{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F83d774e6-40a5-4288-b45d-0c853af45fe5","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Understanding Adoption: Navigating Identity, Belonging, and Emotional Healing with Janet Sherlund\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/83d774e6-40a5-4288-b45d-0c853af45fe5\"></iframe>","title":"Understanding Adoption: Navigating Identity, Belonging, and Emotional Healing with Janet Sherlund","description":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Summary:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;In this poignant episode of\u00a0&lt;strong&gt;The Mindful Living Podcast&lt;/strong&gt;, host Sana engages in a heartfelt conversation with Janet Sherlund, an adoptee and author, about the emotional complexities of adoption and its profound impact on identity and belonging. Janet shares her personal journey, detailing the disconnection she felt despite being raised in a loving adoptive family. The discussion covers the challenges adoptees face in accessing their birth records, the significance of self-trust, and the need for honesty and openness in the adoption process. Janet\u2019s insights and experiences shed light on the ongoing struggles many adoptees endure, offering listeners a deeper understanding of adoption trauma and the importance of advocating for change.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;About the Guest:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Janet&lt;/strong&gt;\u00a0&lt;strong&gt;Sherlund&lt;/strong&gt; is an author and advocate for adoptees, known for her memoir,\u00a0&lt;strong&gt;&quot;Abandoned at Birth.&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;\u00a0Through her writing and speaking engagements, she aims to raise awareness about the emotional impact of adoption, the importance of open adoptions, and the necessity of allowing adoptees access to their birth records. Janet's journey includes navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and healing, making her a powerful voice for change in the adoption community. Listeners can visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.abandonedatbirthbook.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;ugc noopener noreferrer&quot;&gt;abandonedatbirthbook.com&lt;/a&gt; to read Janet's memoir and connect with her as well for more resources.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;ol&gt;\n &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Emotional Impact of Adoption&lt;/strong&gt;: Janet discusses the profound emotional challenges adoptees face, including feelings of disconnection, grief, and loss, even in supportive adoptive families.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seven Core Issues for Adoptees&lt;/strong&gt;: Janet highlights the seven core issues that adoptees often struggle with: separation and loss, trust, rejection, guilt and shame, identity, intimacy, loyalty, and mastery.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n  &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Importance of Self-Discovery&lt;/strong&gt;: Janet shares her journey of self-discovery and healing, particularly through her search for her biological family and the connections she made along the way.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n  &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Access to Birth Records&lt;/strong&gt;: The conversation addresses the difficulties adoptees encounter in accessing their birth records, with Janet advocating for changes in adoption laws to promote transparency and healing.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n  &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strategies for Coping&lt;/strong&gt;: Janet offers strategies for managing chronic stress and emotional pain, emphasizing the value of therapy and support from professionals familiar with adoption issues.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n  &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call for Honesty in Adoption&lt;/strong&gt;: The discussion stresses the need for adoptive parents to understand and respect their child's authentic origin and heritage to foster healing and peace.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n  &lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Advocacy and Awareness&lt;/strong&gt;: Janet encourages listeners to engage with her memoir,\u00a0&lt;strong&gt;&quot;Abandoned at Birth,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;\u00a0to gain a deeper insight into the experiences of adoptees and to advocate for open adoption practices and policy changes.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;/li&gt;\n&lt;/ol&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;This episode serves as a vital resource for anyone touched by adoption, offering support, insights, and a call to action for understanding and healing within the adoption community.&lt;/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&l","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/e7796e22-5e52-4163-b246-fe65555325b5/24852d0c09e2dbc6e9c18de0ffd22008.jpg"}