Kirsten Mathis 3.0: Navigating Growth & Change as a Korean Adoptee

This week, we're joined by a returning guest and dear friend, Kirsten Mathis. We want to start by wishing Kirsten a very happy 40th birthday! In honor of her big day, let's all participate in her Birthday Love Challenge by making a commitment to show ourselves and others more love and compassion this week.

In this powerful episode, Kirsten vulnerably shares her journey of growth and change as it relates to her adoption story. She opens up about the surprising emotions that have surfaced, particularly after reunion, as she navigates what it truly means to find her identity as a daughter.

Topics you will hear on this episode:

• Motherhood and how it has influenced her understanding of her own identity.
• The challenges of finding her place in new and existing family dynamics.
• Navigating relationships and how the childhood roles she held have shaped her identity today.
• The struggle with owning her own ability to receive love and feel worthy of it.

Kirsten's honesty is both moving and relatable. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by big emotions or struggled with finding your place, you'll definitely resonate with her story.

Thank you again, Kirsten, for sharing your journey with us. We're so grateful for your wisdom and your commitment to this important work.

Save the Date! The Fall 2025 Empowered Adoptee Retreat is here 🍁

It’s that time of year again and we’re so excited to announce the location of our next Empowered Adoptee Retreat!

Join us this fall in the breathtaking Catskill Mountains of New York, nestled along the Hudson River Valley, from October 16–19, 2025.

We choose beautiful natural settings intentionally, because nature is healing. And when we gather as adoptees in safe, grounded spaces like this, something powerful always happens.

These retreats have become more than just weekends away. They’ve become sacred spaces of laughter, healing, nourishment, and deep connection. Whether it’s sitting around a fire, moving through somatic healing practices, or sharing a meal with people who just get it, we hope you’ll feel deeply seen, heard, and at home.

We hope you’ll join us this fall, with a heart open to connection, to healing, and to being fully yourself with others who know this journey too.

🗓 Save the Date: October 16–19, 2025 (3 nights)
💌 Registration opens August 18th - with an early bird discount!

Connect with us here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

Support the show