Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧🏮
As a transracial adoptee, navigating my identity has been a complex journey. I've struggled with not feeling quite Chinese enough, but also not quite American enough. This Lunar New Year marks a fresh start in honoring my cultural roots and doing more to establish meaningful traditions unique to my upbringing.
Recently I've found a way to connect with my heritage in a more tangible way. My mom found souvenirs that she brought back from China when she adopted me. One of most sentimental to me is a silver baby bracelet with two little bells. Whether the bracelet was left with me by my birth family or given to me by the orphanage is unknown, but it will forever be a symbol of health, good fortune, and prosperity.
Regardless of if you celebrate, I encourage you to take the day to spend time with loved ones, experience gratitude, welcome new beginnings and in my case, indulge in all the takeout dim sum until I can learn how to make my own.
