Mattering Quotes

“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves. We must die to one life before we can enter another.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“In a world where almost everything can be outsourced, the things we choose not to outsource stand out. They become evidence of importance.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“You have a responsibility to make yourself useful again.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Trust forms as actions are repeated over time, signaling that others can count on you.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“during a 1962 visit to NASA’s headquarters, President Kennedy encountered this janitor and asked what he was doing. The janitor replied, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Consider the difference between “Thanks for the sweater” and “You are always such a thoughtful friend.” The real impact is not about the gift. It’s about the thoughtfulness of the gifter.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“It appears in the teachings of religion. For example, in Judaism and Christianity, the idea that each individual is “made in the image of God” (imago Dei) underscores intrinsic worth.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“It is at the heart of our most familiar psychological theories, such as Alfred Adler’s assertion that contributing meaningfully to others is foundational for well-being.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Mattering to Friends and Family Recognition: My presence and contributions are noticed and valued by the people close to me. Reliance: People depend on me. Importance: Others make time for me and prioritize our relationship. Ego Extension: My loved ones are genuinely invested in my happiness and success, just as I am in theirs. Attunement: I feel understood and responded to by those closest to me.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Since 2014”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Tragically, suicide is now the leading cause of firefighter deaths, surpassing those lost in action.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Mattering is double-edged—powerful when we feel it and destructive when we don’t.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“Mattering is what psychologists call a “meta-need” or “umbrella term” because part of its power lies in how it encompasses familiar concepts—feelings of connection”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“small gesture that said: You matter.”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

“The heavier the burden”
― Jennifer Breheny Wallace, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose