heal

In this week's unique episode, Jacob gets to share his personal experiences surrounding adoption with his birth mother and host of A Act of Love Podcast, Jessica Griffith. They discuss their ever changing relationship and how Jacob continues to navigate his feelings and make space for both women in his life in this methodical conversation on understanding adoption.

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Would you like to be on our podcast? Please fill out the form below.
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/ (https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/)

In today’s insightful episode of 7 Good Minutes, we delve deep into The Power of Self-Compassion in Personal Development.

Discover how treating yourself with kindness and understanding can be the key to unlocking your full potential.

Join us as we explore the transformative effects of self-compassion on your journey of growth and self-improvement.

Learn practical strategies for cultivating a compassionate mindset towards yourself, overcoming self-criticism, and fostering a supportive internal dialogue.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive, not just survive, in their personal development journey.

Tune in to learn how self-compassion can elevate your life in profound ways.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend or two!

-=-=-=-=-
Subscribe to this YouTube channel:
https://7goodminutes.com/subscribe

Our guest today, Jessica, is Act of Love Adoptions new podcast host! She is truly one of a kind and we are so excited to have her on our team and a part of the Act of Love Adoptions family.

Growing up as the youngest of five in Southern California, she had a joyful childhood but faced challenges upon graduating high school. Her life took an unexpected turn when, at 18, she discovered she was pregnant. Faced with a daunting situation and uncertain future, Jessica made a profound and heart-wrenching decision to place her baby for adoption.

This decision, though incredibly difficult, marked a turning point in her life. It was not just an act of love and sacrifice but also a step towards personal growth and understanding. Jessica's journey didn't end there. She moved to Utah, where she found love and built a family with her husband and three sons.
Jessica's connection with her birth son and his family is a testament to her enduring love and the strength of open adoption.

Today, Jessica stands as a proud mother and a symbol of resilience. Her journey from a young, uncertain girl in California to a loving mother in Utah illustrates her courage and adaptability. Her story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable paths life can take and how choices made during challenging times can lead to fulfilling and unexpected outcomes.

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Would you like to be on our podcast? Please fill out the form below.
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/ (https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/)

Meet Elijah Thomas. A storyteller whose life has been shaped by the extraordinary journey of self discovery as an adoptee. Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of Orem surrounded by the towering mountains and serene beauty of Utah, Elijah's story is one of resilience and the pursuit of identity. In sharing his story Elijah hopes to inspire others on similar journeys of self discovery and familial reconnection. The reclaiming of his own story has led to profound healing and understanding. Elijah continues to work on his journey but is also an advocate for adoptees and their unique experiences. He stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the beauty that emerges when we find our way.

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Would you like to be on our podcast? Please fill out the form below.
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/ (https://aactofloveadoptions.com/podcast/)

This week's episode is about Sarah's journey to motherhood. It is a tale of resilience, hope, and profound love. Faced with the heartache of infertility, she endured the emotional and physical toll of multiple rounds of IVF, each time with the hope of becoming a mother. Despite the setbacks and disappointments, Sarah's desire to nurture and love a child remained undiminished.
In the face of these challenges, Sarah turned to adoption, a decision that would change her life in the most beautiful way. She adopted a little boy, a moment that brought immense joy and fulfillment into her life. This beautiful boy, once a dream, became a beloved son, turning Sarah's long-held hopes into a heartwarming reality.

Now, Sarah and her husband are ready to expand their circle of love. They are preparing to adopt again, a testament to their boundless capacity for love and their deep understanding of the profound impact adoption can have. Sarah's story is one of unwavering determination and the transformative power of love, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope can flourish and lead to beautiful beginnings.

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Allison Olson is a notable figure in the world of children's literature, particularly known for her authentic and heartfelt approach to adoption narratives. As both an adoptee and an adoptive parent, Allison brings a deeply personal and insightful perspective to her work. Her motivation to become a children's book author stemmed from a desire to challenge and transform the traditional narratives found in children’s books about adoption. Her goal is to shift the narrative from the notion of an adopted child being merely “lucky” to being deeply “loved.” This vision is beautifully encapsulated in her books, such as "Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story," which has received accolades including the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award and recognition as a Mom’s Choice Awards® recipient. Her work is not only celebrated but critically acclaimed, with positive reviews from respected sources like Kirkus Review. Allison's books, including "Learning about My Friend's Adoption," are available on Amazon and are a testament to her commitment to presenting adoption in a more inclusive, realistic, and positive light. Her influence extends beyond her published works. She maintains an active online presence through her website, ouradoptionbooks.com, and social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the handle @kidsbooksbyallisonolson. Her expertise and insights into the adoption experience are further shared through her participation in various podcasts such as "2 Adoptive Mamas", "Adoption The Long View", "Funding Love", "The Adoption Wait", and "The Thriving Adoptee". Additionally, Allison contributes to the dialogue around adoption through her blog posts on platforms like "Love What Matters" and "What Adoptees Wish Adoptive Parents Knew". Allison Olson's work stands out not just for its literary quality, but also for its profound impact in reshaping perceptions and discussions around adoption, making her a distinguished author and advocate in the field. www.ouradoptionbooks.com Kirkus Review Books: Surrounded by Love: An Open Adoption Story on Amazon Learning about My Friend's Adoption on Amazon Follow @kidsbooksbyallisonolson on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok Links to Podcast Recordings (2 Adoptive Mamas, Adoption The Long View, Funding Love, The Adoption Wait, The Thriving Adoptee) Links to Blog Posts (Love What Matters, What Adoptees Wish Adoptive Parents Knew)

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

How do you express yourself?
What are you saying to yourself and the world around you?
In this episode, Casey Cox and special guest Martha Bass celebrate the 1st of the 4 Agreements, “Be impeccable with your word.” Learn to demonstrate integrity with your words, speak with truth, and be one step closer to accepting yourself.

We are excited to share this special podcast episode featuring an amazing adoptive family who joined us to discuss their experiences of adopting through Act of Love Adoptions and the state. Sally and her husband, Darren, have adopted a child through Act of Love Adoptions and later, their nephew through the state. They share insights on the comparisons of both processes and emphasize the importance of educating oneself on multiracial adoptions.

Sally speaks passionately about the significance of being there for the birth parents. Despite facing initial challenges with communication and many unanswered emails, she persisted, and in the end, the birth parents were eternally grateful for her support.

Tune in to this enlightening podcast episode to learn about the differences between adopting through an agency and the state, the importance of education on multiracial adoptions, and the crucial role of supporting the birth parents.

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Have you ever felt stuck?
Have you ever wondered what’s wrong with me?
In this episode, Casey and special guest Martha Bass, give you permission to embrace where you’re at and to be who you are -right now. Learn that it’s OK, not to be OK, as well as how to be OK as you keep moving forward, no matter what you may be facing. There are many things we think, but never say out loud, that is not the case here - come along and hear it all.

Beginning – 15:26

Introductions. We talk about her book turned podcast, Inviting Shift.We all pretty well know what we’re supposed to be doing but it comes to us in stages.

1. S: Stuck / Something isn’t great
2. H: Honing in / Honoring
3. I: “I got it!”
4. F: Fear / Fortitude / Other “F” words (you know)
5. T: Transformation

Humaning is hard. There’s always another level of growth. Implementation is the hard part.

Procrastination and perfectionism are best friends. Any time things get uncomfortable we tend to shut down. Confidence is a skill we have to practice. We grow in our discomfort.Find baby steps you can implement to get you to where you want to be. Only as adults to we catch “Impostor syndrome” holding onto that childlike wonder as beginners and learners can help. We have to be okay being bad at something before we can learn to be good at it.

Just keep showing up. You’re going to mess up sometimes and that’s okay. You just need to instill that sense of integrity that you are the one who keeps showing up and trying. You can’t please everyone. One person will find a certain statement you make lifechanging and someone else will find that same statement foolish. It’s the balance.

15:26 – 25:40

The intentional and aligned method. Looking at what you want and why you want it which always comes down to feelings. We don’t want the materials we think we do. We want the feelings we think those material things are going to bring us.Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a series of small in the moment choices that align with our intentions and desires.

Old beliefs that hold us back from being happy right now. Our culture and society has taught us that things work one way when they can actually work anyway we want them to. Is that going to come with some consequences? Probably, there’s always ways to figure things out and work around what you need in order to get there.

25:40 – 30:22

It’s okay to want what you want even if it looks different than what everyone else wants or says you should want.Being able to step away from consumerism and spend time in nature is a bit of a luxury these days.Learning how to navigate and manage your emotions. Understanding what each emotion is trying to tell you. Figure out what emotions you’re desiring / craving and figure out ways to bring them into being right now.

30:22 – 41:46

Building confidence by managing disappointment within ourselves. Is it unsafe or just uncomfortable?

Discussing shame and the story telling brain.

Book Emotional Agility Get Unstuck Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David (af)

Getting into the body and out of the head to calm the monkey mind.Toxic positivity and toxic gratitude. Coping mechanisms, working through emotions and talking it out.

41:46 – End

Sensitivity is a superpower. Especially when trying to figure out your own body and what works best for it. Acknowledging the emotions you’re feeling and creating space for it.

Anger management. We are our own biggest critic.
Meet Our Guest
Christina Smith is a life coach specializing in confidence and self-love in midlife so that women can finally truly like themselves and how they show up for themselves and their relationships. She’s helped people move through tough transitions in coaching and with her book, Inviting Shift. Her focus is on helping women to empower themselves so they can make their second half the best half by dropping the people-pleasing and perfection and stepping into desire, authenticity and joy.

Christina is also the host of The Inviting Shift Podcast – a place for midlife women to embrace their uniqueness and truth with confidence. The mission is to help women reinvent midlife so we can revolutionize how we see aging and ourselves as we age. She encourages people to be more gentle with their humanness so they can truly shine the way they choose to without gratitude lists or toxic positivity.

• Website: https://christina-smith.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_smith_xoxo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinasmithxoxo
• Podcast: https://invitingshift.buzzsprout.com

Did you know your mess can be turned into your message?
Have you discovered that failure is the fastest path to finding success?
In this episode, join Casey and Bernard as they embrace their own process of discovery, sharing the power of the community to heal and restore. Forgiveness is available to all who want it - unfortunately not all want or think they need it. Your relationships are revealing what you believe about the path of progress vs perfection.

Welcome to this profound episode of Act of Love Adoptions Podcast. Today, we're privileged to share an intimate conversation with Hillary, a birth mom with an extraordinary story of resilience, transformation, and strength.

[Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about sexual abuse, which some listeners may find distressing.]

Hilary's journey begins in Orem. She moved here with her sister to start her college experience. Not long after moving here, she was sexually assaulted and ended up pregnant. Amidst the struggle, she found unwavering support in her family, who helped her relocate back to California to figure out her next steps. After much thought she decided to carry on with her pregnancy and then place her child for adoption.

Her story brings us through the intricate emotions of a closed adoption. Today, Hillary grapples with the decision of reaching out to her son or waiting for the day he might decide to find her. This poignant dilemma is one she navigates with immense grace and bravery.

Despite the trials Hillary has faced, she stands tall as a figure of radiant strength. She is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and a beacon of hope for others who may be walking a similar path. Hillary's story is one of courage, healing, and an unyielding will to rise above adversity.
Join us as we talk about Hillary's life journey, one marked by incredible resilience, unwavering love, and a remarkable spirit that continues to inspire.

She is now married with 4 beautiful daughters. Living a beautiful life.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. If Hilary's story resonates with you, or you know someone who might find comfort or inspiration in her journey, we invite you to share this episode with them. Remember, you're not alone, and every story shared is a beacon of light in someone else's journey.
Thank you for listening.

If you would like to share your story on our podcast please fill out the form on our website! We are excited to hear from you!

Are you Pregnant? We can help:
Text us at: 801-450-0094
Call us: 1-800-835-6360
Get more info:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregnant/

Are you considering adoption?
Call us: 1-888-767-7740
Request a Free Application Packet:
https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adoptive-parents/

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aactoflove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_act_of_love/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActofLoveAdopt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aactoflove/

Are you where you want to be?
Do you feel stuck?
In this episode, Casey and Bernard unveil the importance of simply taking one step at a time. Learn how shifting your mindset (even slightly) can change your life dramatically. “Better” is only one step away.

Do others look to you for wisdom and guidance?
Are your inner thoughts acceptable when verbalized?
In this episode, Casey and Bernard share the power of communication and being authentic with others. Learn how to build trust, forgive, and experience peace. There's hope for you and your relationships!

Is it hard to be you?
Are you leading yourself?
In this episode, Casey and Bernard help you acknowledge what may be preventing you from leading yourself well. Learn to embrace who you are, get unstuck, shift your perspective, and get out of the comparison trap. You were not born a loser, you are a chooser, what will you choose?

Show notes:

Beginning – 4:05
Introductions, we discuss how difficult it is to box the unboxable. Focusing on the “why”.

4:05 – 5:20
Healing the world, how we ended up with a world in such dire need of healing. All of the various avenues of healing:

• Mental / emotional health
• Physical health
• Sexual health
• Relationship health
• etc

5:20 – 23:00
Physical health often gets us on our healing journey because it screams the loudest.

We discuss some of my own health problems throughout life including hypoglycemia and nutrition.

Beans, proteins and gluten are covered.How food and physical health is the most tangible energy system to work with and healing that radiates out and heals other aspects of your life because it’s all connected.All bodies need different types of nutrition.

We, more often that not, get stuck in the cycles external sources have presented to us instead of going within and listening to what our unique body needs and thrives off of.

Throw out all of the scales and judge your physical process by how you feel.

Esther Abraham Hicks

Again, there is no separation between your food, mind and emotions.

23:00 – 33:20
The chakra system. Meditative practices and how sitting and breathing for simply 2 minutes can make a ton of difference in cultivating the awareness you need to do, think, be better in your day to day practices.

Hyper awareness in every moment is the goal.

The tangible versus the intangible entry points to healing.

Putting the law of correspondence (as above, so below) to work with cleaning, decluttering and working with your environment.

33:20 – 51:50
My own confessions of what created my battle with limiting food intake.

How you need to see / do / interact with things at least 7 times before you’ll address it. Momentum and how it gets a little easier every time as you peel away layer after layer.

Finding sustainable emotions rather than grasping for the big ones. Ideally, we’re looking to maintain those easy going “Goldilocks Zone” emotions like contentment and gratitude.

Big highs and big lows distract us from the ease and flow found in the middle ground.

51:50 – End
Healing is a lifelong quest. Nothing temporary is going to bring you permanent results.Live on purpose.
Connect With Our Guest: Meghan Jones

• Website
• Youtube
• Facebook
• Book

Do you think that what you have to say is important?
Do you feel comfortable being authentic and real with others?
In this episode, Casey and Bernard explore the journey of communication and provide valuable insights on how to connect genuinely with others. Tune in to learn how to develop curiosity, unlock the potential of your voice, and cultivate meaningful relationships. There is only one version of you, let others see the best version of you!

Do you have people around you that celebrate you?
What do you look for in a friend?
In this episode, Casey and Bernard share how to create authentic friendships and how to keep growing your circle. The AHRK Path provides a lens for us to experience a community of celebration with friends and foes.

*Trigger Warning: Self harm, suicide, sexual abuse
Show Notes:

Beginning – 6:30
We start out talking about ice bathing and Wim Hof which leads us into the topic of suicide.

Wim Hof Website: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/

7:00 – 13:30
How the internet gave us so many new opportunities to learn, explore healing and create community.

Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut Jr: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/9595

13:30 – 18:15
Discussing how everything starts with the children and meeting their needs. Learning to appreciate your story for what it is. Healing the self first and then looking to help others.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9780307574800&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

18:15 – 25:45
Sexual trauma is discussed. Healing the sacral chakra as a society.

25:45 – 46:45
Society’s newness and how we’re all just children doing our best. Think globally, act locally. The pace of everything is painfully slow. Navigating childhood trauma in a productive way rather than perpetuating that cycle.

46:45 – End
Finding ways to move forward.
Connect With Our Guest:
Josh Work “The Emotional Support Viking”

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotional.support.viking
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emotional.support.viking