Deciding to Adopt
She was around five or six years old, malnourished, her hair falling out, scared but fierce. In the beginning, she would spit, hit, bite, kick, and pinch us as a defense mechanism. Over time, she began to feel safe and loved, and those behaviors gradually subsided.
Eight years ago this week, I walked into a civil affairs office, signed paperwork, and walked out with a new addition to the Goar family. It was the final formality of a much longer adoption journey.
As I reflect on what this week means to me both personally and professionally, a few things stand out:
π One-month πππππ« deciding to adopt, I accepted the role of Quadel President. I hadn't told anyone at work about the adoption and was nervous about managing both significant changes. There were lots of reasons to be concerned but I knew both paths were exactly where I needed to be. Lesson: trust your gut.
π People are not their best selves when faced with instability and insecurity. This is important for housers and regulators to remember. Compliance for its own sake must be viewed through the lens of reality, particularly for those desperate for affordable housing. Take note, bureaucrats.
π Pause to celebrate and reflect on your life achievements and milestones. These moments shape you, build your resilience, and nourish your soul.
β€οΈ See this panda bear? I received it from the NLHA team at a conference one day before I flew out to adopt. It was meant as a cute gift for my daughter, but to me, it was a sign. Pandas were reported as her favorite animal. The kindness of others actually sent another affirmation that I was on the right path.
Let's continue to trust our instincts, show compassion towards others, and celebrate our milestones.
I'd love to hear your lessons of resilience and growth. How have your personal experiences shaped your professional journey?
