From One Adoptee to Another: Let’s Develop Self-Awareness, Identity, and Empathy

By K E Garland
Initial immersion into the adoptee community felt like a warm hug and a return to a home I didn’t know existed. Though I was a stranger among strangers, I was welcomed with openness and immediate connections. I quickly learned what happens when adoptees convene: we communicate through a shared language and heart-centered interactions. Oftentimes, we connect without speaking at all. Adoptees are capable of curating pockets of comfort where we bear witness to one another’s truths. We intuitively know how to hold one another’s sadness and joy. Sometimes, however, relating to adoptees can feel overwhelming, and engaging can trigger latent issues. In my brief experience, I’ve learned that we must carefully navigate these spaces with intentionality and care. What follows are ways that may support us as we continue to build friendships and expand adoptee-centered communities.

---

Read More