Marianne Preston

Coach- Life Transitions & Burnout Recovery

Newsletter:
October 20, 2025

Hey there Reader,

Radical Trust: The Voice That Knows

Trust is a complicated thing.
We talk about it often — “trust yourself,” “take the leap,” “push past the fear.”
And yes, there’s truth in that. Growth often asks us to take action before we feel ready, to risk failure or even embarrassment.

Most of the time, those fears aren’t life-threatening — they’re ego-threatening.

But trust isn’t one-dimensional.
It lives in layers — in the mind, the heart, and the gut — and learning to tell the difference between them is part of the work of wisdom.

Our mind analyzes and argues. Our heart feels and hopes. And our gut — that deep, intuitive voice — often knows before the rest of us catches up.

Radical trust is learning to recognize which voice is speaking… and then having the courage to listen.

The Kayak and the Knowing

Recently, my husband and I spent a weekend kayaking in the Broken Island chain off the west coast of Vancouver Island — a wild, breathtaking part of the world. We’re not seasoned kayakers, but we’ve done it before. The day began beautifully.

Hours later, though, the weather changed. The wind picked up, whitecaps appeared, and we realized we needed to head back. The problem? To get home, we had to cross a long, open stretch of rough water.

My husband thought we could wait it out. My mind wanted to agree — to analyze, to hope it might calm down. My heart wanted to be brave, to avoid disappointing him or giving up too soon. But my gut said no — clearly and calmly.

This wasn’t fear talking. It was truth. It was clarity.

My gut told me: this is not the right choice for me right now.

So I made a choice. I turned back.

The wind was strong, and I was tired, but I knew it was the right decision for me. Later, even in calmer water, I flipped my kayak. It was humbling — and also affirming. Because everything that happened proved what my gut had been telling me all along: “This is not your crossing today.”

I was able to free myself, find safety on nearby rocks, and get help. Everything worked out.

It reaffirmed something essential: when you listen to your inner wisdom, even when it seems inconvenient or uncertain, life has a way of supporting you.

That moment was Radical Trust in action.
It wasn’t about pushing past fear. It was about discerning which fear was real — and which wasn’t. It was about knowing when to go forward, and when to pause.

What Radical Trust Teaches Us

Radical Trust doesn’t mean blind faith or reckless courage. It’s a practice of listening — deeply — to what’s true for you in any given moment.

Here are three ways to begin cultivating it:

Pause before deciding.
Give yourself space to notice which part of you is speaking — mind, heart, or gut. Which voice feels clear, grounded, and calm?
Distinguish fear from truth.
Fear usually tightens the body. Truth, even when it’s hard, brings steadiness. Learn the physical signals of each.
Keep small promises to yourself.
Each time you honour your word — to rest, to speak honestly, to follow through — you build inner evidence that you can be trusted.

A Final Thought (and Invitation)

When we learn to trust ourselves at this deeper level — mind, heart, and gut — life opens up. Decisions become clearer. Confidence replaces doubt. Peace replaces constant questioning.

If this is something you’re ready to explore, I’d love to help you strengthen that inner trust:

Join me in person on October 22 at the Fraser Valley Regional Library in Hope for a free workshop:
“How to Create an Exceptional Life, Even in Difficult Times.”
We’ll dive into practical ways to align with your own wisdom and agency, drawing from my Radical Trust framework as well as the teachings of Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson.
Or, book a 90-minute Radical Trust Clarity Session — a focused, one-to-one deep dive into one area of your life where you’re ready to move forward. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back and outline clear, actionable steps.
Lets chat about what might serve you best. Link here for a 15 minute call

Lets Talk

You already hold the answers. Radical Trust is how you learn to listen to them.

With love and trust,
Marianne
Marianne Preston Coaching

sunset over the ocean — Sunset from the Broken Island Lodge

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