Topic 2: Finding meaning 

Finding meaning is about entering that your choice and actions are guided by what’s really important to you. The search for meaning is primarily looking inward process. It’s a personal quest that is focused on understanding when is most important to us. With this foundation, we can then look outward to consider the extent to which our work, learning and relationship are aligned with our values, drivers and “ whys ”.  

Knowing ourselves 

When we have a foundation of self-awareness- knowing our values, drives and “whys ”, we can bring to identify/create work and learning options that moves us towards our personally define preferred future. Disability can help us find our career fit- not THE perfect job (if that in fact exists), but rather options that are congruent with who we are and what we care about. Knowing what is meaningful to us can become our North Star pointing Us in the direction we want to go.  

“ For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general, but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at the given moment. ” 

Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for meaning 

Meaning can change 

The 4M model is a non-linear, step by step process. We can maneuver and meander at any point. This is especially true when it comes to the third m of the model – meaning. What is Meaningful to us tends to change throughout our lives. Think of our web is important to someone changes when that person as a child, is exposed to different cultures or experiences lost in their life. Think about what was meaningful to you when you were young compared to what is meaningful to you now. Events and experiences change who we are and what we find meaningful and different stage of our lives.