Super excited about my first adoption/fostering conference, The Myths and Monsters of Child Protection (bit of a scary title?!) on Monday 16th October. It's run by charity The Open Nest and the venue couldn't be more apt - the Foundling Museum in London.

The theme of the day is so close to my heart: examining truth, identity and belonging through poetry, film and photography. Speakers and attendees will include adoptees, adoptive parents, birth/first parents, foster carers and social workers. Best of all? The awesome Lemn Sissay is presenting - would it be too embarrassing if I brought my Foundling Museum tea towel for him to sign? 

I've been following the Open Nest for a few years and I love the quote in their website tagline: "Coming to anything organised by The Open Nest is like having a big long comforting hug." I'm always one of the first to give out hugs at the adopted adults' support group I attend, and I'm sure I'll be giving (and receiving!?) a few on Monday. 

Can't wait to report back on how it goes. I'll also be tweeting and gramming on the day so make sure you're following.

P.S. I'm expecting to be triggered left right and centre, so will be taking lots of tissues. But you know what they say, better out than in! Or as Brené Brown puts it: "We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions."