“Learning to trust is one of life’s most difficult tasks.” ~Isaac Watts

After all my years on this planet, I have come to the clear conclusion that people yearn for  one thing only: Love (defined as connection, acceptance, and appreciation). Period.

People have different ways of measuring it, but, as psychologist and author James Hillman said, human beings all need to feel appreciated; it is the greatest human need.

The problem is, few folks have a clue as to what love really is, or how to connect, or what genuine acceptance or appreciation even looks or feels like.

Most people had their trust meters wacked out of shape somewhere along the line growing up. They end up making poor choices, often blaming someone else for the results.

Welcome to the world of CYA (cover-your-ass), the common language of too many.

Trust is at the heart of love. Vulnerability is at the heart of trust. (Brene Brown’s research on this topic has circled the globe.) It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you want to connect to others, and to feel accepted and appreciated, then vulnerability—trusting enough to open up and be our true selves, to tell the truth—is a necessity.

But we’re scared to death that if we did that, others would go, “Um, I don’tt think so. Too ugly. Bye, bye.”

They don’t. I have the data. I’ve led too many workshops and retreats to count and in my entire life, I’ve never witnessed another human being turn away from, dismiss, or belittle someone who honestly shares their insides at an appropriate moment in an appropriate setting. In fact, it is often that moment which creates the bridge of connection.

But—and it’s a big but—if you don’t first learn to trust yourself, it’ll be really difficult to trust others: welcome to the Impostor Syndrome.

Being willing to be seen for whom you really are is at the center of those who end up leaving legacies that inspire others, that encourage authentic interaction and sincere conversations. It’s also the birthplace of appreciation, which is good for business.

Being vulnerable is not weak. It is the most courageous thing you can do.

And when you do, you will find appreciation, connection and acceptance. Inside yourself.

It’s the only journey that really counts.

“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.” ~Golda Meir