‘The perfect antidote to our modern mental health
epidemic' PROFESSOR TIM SPECTOR
'Wallace has a deep understanding of what matters most to
us – and her book shows us how to find it' ADAM GRANT
‘Beautifully written and deeply felt’ SUSAN CAIN
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From award-winning writer Jennifer Breheny Wallace, a
deeply consequential look at restoring closeness in our relationships and how
feeling connected – mattering – can bring purpose and happiness to our lives.
In a world where loneliness, burnout, and disconnection have
reached crisis levels, Jennifer Breheny Wallace offers a transformative
solution: mattering. Through vivid storytelling and groundbreaking
research, Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Purpose and
Connection reveals how feeling seen, needed, and valued isn't just a
nice-to-have—it's essential for our wellbeing and society's future.
Filled with stories of individuals who have discovered the
power of mattering, from the story of a fire chief who re-energized his
emotionally exhausted team by helping them see their long-term impact, to a
woman who transformed her grief into a movement helping thousands rebuild their
lives, Wallace shows how mattering can be cultivated in every sphere of life.
She demonstrates that when people feel they truly matter—that their
presence and contributions are noticed, needed, and missed when they aren’t
there—everything changes. Productivity soars, relationships deepen, and
communities strengthen.
Drawing on compelling research and intimate portraits of
people who've discovered the power of mattering, Wallace provides a practical
blueprint for creating lives of deeper meaning and connection. She reveals:
- How
small acts of recognition can transform workplace culture and prevent
burnout
- Why
helping others often energizes us rather than depletes us
- How
to build "mattering spaces" that foster genuine connection in
our communities
- Practical
strategies for navigating life transitions while maintaining our sense of
purpose
Perfect for readers of Brené Brown and Adam Grant, this
timely book offers both hope and concrete solutions for our modern crisis of
disconnection. Mattering isn't just another self-help
guide—it's a revolutionary framework for rebuilding the connections that make
life meaningful and creating positive change that ripples outward from
ourselves to our relationships, workplaces, and communities. With clarity and
compassion, Wallace shows us that the antidote to our cultural crisis of
isolation isn't to turn inward, but to recognize how much we matter to each
other. This book will forever change how you think about your role in the lives
of others and offer a path to a more connected, purposeful life.
