Social and Mental Evolution Will Lead to More Adoptions

It seems like all the celebs these days are doing it: Angie and Brad, Tom and Nicole, and even Madonna. They may be the only ones making the news about it, but adoption isn't restricted to the insanely rich and famous. People from all walks of life have adopted for many years. Moses became the earliest and most famous adoptee when the Pharaoh's daughter found him in his basket, took him in, and raised him as her own. Adoption become more shameful and something of a family secret in the mid-20th century, but recently the tides have begun to change. As the idea of the "perfect" family shifts, and social awareness evolves, adoption has gradually become accepted. In the year to come, countless individuals will be turned on to the idea of adoption as it continues to gain exposure and we become more conscious of the world around us.

In recent years, we have begun to open our eyes to the impact we have on the environment and our fellow humans. This is due, in large part, to books like Ekhart Tolle's A New Earth, Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and innumerable resources on how to "Think Green." The result of this larger thinking has influenced our behavior. Environmentally, we are reducing our carbon footprint. Socially, we are accepting all people, paying no mind to titles of race, gender, or status. Individually, we are learning that if we want to change the world, we must first change ourselves. The next big step in our mental and social evolution will be thinking even further beyond. With this deeper thinking will come the realization that every child needs a stable, loving home environment in which to thrive.

There is no traditional adoptive parent and, like their children, each parent is unique. They are hetero- and homosexual couples, single, infertile, or simply wanting to expand their family. Some parents are compelled to adopt internationally, some domestically, and still others feel called to adopt children from foster care. They adopt infants, older children, and teenagers of every race, some mentally or physically ill, others who have seen more violence in their few years on Earth than anyone would ever want to see.

Although the individuals and the avenue in which they choose adopt may differ, adoptive parents will be unified in their goal: to love their child, regardless of how they came to be. The ability of these parents to think beyond themselves and cherish the gift of any child will produce a snowball affect of awakening. They will open others' eyes to adoption, openness, and acceptance. They will teach their children these things, and their children will teach their children, until the idea of the traditional family takes on an entirely new meaning. That may seem far off, but it has already begun. In this next year, in our awakening and realization of our purpose on this earth, we will recognize our calling to become a beautiful child's forever family.