There’s a difference between preparing for adoption… and preparing yourself to become a parent.

When systems strategist, podcaster, and adoptive mom Julie Fried began her adoption journey, she thought she could research her way through it. Spreadsheets, Facebook groups, Google searches—she approached adoption like any other complex project. But what she discovered was that the biggest work wasn’t logistical. It was emotional.

In this honest and deeply thoughtful conversation, Julie shares the lessons she learned about grief, open adoption, slowing down, and making peace with a path that looked different than the one she had imagined. From pausing after her home study to process infertility, to navigating an unexpected NICU experience, to making one of the hardest decisions her family has ever faced, Julie offers wisdom that every hopeful adoptive parent needs to hear.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why researching more isn't always the same as moving forward in your adoption journey
• The emotional work every hopeful adoptive parent should do before becoming a parent
• How grief and adoption can coexist—and why processing one strengthens the other
• What Julie learned after shifting from "no" to embracing the possibilities of open adoption
• How a NICU stay became an unexpected gift during the transition into parenthood
• The heartbreaking decision to decline adopting her daughter's half-sibling—and how they made peace with it

About Julie Fried:

Julie Fried is the host of The System for Everything podcast, where she shares practical systems that simplify business, motherhood, and everyday life. A systems strategist by profession and adoptive mom to her daughter Ellie, Julie brings honesty, empathy, and thoughtful perspective to conversations about adoption, infertility, and parenting. Through her own journey, she has become a passionate advocate for slowing down, processing grief, and embracing adoption with

openness and intention.

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://dallasgirlfriday.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesystemforeverything?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-system-for-everything/id1818831243

RG Adoption Consulting

Website → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠

Book a Complimentary Adoption Strategy Session → ⁠https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contact

Are You Ready to Adopt? Take the Quiz to Find Out → https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/quiz

Before you choose an agency, spend money, or move forward—start with these 10 honest conversations that will help you: https://www.rgadoptionconsulting.com/10-conversations-before-you-adopt

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow, a 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠