Editing to add: This post is titled “My Adoption Journey” but the truth of being adopted means that there isn’t a full narrative while we are still living here on this earth. Our stories and healing are always evolving. We are always changing in our perspective, relationships to self and others and consciousness. This post and linked podcast are dots on the map of my journey. Please listen in if you like AND know that I am in a much different place today than I was. Always growing and learning.
This spring I did something I had never done before: I shared about my journey as an adoptee and adoptive parent on a podcast for adoptive parents, The Adoption Connection. My hope in sharing my story was to help adoptive parents (and anyone else who loves an adoptee) better understand the unique lifelong journey of an adoptee regarding identity, belonging and family. As I listened to the recording I realized I was literally integrating older parts of my story with my more recent experiences as the host, Melissa, asked me questions and I (slowly) answered them.
Telling our stories in a safe space (whatever that is for your present and future needs, maybe not a podcast for you!) can help bring integration and clarity about how far we have come and what we need to further our own growth and healing. For me it has been important to integrate my personal and professional selves in order to be a secure and loving parent, as well as an authentic presence and support for families. Brene Brown’s research and writing on vulnerability and courage has both inspired and challenged me to take action and use my voice to create change.
Where in your life have you been brave and vulnerable? How did it impact you and others? I would love it if you sent me a note via my contact page to let me know.
If you would like to hear the podcast you can find it anywhere podcasts are found. It is episode #47 of The Adoption Connection podcast. Here is a link to the episode webpage:
http://www.theadoptionconnection.com/episode-47/
Click to learn more about my approach to Family Therapy
Jeri Lea Kroll is a psychotherapist and parent coach specializing in early childhood, parenting, trauma, attachment across the lifespan and adoption using a lens informed by attachment theory and the relational neurosciences. She is also an adopted person and adoptive parent. She provides therapy and coaching to individuals, parents and families virtually from her office in Michigan. Jeri Lea offers a free 30 minute discovery session to those considering coaching or therapy. You can request a discovery session HERE.