A bonus episode featuring Lesli A. Johnson, MFT where we speak about surviving the holidays as an adoptee. Lesli coaches us through some situations where we may feel triggered, and shares some practical steps we can take to practice mindfulness and self care.

Show Notes

Full episode transcript here.

Topics We Discussed

Surviving the holidays as an adoptee
Holiday triggers
Being with one family when you'd rather be with another
Ghost Kingdom (Betty Jean Lifton) - wondering/fantasizing about biological family
Be aware of the triggers and practice nurturing and self care
Adoptive family should be talking about the grief and loss that the adoptee may feel
What do I do at dinner when there's an inappropriate comment?
Permission to excuse yourself from the table
Realizing we don't have to "go along" with things that make us uncomfortable
How do I enjoy where I am, and stop wishing I was somewhere else?
Practicing mindfulness, noticing your feelings and then bringing yourself back to what's around you: the table, the conversation, focusing in on the food or decorations
How do we talk to our adoptive family about our bio family, and vice versa?
As an adult we need to take care of ourselves, we're not responsible for the other adults' reactions/responses/feelings
W.I.S.E. Up When someone asks a question we can choose to: Walk away, Ignore, Share your Story, Educate