Dear Rachel,
My partner cheated on me. He wants to patch things up, but I am having a really hard time trusting him. How do we move forward?
Sincerely,
Brokenhearted
Dear Brokenhearted,
It’s never easy when trust is shattered, especially by someone you’ve let into your life in a deep and meaningful way. When your partner cheats and wants to make things right, it can stir up a whole mess of emotions. On one hand, there’s the hope for healing; on the other, there’s a very real struggle with vulnerability and doubt. So, how do you move forward? First, it’s crucial to honor your feelings—whether that’s validation, hurt, anger, confusion, or even numbness. These emotions are valid and need to be processed before any decisions can be made. Trust isn’t something you can just “move past” overnight; it’s a process. Giving yourself permission to feel deeply is an essential part of this healing journey.
Rebuilding trust requires more than just words; it involves genuine accountability and consistent action. It’s important to understand your partner’s intentions. Are they truly committed to restoring the integrity of the relationship, or are they simply trying to ease their own guilt? It’s our actions, not just our apologies, that demonstrate our willingness to make things right.
At the same time, it’s vital to define what trust means to you personally. Everyone has different thresholds for trust. Some people can forgive quickly, while others take much longer. Sit with yourself and ask: What does it look like for me to trust again? Does it mean open communication, setting boundaries, or perhaps taking a break to heal before making any decisions? Establishing clear guidelines about what you need to feel safe emotionally and relationally will give you a clearer path forward.
Sometimes, it can be helpful to seek professional help, whether through therapy, counseling, or spiritual guidance. Bringing in a neutral party can provide valuable tools to communicate more effectively, heal wounds, and navigate the complexities of rebuilding trust. This external support can be a helpful anchor during such a tumultuous time.
Healing isn’t something you ‘finish’—it’s an ongoing process that unfolds over time. Trust isn’t something that happens instantaneously. You nurture it. It might take weeks, months, or even longer to feel that trust has been fully restored, and that’s okay. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this process.
Love,
Rachel, the Angel
Did you know…Just because someone is your soulmate doesn’t mean you are meant to be together forever. Some soul contracts are for a short time.
Dear Rachel,
My spiritual director recently told me that the people in my life act as mirrors. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
My social circle is small, but the people who tend to stick around bring a fair amount of drama. It’s made me wonder: are their struggles reflecting something about me? Is it possible that what I’m seeing in them is, in some way, truly a part of myself?
The idea unsettles me. I don’t like the thought that noticing negativity in others—or even in the world—might mean there’s something negative within me. I’m trying to figure out where the mirror ends and my true self begins. Please help.
Sincerely,
Still Staring at Myself
Dear Still Staring,
That swirl of love, rage, familiar ache, and electric knowing? That’s your soul flipping the light switch to ON. A spiritual mirror doesn’t lie—but it does dare you to look closer. You’re not being punished. You’re being invited to stop pretending, start remembering, and reclaim every part of yourself.
Think of what you’re being shown as an invitation to go deeper, at a pace you can handle right now. Just begin by being kind to what’s rising—feel your feelings.
There is nothing about you that needs to be fixed, because you are not broken.
If you can see yourself as a Divine being whose sacred role is to evolve—and accept nudges through the mirrors in your life…well… then your course will unfold before you.
Blessed travel, Seeker. Look at you NOW!
Mirror Exercise: Stand in front of your mirror with soft light and a soft gaze. Place your hand on your heart and say aloud:
“I see you. All of you. And I’m listening now.”
Then hold your own eyes for 30 seconds. Let what’s there be there. This is sacred noticing. Nothing more is required. The rest will come.
Yours in Existential Sparkles,
Rachel, the Angel
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