How to Change the Meaning You Attach to Things (And Break Old Patterns)

SummaryIn this embodied, real-time conversation, Julie Brumley walks listeners through a powerful shift: the meaning we attach to our experiences shapes our stories, emotions, and the way we move through the world.Most of us think we’re reacting to what’s happening now… but often, we’re responding to what we expect to happen based on the past.Through personal examples and guided reflection, Julie shows how old meanings - like “I’m too much” or “something is wrong with me” - keep us stuck in familiar patterns.This episode introduces a simple, body-based practice to pause, question those meanings, and choose something new. Not by forcing positivity, but by creating space for a different experience.This is the bridge between releasing the past and creating what’s possible.Keywordsadoption, adoptee healing, somatic work, nervous system, trauma, identity, self-worth, meaning, emotional patterns, embodiment, relationships, belongingKey TopicsHow meaning shapes emotion, behavior, and expectationWhy we react from past associations, not present realityPersonal examples: breakdown, rejection, and conflictShifting from “something is wrong with me” to new meaningThe nervous system’s role in familiar patternsA 4-step practice to change meaning in real timeAnchoring new beliefs through the bodyTakeawaysYou’re not reacting to now - you’re responding to past meaningOld meaning → old story → old emotions → repeated patternsWhat you associate becomes what you anticipateYou don’t get what you want - you get what you’re practiced in receivingYou can pause and choose a new meaningYour body must experience the shift, not just think itThis is the bridge between release and creationChapters00:00 – A conversation, not a lecture01:00 – The bridge: releasing → creating02:00 – Why meaning matters03:30 – Associations + anticipation (Kelly Brock teaching)05:30 – Real-life example: feeling excluded07:40 – Old meaning: “something is wrong with me”09:30 – Reframing breakdown → breakthrough10:30 – Relationship + conflict examples12:00 – The 4-step practice14:00 – Anchoring new meaning in the body16:30 – Somatic integration practice18:30 – Releasing old story, receiving new meaning20:20 – Choosing again in real time22:00 – Closing reflection + invitationClosing NoteIf something stirred in you while listening… that’s not random.It’s awareness.Pause.Ask what you’re making it mean.And gently… choose again.LinksUn-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing retreatPdf of my notes for referenceWebsiteInstagram: @juliebrumley_Facebook: julierasbrumTikTok: @juliebrumley_Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook GroupYou Tube: @julie_brumley