There’s one relationship that influences every success, every challenge, and every moment of self-doubt. It’s not with a mentor, a boss, or even a close friend.
It’s the one you have with yourself.
We often focus on external relationships—networking, leadership connections, building trust with a team. But at the end of the day, the person who determines whether you rise or fall, whether you move forward or stay stuck, is you.
The way you talk to yourself, the way you trust yourself, and the way you show up for yourself in hard times—that is what matters most.
Why Self-Trust Is the Foundation of the Most Important Relationship
Think about the last time life threw a challenge your way. Maybe you felt underestimated at work, or you faced a personal setback that knocked the wind out of you. Maybe you felt isolated, unsure of who to turn to.
Now, think about the person who got you through it.
It wasn’t the friend who gave you advice, or the mentor who encouraged you. It was you.
You leaned on yourself. You found a way through. Even in moments of doubt, even when it felt like too much, you stood back up. That relationship—the one you have with your inner voice, your resilience, your confidence—is everything.
“The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.”
— Psychology Today
And when you truly strengthen that connection? When you learn to trust yourself unconditionally?
You become unstoppable.
Your Inner Lighthouse
Life is noisy. People will project their own doubts onto you. Some will tell you what you should do. Others will question whether you have what it takes. And some will actively try to hold you back.
But when your relationship with yourself is strong, none of that sticks.
Instead of absorbing other people’s emotions or opinions, you stand steady—like a lighthouse. You become your own guiding force, calling in confidence, strength, and courage instead of seeking it externally.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
This kind of self-trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through every small moment where you choose yourself. Where you back yourself. Where you listen to your own wisdom over the noise around you.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Yourself
If you’re feeling disconnected, if self-doubt is creeping in, if you’re questioning your own instincts—pause. And come back to you.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Talk to yourself like you would a close friend.
Would you tell a friend she’s not good enough? Would you dismiss her struggles? Of course not. Speak to yourself with the same level of encouragement and respect.
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.“
— Brené Brown
2️⃣ Trust your instincts.
The more you listen to your own inner wisdom, the more confidence you’ll build. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
“When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.”
— Glennon Doyle, Untamed
3️⃣ Make time for self-reflection.
Whether it’s journaling, taking a walk, or simply sitting in silence, create space to reconnect with yourself.
4️⃣ Celebrate your resilience.
You’ve been through challenges before, and you’ve come out stronger. Remind yourself of that.
5️⃣ Set boundaries.
Protect your energy. Not everyone deserves access to you, and not every opinion needs to be considered.
“You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”
— Louise Hay
You Are the Love of Your Own Life
At the end of the day, you are the one person who will always be with you. Through every challenge, every success, every unexpected twist—you’ve got you.
So when things get tough? Love yourself harder.
When doubt creeps in? Anchor yourself.
When others question you? Trust yourself.
“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.”
— Rupi Kaur
Because when you truly embrace the power of your own relationship with yourself, nothing can shake you.
To your Badassery,
Marie