Summer is the season of conferences and camps! Reflecting back on my first adoption conference in 1993, I’m amazed at how much has changed at these events. That initial conference was adoptive parent, agency, and industry-centered, with just a handful of adoptees, many of whom worked at adoption agencies. Fast forward to last weekend, when I attended the first-annual BIPOC Adoptees VOICES Conference - WOW! We have truly come a long way. The narrative shift adoptees have been advocating for is happening!
While the days of colorblind, clean slate, and love-is-all-you-need attitudes aren't behind us, there's definitely a shift happening. We're increasingly looking at adoption through a critical lens and centering the voices of adoptees with lived experience. I couldn't be more excited and proud of our community. A big thank you to BIPOC Adoptee VOICES for hosting such an incredible conference! Attending such exciting and content full events can leave me feeling a little down after they conclude.
Have you heard of post-conference/camp blues? This summer, I've attended two adoption conferences and two adoptive family camps. As fabulous as these events can be, I am well aware of the need for self-care during and after. Fast-paced, high-energy environments, constantly meeting new people, intently listening, sharing intimate parts of yourself, staying up late, waking up early, not eating healthily, disrupted routines, and being around so much "adoption" can lead to overwhelm. As I come away from these "dripping with adoption" events, I'm remembering to be kind to myself and to reach out to friends. Even though I've had the time of my life, I need to hold space for recovering from a lot of adrenaline and social interactions.
If you’re reading this and share these sentiments, here are a few tips I use when managing post-conference blues:
Create a Transition Plan: Schedule some quiet, alone time immediately after the event. This could be a day or two where you don’t have any obligations. Use this time to decompress, process your experiences, and gradually ease back into your routine.
Stay Connected: Reach out to the new friends and connections you made at the conference or camp. A quick message or a scheduled call can help maintain the sense of community and support. Sharing post-event feelings with someone who understands can be incredibly comforting.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include healthy eating, gentle exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply doing something you love. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential for your well-being.
Let's continue to support each other as we navigate the highs and lows of these enriching experiences. Together, we can create a thriving community that celebrates and uplifts each other through every season.
