This week, I’d like to delve into the empowering concept of Adoptee Sovereignty.
Adoptee sovereignty embodies the inherent right of adoptees to wield agency and authority over their identities, narratives and experiences. It champions the notion that adoptees should have the autonomy to shape their lives and stories, free from external pressures from adoptive/foster parents, well-meaning friends, mental-health professionals, adoption agencies, child protection services or societal norms.
In exploring this topic, it’s crucial to recognize how histories of abandonment can lead to patterns of self-abandonment, often without our conscious awareness.
What are some of the ways we might self-abandon?
Self-abandonment can manifest in various forms:
- ❤️ Neglecting one’s own needs and desires to fulfil the wants or expectations of others.
- ❤️ Suppressing emotions or disregarding true feelings to avoid discomfort or conflict.
- ❤️ Overlooking self-care routines like adequate sleep, nutrition or exercise due to external demands.
- ❤️ Engaging in self-destructive behaviours, such as substance abuse or unhealthy relationships, as coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
- ❤️ Allowing negative self-talk or criticism to erode self-esteem and compassion.
- ❤️ Shying away from opportunities for personal growth out of fear of failure or rejection.
Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming our sovereignty. Prioritizing self-awareness, self-care and self-compassion can help counteract self-abandonment.
In the video below, I explore seven strategies to bolster Adoptee Sovereignty and evade self-abandonment:
- Embracing rites and rituals
- Harnessing the power of oral soothing
- Finding your midline for stability
- Engaging in dialogue between mind and body
- Cultivating self-soothing touch techniques
- Utilizing the calming effect of rocking
- Trusting and following your instincts
Click the link for the video, and join me as I delve deeper into these strategies and their transformative potential.
Additionally, for those seeking further exploration of embodied strategies to support your sovereignty, I’m thrilled to announce a special 2-hour webinar exclusively for Adoptees Only, scheduled for 28 June, 2024 called “THE EMBODIED ADOPTEE: Nervous System Support for Overwhelm“. Even if you can’t make the live event, registering guarantees access to the webinar video and a very special offer you don’t want to miss out on.
For more details and registration, click the link. I’d be delighted to have you join me for this enriching and affordable event.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps shape content. I’d love to hear your thoughts this week on the concept of Adoptee Sovereignty and Self-Abandonment. Send me an email to share your experiences or to let me know what you think about the 7 strategies to support your sovereignty, whether you are an adoptee or an ally. These strategies are helpful for all of us!
To your empowerment and sovereignty,
