Of all human experiences, abandonment and rejection are among the most difficult to deal with because of the emotions they trigger. Anger, shame and guilt are the most common emotions that surge to the surface when there is an experience of abandonment or rejection. In many instances, where there is one, there is the other. An experience of abandonment gives rise to feelings of rejection. When a person is overtly or covertly rejected by a loved one, family member, partner or even a social acquaintance, it registers in the mind as an experience of abandonment. For children, nothing is more devastating or damaging than the feeling of being abandoned by a parent or primary caregiver. In this week's episode, we look into the lives of four young adults, who were abandoned by both parents as a result of those caregivers' struggle with substance abuse.

This study guide is offered to support you as you work through your feelings of abandonment or rejection. As you complete the statements, stay focused on you, your thoughts and your motivations, even if other people are involved. As you open your heart and mind to compassionately acknowledge what you have done or not done, you open the door for healing, learning and growth.