Knowing Yourself as an Adoptee

July 2023

This month has reminded me of the superpowers I have created for myself. And yes, this as a result of being an adoptee with years of experience both personally and professionally with handling crises. I’m proud of my superpowers BUT like other adoptees, need to remember that there are limits to how much I take on.

Fast forward to today as I practice setting limits for myself, something I rarely did in my earlier days being the professional caretaker I became… though always for others… rarely for myself. People pleasing, looking for acceptance, becoming a chameleon in order to fit in….I excelled at each of these. The result– my body took over where my mind refused and I developed cancer. Traumatic… definitely, but also an invaluable lesson for me to learn.    

From this point on, I listen to my body and take cues from it rather than my mind. Has it been easy? Not a chance, but I’m willing to do what I do best and that’s adapt to the situation at hand. I’m now 3 years out post treatment with no evidence of disease and am dedicated to living quality of life for myself. A large part of this is being here to offer support to other adoptees as you learn who you TRULY are and begin the process of self discovery. I’m here to join you on this path of self exploration.

In peace.

Abby Jacobson, Adoptee Counselor