Although some of our adoption challenges are unique, there are many life skills and qualities that we can help guide us and deal with our adoption struggles. Here are a few:
1. Forgiveness to forgive ourselves for our imperfections and to forgive others who may harm us whether intentionally or inadvertently.
2. Strength - to carry on when things get tough, to face hard truths when it is required that we do so.
3. A brave spirit to endure and shine and step up to the plate when you need to do so, and rely on your courage to get you through whatever comes your way.
4. Persistence the ability to keep trying even when something is hard.
5. Patience to give ourselves and those around us the time and space to get to where we want to be with ourselves and our relationships.
6. Dogged determination the can do attitude and a commitment to never give up.
7. An open mind and heart to be open and willing to learn from others and to open your heart enough to risk rejection.
8. The ability to communicate well to be able to resolve differences with others in a calm reasoned and sensible manner.
9. An ability to think critically to make wise, and well informed decisions. It is easy to make good decisions when life is easy, but less so in a crisis. Most of us are stronger than we realize. When tested, we come through better than we imagined that we might.
10. A knowledge and appreciation of life to be able to appreciate and savor all the many gifts in life that we have. Not all gifts are solely material, but the beauty of nature, the joy of children, good health and supportive and loving family and friends are important.
For many of us, adoption is extremely challenging. We are tested, we learn and become stronger to survive and thrive. If you look at this list and find yourself lacking, consider working on developing some of these qualities.