How Meanings We Give Shape Our Lives

See this sweater?

It’s the first time I’ve worn it since my corporate days. I’m sure I wore it on my last project prior to pandemic shutdowns. I remember when I first saw this sweater, I was immediately reminded of Charlie Brown’s yellow sweater with the black chevron stripe. The pattern and colors were cute, but more importantly it looked professional.

At the time, there wouldn’t have been a point in buying it if it wasn’t and because it was a nice business casual look, I wore it often. Often enough that when my time in corporate ended, like so much of my professional wardrobe, I didn’t wear it again.

For me, this sweater was tied to a time of being overworked, stressed, tired, and feeling undervalued. To separate myself from those feelings, instead of doing what was need emotionally, mentally, spiritually, I instead avoided and detached myself from anything that was used or reminded me of that time.

Last night as I went through some clothes, I found this sweater and decided to wear it today for my calls. Why? Because it’s cute, perfect for this weather and… it made me think of Charlie Brown. It’s also one of my favorite sweaters.

It wasn’t until I looked at myself in the mirror this morning that I realized what I’m sharing now.

The sweater didn’t change.
I had changed and with it the meaning I gave it.

I mean, really, what power does a sweater have without a meaning you attach to it?
If I sold this sweater today, someone would wear it happy with their purchase with their own meaning attached to it.

We live our life through the meaning we give to people, places, things, events. These meanings affect the level at which we experience life in all the different areas.

Think about where in your life you have cast something (or someone) aside because it triggers a painful or uncomfortable time. Really ask yourself, what am I avoiding because “it bothers me” or “gets on my nerves” or “it’s just too much right now”?

How is doing that serving you?
How is doing that holding you back?
What would life be like if you no longer had that concern?

If you reflect on it, you’ll begin to discover what’s really at the heart of that trigger that leads you to run away. That belief or thought that is affecting you much more than the behavior itself.

Once you discover it, do you have the courage to do what is needed to be free of it?

That’s the invitation today.