Making Meaning

When we begin to bring consciousness to what we are making things mean, we may be surprised at the messages we have been sending ourselves over the years. The meaning we assign to our experiences, whether positive or negative, is a very powerful factor in determining the quality of our lives. What we imagine events to mean will have an effect on the way we feel about ourselves, the people in our lives, and about the world at large. However, if we want to encourage a positive outlook and a sense of self-confidence and trust in the universe, we can begin by assigning more peaceful, loving meanings to what we experience. Imagine, for example, that a friend fails to show up to a lunch date. You have a choice as to what you will make this experience mean for you. You could begin to mentally attack your friend’s character, or you could assume that something big must have happened to cause them to miss the date — then, you might open yourself up to enjoying some relaxing time alone. If you were recently laid off and are having difficulty finding a new job, the universe might simply be moving you in a more fulfilling direction. Consider that you might have hidden talents or passions that were untapped in your regular career that you are now available to explore. If you have recently lost money, gained weight or lost a loved one, see if you can infuse the experience with meaning that feels empowering and opens a door for you to embrace life and the world a bit more. How we attach meaning to events in our lives has a large influence on the quality of our life. Therefore, by taking the reins and beginning to assign a kinder meaning to the events in your life, you will likely find yourself on a much more pleasant ride.

Heart to Heart,
Rev. Addae