Two small words, yet a world of difference between them-trust and cynicism. Just to clarify what they mean, I thought it would be best to go back to the dictionary for their accurate meanings:
Trust Pronunciation: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b : one in which confidence is placed; dependence on something future or contingent TRUSTWORTHINESS; a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship; something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b : responsible charge or office c : CARE, CUSTODY
Cynical-having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic : as a : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives b : based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest - synonyms CYNICAL, MISANTHROPIC, PESSIMISTIC mean deeply distrustful. CYNICAL implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity
(Source: http://www.m-w.com/)
When something bad happens, we have one of two choices to make-either get bitter or cynical about it, or just gather oneself, and move on, trusting and faithful that whatever happens, is for the best, and that this too shall pass. To be forever cynical and doubting of the world around oneself, its people and its relationships is putting oneself up for a lot more disappointment, because, ironically, the cynicism that "protects" us from hurt that is inevitable in a relationship, also isolates us from possibly stronger, deeper, and more trusting bonds in the future.
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin once says, "To choose doubt as a philosophy of life, is to choose immobility as a means of transportation." Although witty, it reminds us that in order to keep moving through life, one must learn to trust others, inspite of risking further hurt from new relationships. One should balance one's sense of doubt and need to feel secure, with the confidence that better things are in store. It is important to be careful as we move on in life, but not to the extent that we can no longer trust anyone. Pain is inevitable in relationships. Its how we deal with them that matters. That's life.
I write this in a moment of sharp clarity and insight, and will come back to this point sometime later as well. What I have just written applies to me too. I do tend to be shaken when faced with a problem, but I have survived, and you will too, my friend. Just keep the faith. :)
Its all about TRUST. :)
1 comment:
Good post! Very clear writing.
In one of my previous posts, i raised the same issue. I paste here translation of my favourite Spanish Song, which talks about the same thing...
To know what one can (do) ; To want that one can (do)
To take off the fears; and throw them away
To paint the face, with colour of hope / Faith
To have a go at the future, with all the heart
Post a Comment