I’ve been hearing a lot lately about the importance of meaning and mattering.
How the two have an impact on our overall wellbeing.
We want our lives to have meaning.
We need to feel what we do matters.
They sound similar.
But they’re not the same.
What Is Meaning?
Meaning is internal.
It comes from purpose, belief, and alignment.
A sense that our life has direction.
That we are living in accordance with our values.
What Is Mattering?
Mattering is external.
It’s the sense that we are seen.
Valued.
Appreciated by others.
That our presence makes a difference.
Why We Need Both
We can have one without the other, but it rarely feels complete.
We can find meaning in our work.
Yet, if no one notices our contribution, we may feel invisible like we don’t matter.
We can matter to others, showing up, helping out, and being needed.
However, if it’s disconnected from what we believe in, we may feel a lack of meaning.
We flourish when both are present. When what we do aligns with what we care about.
And when that effort is recognized in some way.
It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes a small thank you is enough.
A message that says, “I see you”.
You made a difference.
Your Turn
Where do you find meaning in your life right now?
When was the last time you felt like you truly mattered?
What small act can you take today to help someone else feel they matter too?