expiration date—creative and personal fulfillment can blossom in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.
The Takeaway
The Self Trust course left me with something invaluable: an inner knowing that I can trust myself and my path forward. I learned practical techniques to shift negative thought patterns in the moment, creating space for bigger shifts in my life's direction. Perhaps most importantly, I discovered that self-trust isn't a destination but a practice—one that I'll continue to develop throughout my life's journey.
This post is part of my "Learn" series documenting my educational journey and how it shapes my creative consulting approach. For more information about Andrea’s work check out The Home Base Collective’s website, subscribe to her newsletter on Substack, and follow Andrea and H | B on Instagram.