What is Meaning Making?

Can we be honest with each other?

Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. Why do good people die young? Why do babies get cancer and other painful diseases? Why do people support systems that oppress themselves and others? Why do people abuse others?  Why are some people perfectly healthy despite hard living while others live clean and have a life of pain and disease? Why? Why? Why?

While we may find the the individual and systemic reasons some of these things happen, often, they still don’t make sense in our hearts and minds.

I have found in my personal journey and in helping others that chasing the why is often a fruitless journey and wasted energy. Even when I know why it doesn’t erase the pain of life’s devestating experiences. 

So when life doesn’t make sense, I make meaning. Meaning making is an intentional shift in perspective. Instead of asking, “Why? we can choose to answer the question, “What now?” In light of what I’ve seen, experienced and know, what do I want to do now? What is in my power to address, heal, change individually and communally? I have to decided this is where my energy is best served. Making sense of things doesn’t really give me any sense of purpose or direction, but making meaning can help direct my energy to something life-giving and fulfilling. 

I don’t know why disease exists and why people suffer so, but I have recognized in myself a gifting to care for the hurting and forgotten. I cannot always make sense of life’s pain, but I can walk with people through it. Being a hopeful companion to care seekers in need is my life’s work and I don’t need to know why things happen to be a support when things happen.

If you need help making meaning of life’s difficulty I am here to support you. Click the button below to schedule an appointment or send me an email to request a consultation.