Liz Garcia Bee & Milly Raccoon

From Sleepless Nights to Healing: When Adoption Parenting Feels Impossible  "It's a very isolating life. You almost feel like you're not worthy, that you're the one doing everything wrong." - Liz Garcia  

If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 3 AM wondering if you're failing as an adoptive parent, you're not alone. In our latest episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we dive deep into the raw reality of adoption - not just the beautiful moments, but the messy, complicated, heartbreaking parts that nobody talks about. 

Host Anna Jinja welcomes Liz Garcia, founder of The Simplified Struggle, alongside her 20-year-old daughter Gabriela for a conversation that will leave you feeling less alone and more hopeful than you have in months.  

The Story Behind the Struggle Liz's journey began when she and her husband adopted toddler twins from Peru. What followed were years of navigating "wacky behaviors" that professionals couldn't explain, trying over 30 different therapists, and feeling constantly misunderstood by a system that wasn't equipped to help. But here's what makes this episode extraordinary: Gabriela shares her side of the story. At 20, she offers insights that every adoptive parent needs to hear about what it feels like to navigate childhood and adolescence as an adopted child. 

 What You'll Discover  For Parents: 

· Why your child's need for independence isn't rejection of your love ·  Practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors ·    How to advocate effectively for your child in school and healthcare systems · Why the "mama bear" instinct sometimes needs to take a back seat  

For Everyone: ·       

The universal themes of belonging, rejection, and finding home ·  How peer reactions shape an adoptee's self-perception · The healing power of honest conversation between parents and children        

Your Invitation to Healing Anna Jinja weaves this conversation together with Millie Raccoon's hauntingly beautiful "Insomniac's Lullaby," creating space for both the pain and the hope that defines the adoption experience.  Whether you're a parent in crisis, an adult adoptee searching for understanding, or someone who loves someone touched by adoption, this episode offers something precious: the reminder that healing is possible, connection can be rebuilt, and you are not alone in this journey.  

Creative Content:Creative Content:
“Insomniac’s Lullaby” by Milly Raccoon

Sleep on, my love, sleep on 
It's never good with you gone 
And you only stay if you sleep through the day 
My sleeping love, sleep on 

Come ride this train with me 
We'll see the north country 
And all day we'll lie like when we die 
Come ride this train with me 

Goodbye to father and mom 
Three thousand miles from home 
When I was born, I was already grown 
They know not where I roam 

I never sleep at night 
I gotta wait until it's light 
I lie awake and weep, and I never sleep 
I cannot sleep at night

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