Have you ever noticed how certain things—small, everyday things—have a way of bringing up feelings from your past? This morning, I had one of those moments that brought me back to my childhood, and it made me think about how our subconscious patterns are formed and how they influence us as adults.
Growing up, my dad had a very distinct "Saturday look." On weekdays, he would always be dressed in a suit—buttoned-up, professional, and off to work. But Saturdays were different. Saturdays were for flannel shirts and jeans. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that simple shift in wardrobe created a strong subconscious association for me. Flannel shirts meant Dad was home. They meant the weekend was here. Saturdays were always a little more relaxed, a little more fun, and those flannel shirts were the symbol of it.
This morning, I noticed something that brought a smile to my face. My husband was wearing a flannel shirt. It hit me then—those same warm, happy feelings I had on Saturdays growing up still exist for me today. Without even thinking about it, I'm always drawn to him on the days he wears flannel, and I realized it’s because of that deep, positive association from my childhood. For me, flannel shirts don’t just look cozy—they feel like home, like relaxation, like connection.
This is the power of subconscious patterning. We carry these seemingly small, unnoticed details from our childhood into our adult lives, and they influence our emotions, decisions, and even our relationships in ways we don't always consciously recognize. Something as simple as the fabric of a shirt can hold so much emotional meaning.
When we talk about subconscious programming, it often sounds complex, but in reality, it's built from everyday experiences.
From the way your grandmother hummed while cooking, to the smell of fresh-cut grass in the summer, to the routine of a family meal—these everyday moments shape us. They create mental and emotional shortcuts that stay with us long after the moments themselves have passed.
In my case, flannel shirts represent comfort and presence—my dad was home and available on Saturdays. And now, whenever I see my husband in flannel, it triggers that same sense of peace and joy. It’s fascinating how our brains tie such specific, sensory memories to emotions.
The subconscious mind is always learning, always adapting, and it doesn't forget. The good news is, as adults, we have the ability to recognize these patterns and, when necessary, reshape them. But more importantly, we can honor the positive ones—the associations that bring us warmth and connection, like a cozy flannel on a Saturday morning.
Have you ever noticed how certain smells, sights, or sounds bring you back to a feeling from childhood? I’d love to hear your stories and reflect on how our subconscious patterns influence our day-to-day lives.
Warmly,
Jennifer Ferrante, CHt.
Ferrante Family Wellness
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