🌟Weekly Inspiration🌟

Lately, I’ve been hearing more about the importance of mattering.

From The Mattering Movement website:

A deep sense of mattering offers a protective shield of psychological resources, like self-worth and a sense of belonging, that act as a critical buffer from life’s adversities. 

The rates for depression, anxiety, and loneliness are staggering, especially as more data is collected post-pandemic. We all need to feel that we are valued and that we add value ⭐. It is simple, but true—and for many they simply do not feel that they are valued or that they add value to the world—they do not feel that they matter 😞.

I encourage you to check out The Mattering Movement website—lots of research, resources, a quiz to asses one’s degree of mattering, and a character strengths survey. These could be interesting to take yourself and share with your whole family. Kids and teens love to learn about their strengths and it could be a great way to get this conversation started in your home!

https://www.thematteringmovement.com/mattering-metric-survey
https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

Ask Yourself:

In an emergency, would someone call me?
Do I make an effort to have a positive impact on the world?
Do other people rely on me?
Do I often help others?
Do I let people in my life know when they are appreciated?
Do I feel truly seen and understood by those around me?

As parents, we can help our children understand how much they matter: by having a team mentality, by assigning chores, by not doing everything for them and actively depending on one another within the household, by having them care for pets/plants, by sending artwork and love notes to grandparents, by helping to cook meals/lunches, volunteer, and by encouraging thank you notes after receiving presents/ to express gratitude to coach/youth pastor/teacher/tutor/therapist. Model mattering for them in the way that you walk through the world. Just a few ideas off the top! Tell them how much they matter to you, the family, their friends, and the community around them—don’t just tell them, have it ring true to them!  

Be Well