When Trust Is Shattered: Rebuilding After Betrayal

The truth was revealed, and one by one, the house of cards that held up my marriage collapsed. I was left standing with a toddler on my hip, only my instincts to guide me. I couldn't feel the ground beneath me. What I didn’t yet realize was that—somehow—there was a web of unseen support holding me. Spiritually and physically, I was being carried, even as it felt like I was free-falling.

The betrayal I experienced in my first marriage left me stunned, questioning how I could have been so blind. My second divorce unraveled me further, pulling the thread of doubt tighter around my own discernment. As if that wasn’t enough, my body seemed to betray me too. In my attempts to heal through food and lifestyle, I overloaded on oxalates and remained ill despite my efforts.

We place so much trust in others—for health, legal advice, finances, and love. Sometimes we’re handed back smoke and mirrors instead. In the quiet aftermath of betrayal, the greatest reckoning isn’t with others; it’s with ourselves.

Learning to Trust Yourself Again

So how do you begin to trust again after betrayal—especially when you don’t trust yourself?

A turning point came when I attended a leadership seminar that gently cracked me open. Through powerful exercises and deep reflection, I discovered I wasn’t just mistrusting others; I didn’t trust myself. My choices, boundaries, and perceptions had all been placed under suspicion.

Instead of collapsing under shame, I became curious. I started the brave work of sitting with my wounds instead of reacting from them. Layer by layer, I peeled back parts of myself that had made decisions out of fear, confusion, or longing.

As I learned to trust myself not to fall back into old patterns, I began choosing differently. My relationships shifted, and my confidence grew. As I started to trust others more, they began to trust me in return.

Rebuilding Inner Trust After Toxic Relationships

In toxic relationships, we often override our intuition. We dismiss that gut feeling or quiet inner whisper. Sometimes, we don’t even realize we have a choice. That’s why reconnecting with your body’s wisdom is vital.

When we pause to feel how we feel—rather than defaulting to what we think we should do—we open the door to powerful clarity.

How Journaling Helps You Rebuild Self-Trust

Journaling is one of the tools I recommend most. It allows you to:

• Assess what’s working and what’s not

• Reflect on moments when your intuition was right

• Track patterns and progress

• Validate your inner knowing

  
  

Over time, you’ll begin to recognize that your body always knew—you just needed to listen.

The Link Between Trauma, Shame, and Somatic Disconnect

Grief, shame, and illness can disconnect us from our body’s signals. When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it becomes hard to be in our bodies. That’s where practices like self-forgiveness, gentle movement, and grace come in.

These aren’t just feel-good concepts; they’re necessary tools for healing. They help you return home to yourself.

How to Reconnect With Your Body's Wisdom

The slow but sacred process of re-establishing communication with your nervous system begins with small, consistent check-ins. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How do I feel?

• Why might I feel this way?

• What is this sensation trying to tell me?

• What small act would honor my truth right now?

  
  

When you validate your experience instead of gaslighting yourself, you begin to orient to your truth. When you anchor into your truth, you build trust.

Somatic Practices to Rebuild Self-Trust

These practices are simple but profound:

1. Hand-to-Heart Breathing

Place one hand over your heart and the other on your belly. Breathe deeply and say: “I am safe to feel. I am learning to listen.”

2. The Yes/No Body Scan

Ask your body a small question like, “Would I prefer tea or water?” Notice the subtle cues your body gives. Over time, this builds sensitivity to your authentic "yes" and "no."

3. Grounding Through the Feet

Feel your feet on the ground. Imagine roots growing into the earth. Say: “I am supported. I am grounded. I am here.”

Why Investing in Yourself Always Pays Off

Trusting yourself is not a destination; it’s a daily practice. It’s a living, breathing dialogue with your nervous system, your body, and your soul. The time you invest in building that trust will return to you tenfold—in peace, clarity, and deeper, healthier relationships.

Ready to Begin Again?

If your heart is asking for support in this process, I invite you to book a session. Together, we’ll gently tend to your nervous system, soften old pain, and rebuild your connection to your body’s deep wisdom.✨ *Take the next step toward healing and self-trust.* ✨Book a Soul-Deep Reset and find out how good you can feel.