The Art of Letting Go: A Practical Guide to Rebuilding Trust with Lysa TerKeurst

Trusting again after it’s been broken can feel like an impossible task, yet Lysa TerKeurst’s I Want to Trust You But I Don’t dives deep into that vulnerable space where broken promises, past hurts, and the fear of opening up again all reside. Through her compassionate, practical guidance, Lysa helps us rebuild trust — not just with others, but within ourselves. This isn’t just a book about relationships; it’s a lifeline for anyone needing to heal, reconnect, and rediscover what it means to trust.

Lysa’s Relatable Approach

Lysa’s voice is like that of a friend who’s been through it all — she understands the pain, and she’s right there with you. Known for her candid and empathetic style, Lysa shares her own experiences with betrayal and heartache, creating a safe space for readers to confront their wounds and feel less alone. It’s her warmth, paired with straightforward advice, that makes her approach so impactful for anyone dealing with trust issues.

Why This Book Can Change Lives

I Want to Trust You But I Don’t isn’t just theoretical; it’s a practical guide for anyone hesitant to trust again but yearning for connection. Lysa covers relatable areas, from the anxiety that surfaces when trying to reconnect, to the unspoken fears that silently erode trust. This book offers insights that can help us reframe our relationships and build a foundation of safety and respect.

Whether you’re working to trust a friend, partner, or even yourself, Lysa’s insights help you take the first steps. Her gentle approach shows that trust isn’t rebuilt overnight, but with each small act of honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness, it becomes possible.

Real Strategies for Real Struggles

Lysa doesn’t just tell us to “trust again” — she shows us how. Her suggestions are practical, doable, and grounded in compassion. Here are some key strategies from her book:

Strategy 1: Small Steps, Big Changes Lysa emphasizes that trust is built through small, consistent moments of honesty. She encourages readers to start with simple conversations, reminding us that “Trust is built one small moment at a time. Every honest exchange strengthens it.” Whether rebuilding a friendship or moving past self-doubt, taking small steps helps cultivate a safe foundation.

Strategy 2: Journaling Through the Pain One of the most healing practices Lysa recommends is journaling. She provides thought-provoking prompts that ask us to confront difficult questions like, “What did I need that I didn’t receive?” and “How has this experience changed how I view trust?” By writing down these reflections, readers can better understand their own wounds and begin to let go of pain that may be holding them back from trusting again.

Strategy 3: Forgiveness as Freedom Lysa’s take on forgiveness is liberating. She explains that forgiveness isn’t about excusing the other person’s behavior but about releasing ourselves from anger and resentment. As she says, “Forgiveness isn’t about them. It’s about you choosing freedom over bitterness.” Lysa shows that forgiveness is a path to self-healing, helping us move forward with less emotional weight.

Strategy 4: Creating a Culture of Openness Trust can feel fragile in any relationship, especially when we fear being hurt again. Lysa suggests setting aside intentional times to openly share thoughts and feelings in a safe, judgment-free environment. By fostering this openness, we allow for honest exchanges and create a strong foundation where trust can grow.

Strategy 5: Building Internal Trust Lysa emphasizes that trust isn’t just about others — it’s also about trusting ourselves. She encourages readers to strengthen self-trust through small commitments that build personal confidence, like sticking to a daily routine or following through on promises we make to ourselves. “When you trust yourself, it’s easier to open up to others,” she notes. This inner confidence can help us approach relationships with less fear and greater resilience.

Strategy 6: Mindful Boundaries Trust also involves setting clear boundaries. Lysa encourages readers to understand and communicate their limits, which not only protects us but also builds respect in relationships. She shares practical advice on saying “no” when needed and explains that honoring boundaries is an act of self-trust, ultimately making it easier to build trust with others.

How This Book Supports Healing and Reconnection

I Want to Trust You But I Don’t is a powerful tool for anyone looking to repair and rebuild trust. We all make mistakes, and trust often fractures in relationships because of misunderstandings, disappointments, or unmet expectations. What makes Lysa’s approach so unique is that it doesn’t focus on guilt or blame. Instead, she guides us toward a healthier path forward. Her insights encourage us to practice honesty, forgiveness, and authentic connection, creating a foundation where trust can be re-established and everyone involved can feel more secure.

One of Lysa’s most powerful messages is that trust can be rebuilt, even in relationships that feel too hurt or broken to heal. Through moments of genuine connection, small acts of kindness, and intentional listening, she shows readers how to move beyond past hurts. Her strategies create a foundation where trust can flourish, allowing us to feel safe, respected, and valued. Whether we’re mending a friendship, healing from betrayal, or working to trust ourselves again, Lysa’s guidance offers a pathway to peace, resilience, and a deeper understanding of trust.

My Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to trust again, whether with someone else or within yourself, I Want to Trust You But I Don’t offers a heartfelt roadmap. This book feels like a warm hug and a guiding hand, gently reminding us that trust, while fragile, is rebuildable. Lysa shows us that we’re not alone in our pain, and that through small, intentional acts of healing, trust can grow stronger than before.

This book will stay with you, encouraging you to see trust as a journey worth taking, no matter how many times you have to start over. With each page, Lysa’s wisdom and warmth remind us that trust isn’t a destination but a continuous journey toward healing and connection.