A year of rebuilding, and the community that held her

As we head into the final months of the year, the season of giving and belonging, I wanted to take a moment to reflect.

Hi, my name is Lauren, and I am a proud adoptee from India and social media advisor for The Ties Foundation.

This past year has been a massive transition for me after ending a decade-long relationship. I had to rebuild my entire life from scratch: a new career, I moved back to the city, built new relationships, and finally figuring out who I am outside of everyone else.

And honestly, last year I felt completely lost. But with a strong support system, especially by leaning into the adoptee community, I finally found my footing.

That deep sense of belonging starts right here with The Ties. It is so much more than a life-changing heritage trip. Ties offers a whole portfolio of opportunities to connect with an incredible network of adoptees across the country, long after that trip ends.

So if you’re an adoptee trying to figure it all out, just know that you don’t have to have all the answers right now. From my own Ties heritage trip back in 2012 to walking alongside this amazing community today, I’ve learned that true belonging happens at your own pace.

So just know that you’re not alone.