By Cindy Olson McQuay
Michelle Madrid, now an adoptee empowerment coach, was adopted by an American couple when she was a baby in the United Kingdom. Growing up, she experienced the complex emotional challenges and disturbances familiar to many adoptees, including anger, distrust, and feelings of unworthiness. She addresses these issues, as well as other often unaddressed repercussions such as PTSD, suicide risk, and fear of abandonment, in her book, Let us Be Greater: A Gentle, Guided Path to Healing for Adoptees.
Even though the book is addressed to adoptees, I highly recommend it for everyone. It’s an enlightening guide to personal and collective transformation. Combining introspective reflection with actionable advice, Madrid inspires readers to grow personally while contributing to their communities and the world.
Organized into sections on self-improvement and social responsibility, Madrid uses personal anecdotes, motivational insights, and practical exercises to guide readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and leadership. Her engaging and accessible writing, filled with real-life examples, adds authenticity and depth to her message. Each chapter concludes with practical exercises and reflection prompts to help readers apply the concepts and track their progress.
It’s an inspiring guide for anyone looking to improve themselves and make a difference. Madrid’s comprehensive approach to personal development, engaging style, and actionable advice make this book a valuable resource for readers at any stage of their growth journey. Whether for overcoming personal challenges, developing stronger relationships, or taking on leadership roles, this book provides the tools and inspiration needed to achieve your goals and contribute to the greater good.
Cindy Olson McQuay was adopted at three months old, and that has always been a core part of her identity. From a young age, she wanted to uncover her origins and understand her story. Her adoptive parents fully supported that quest. When she turned 18 and tried to obtain her adoption records and original birth certificate, she faced significant challenges common to many in the adoption community. This struggle ignited her passion for advocating for the rights and needs of adopted people. She works to raise awareness about the trauma of separation, promote family preservation, and expose flaws in the adoption industry and foster care system. With the rise of DNA testing, she became a search angel, particularly helping Amerasians identify their American GI birth fathers. She has a wonderful husband of 32 years with whom she’s raised three remarkable adult children who, along with their three grandchildren, bring them immense joy. She pours her heart and soul into Healing Retreats for Adoptees, DCPs, LDAs, and NPEs; Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc., which she co-founded in 2019.
