Trust the Process: What Does It Really Stir in You?
If I were to ask you what begins to stir in your body—emotionally, mentally, or physically—when someone says, “Trust the Process,” could you name it?
Because I did exactly that. I polled quite a few people this week to get some real results for you. And if you have made it this far and want to know more, please continue reading. What you find in the next few blogs—and even in the next few paragraphs—could change everything for you.
Why TRUST Became My Word
At the end of each year, I choose a word to carry my actions throughout the year. It keeps me looking at life through a different angle. As I sat pondering this last year, I realized the word TRUST was coming through loud and clear.
For me, trust went way deeper than the norm of just trusting others. One of the first phrases that came to mind was, “Trust the Process.” As a life coach, I have said it many times before and have had it said to me many times as well.
This time, I decided to really sit with it—because TRUST was my word.
What Does “Trust the Process” Actually Mean?
I began to ask myself, what does that really mean? Let’s pause for a minute and really think about that.
The phrase “Trust the Process” is not about spreading positivity to someone. There isn’t a secret formula to it. You can’t just bypass the pain you are going through—but you also cannot stay in that place forever.
And even though the response “I’m fine” is the easiest way to answer most questions that dig too deep, that also is not the way.
Trusting the process is staying present with what’s unfolding without abandoning yourself.
What Do You Feel When You Hear “Trust the Process”?
Here we are again with the question: what do you feel when you hear “Trust the Process”?
There is no right answer here. There are so many variables in every scenario. But let’s take a look at a few of the real answers I received—because you might find yourself in them too.
Real Responses From Real People
One person stated that instant stress, overwhelm, or anxiety wells up inside her. The phrase itself triggers the reality that things have to change. And let’s face it—sometimes change is very difficult. Not knowing whether you are making good decisions or how things will turn out can cause enormous tension. A tension that is confusing and hard to navigate.
A second person shared something similar:
“I know the leadership saying it is right, but I want to run away kicking and screaming. I repeat the words to the people I need to so the job can get done, even though I’m not fully on board. It’s scary—but usually when someone says that, they are already on the other side. They have solid results of the change being implemented.”
Another very valid response. Scared.
The next person said it really depends on who is saying “trust the process.” This breaks the phrase apart and shifts the focus away from the word process and onto the word TRUST.
Is the person saying this someone you can trust? Because that makes a world of difference in whether your body can relax—or whether it goes into fight-or-flight mode.
The Art of Trusting the Process
The response I enjoyed the most related the phrase to art.
She shared that when creating art, you sometimes look at lines on paper and wonder how they could ever turn into anything of value. But then layers are added—and all of a sudden, something beautiful emerges.
I’d like to think we are all built the same way. Built with layers and depth that make us beautiful.
In any given scenario, none of us truly know how things will turn out. We step forward into the unknown, challenging ourselves to go deeper each time. The layers begin to unfold before us.
When Trusting the Process Isn’t Pretty
Is it stressful? Absolutely.
Is the overwhelm there? Always.
Do you want to run kicking and screaming? Most times.
Is the person trustworthy? Sometimes not.
The truth is, trusting the process isn’t always pretty. It can hurt. But it can also turn into something beautiful in the end—even if how you thought you would get there changes.
There is a simplicity in trusting the process that allows you not to have all the answers. To simply be. To allow what needs to happen to happen. To let your body exhale, knowing you don’t have to figure everything out at once.
Closing Thoughts: You Are Exactly Where You Should Be
Whatever response you felt initially when you saw the image or read the words “Trust the Process,” is correct. You are exactly where you should be.
Won’t you join me for the remainder of this month as we dive deeper into this phrase? I post a new blog every Sunday, each one exploring a different angle and theme.
If you’re interested in more reflections like this, I invite you to take some time and read on.
Questions to Reflect On
-
Where have you been told to trust the process when what you really needed was support?
-
What would it mean to trust yourself inside the process—not the outcome?
If you find that you do need support with this, please reach out to me. Leave a comment on this blog or send me a personal email. We don’t have to walk through this alone.
With love and vitality,
Kathy
The Energy Pharmacist
Soul Centered Vitality