In this episode of the Emotional Expedition podcast, host Meghan Thomas interviews KJ Nasrul, a psychotherapist, healing artist, speaker, and host of the Stories of Astonishing Light podcast. They discuss KJ's experiences as a transracial adoptee, the complexities of emotions surrounding adoption, and the importance of self-reclamation and embracing personal journeys. KJ shares her story of being adopted and the emotional challenges that came with it, including feelings of displacement, abandonment, and loss. She reflects on the impact of her adopted father's passing on her life and how her Puerto Rican lineage discovery brought mixed emotions. Despite being told her differences didn't matter, she felt a strong connection to her islander heritage and sought ways to express herself through music and movement. Meg and KJ explore the concept of belonging and fitting in, with KJ noting that she feels a stronger connection to specific people and places rather than a particular culture. They discuss the challenges of navigating connections with biological family members, adoptive family, and donor conceived relatives. KJ emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and discussing differences instead of dismissing them, noting that messages like "I'm colorblind" can be both helpful and harmful. She also highlights the value of the language used in adoption, such as "bio mom" and "transracial adoptee," which helped her connect with her experiences and understand her background better. Meg and KJ share the importance of taking brave steps in their personal journeys, with KJ recently reconnecting with her musical roots by pulling out her guitar and signing up for a 23andMe account. They both stress the significance of belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love. KJ shares her playful approach to her cultural identity, creating her own blend of Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage. KJ leaves listeners with the quote "be impeccable with your word" from the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, emphasizing the power of language and the importance of being mindful of the words we use, especially towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: 1. Transracial adoptees often face unique challenges and emotions when discovering their biological heritage. 2. Connections with biological family members can bring up complicated feelings, especially concerning adoptive family relationships. 3. Belonging to oneself and embracing self-worth and self-love is crucial. 4. One's identity can be a unique blend of cultures and experiences, transcending traditional categories. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musingsonother/ Website: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lXorShaoXzBMnXNR8J7Ni?si=a6cd75181fa442bf Bali Creativity Retreat: https://www.blissbeginswithin.com/featured-eventsworkshops-copy To Connect with Meg:  https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices