Over the weekend, I opened a post from a colleague I served with during Desert Shield/Storm, and she wrote, “Be careful who you trust.  Salt and Sugar look the same.” -Frances

 

Today, I’m reflecting on those profound words simply because trust is essential to my life.

 

I’m sure, just as for Frances, when in combat situations, we had to trust each other when I was her leader.

 

Not that I want to highlight being in a combat zone, but I believe over the years, there are people in our lives who are like “Salt and Sugar.”

 

One day, they are sweet; the next day, they are not.

 

Several years ago, I recalled using sugar for my coffee, mistakenly putting salt in it somehow.

Maybe that has happened to you as well?

 

We also know that salt and sugar are not good for our health, yet we use both daily.

 

Today, friendships are like salt and sugar because they are ever dynamic and changing as I know who I can trust and can’t.

 

Sitting and looking at the words in greater detail inspired me for this week’s blog.

 

Over the years, many of us have created habits, me included, by making calls or receiving calls each week from my close friends.

 

We use them as sounding boards as our way of staying connected.

 

We know both the sweet and not-so-sweet side of them and can discern enough to trust our instincts when something is incorrect.

 

However, as I thought about what I was reading, I also wondered what was going on internally with me, allowing me to see this image of salt and sugar profoundly.

 

Maybe because my front yard was covered with white snow and ice this past week for at least four days. It all looked the same; if I was not careful, I could slip and fall.

 

I had to trust my instincts to remain home and not venture out until I knew it was safe.

The phrase is accurate and self-explanatory in that salt and sugar look the same; however, each has a specific purpose.

 

We can also infer a sense of trust if we use them in the right conditions, and we can benefit from both salt and sugar.

 

What conditions are you setting up to make the most of your salt and sugar metaphors in your life?

 

The word trust sits in the background of my mind and is a powerful reminder that should not be taken for granted in any friendship.

 

Parents today must trust that their children will do the right things when no one is looking as they grow older and witness various situations in life.

 

Sometimes, you and I can take on the roles of Superman or Superwoman, which can be harmful as we view various issues.

 

Are You Trying to Be Superman or Superwoman? | Psychology Today

 

Superwoman Syndrome and Superman Complex Make Anxiety Soar | HealthyPlace

 

This week, I’m looking at salt and sugar from a different perspective while being careful about who I can trust.

 

I’m grateful for my friendships and even more thankful for the insights I continue to learn from those relationships.

What about you?

 

Have a great week ahead, and call a friend to say hello!