Choosing Courage over Fear

How do you remember your past?

How do you want to remember the future?⁠⁠

This is me in Anchorage Alaska, on March 07, 1986.⁠⁠ I found this photo in the documents that my parents have stored from my adoption process. I don’t remember anything from this moment or who took this photo of me. It must have been taken during the layover in Alaska on the flight from Seoul/South Korea to Frankfurt am Main/Germany when I was ‘relocated’ to my adoptive family.

It represents a snapshot of an in-between space—A transition into a new life. I’m glad someone documented this since I have no memory of my life before this moment.⁠⁠ Many people have told me, that they also don’t remember their childhood before being 3 yrs old, but as an adoptee, we don’t have our parents or relatives to tell us about that time if we want to know more, we have no reference point, information, or photos. Not knowing is a big difference from not having access to any information at all.

This photo motive is also a metaphor for the duality of my story. Is the giant polar bear behind my little Self protecting or threatening me? Am I in fear or courageously stepping into the unknown of a new life?⁠⁠

All of the mentioned has been part of my journey. Every day I remind myself that I have a choice to decide if I am a victim, a survivor, or a warrior in it. ⁠⁠ Looking into the polar bear symbolism reveals some interesting metaphors that relate a lot to my journey, and I wonder how much it does to yours?⁠⁠

COURAGE⁠⁠

I allow myself to be vulnerable, be brave, and face all the challenging layers of my adoption story. I can find and access my inner strength, which will guide me through—⁠⁠

ENDURANCE⁠⁠

I confront myself with some of the shadows in my life. With the right support system, I feel confident working through and healing from my origin wounds. This is an ongoing process, and I surrender and accept that it takes time, intention, and dedication.⁠⁠

PROTECTION  ⁠⁠

I have a deep desire to set some healthy boundaries, take care of my emotional and physical well-being, and also nurture that of my loved ones. This helps me to stay in balance and conquer challenging times.⁠⁠

How do you remember your past? ⁠⁠
How do you want to remember the future?⁠⁠