Episode 51: Being the Heart: Learning to Receive Love in Real Time (My 45th Birthday)

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to celebrate your life… while you are still here?In this special birthday episode, Amber turns inward—and invites Emma to lead.Through honest reflection, embodied practice, poetry, and real-time vulnerability (including a full recording restart 😅), this episode explores what it looks like to hold both/and:✨ grief and joy✨ tension and ease✨ strength and softness✨ being celebrated… and learning how to receive itThis is not just a conversation.It’s a practice in real time.A Special Birthday PracticeInstead of a traditional birthday reflection, Amber allows herself to be seen and celebrated in real time as Emma asks:What do you love about me?What should people celebrate about my life?When have you seen me be soft?What do you hope for me this year?This moment becomes a powerful model of:👉 receiving without deflecting👉 sitting with affirmation👉 honoring a life while it’s being livedThe Chicken Nugget ChallengeInspired by Emma’s wisdom:👉 Write a poem about how you feel👉 Include where you feel it in your body and faceThis episode features:Amber’s original poem, “Just Feel It”Emma’s poem, written as a birthday reflectionChicken Nugget Wisdom (Emma)"Write down what happened on your past birthdays.”Then:Notice how you feltObserve the patternsReclaim your storyThis practice invites you to step back and see your life with more clarity, compassion, and truth.Key TakeawaysYou don’t have to rush past what you feelYour body holds wisdom—listen to itCelebration is not something you earn—it’s something you allowStrength is not suppression—softness is part of your powerHonoring your life is a practice… not a momentThis Episode Is an InvitationTo pause.To feel.To reflect.And to ask yourself:What would it look like to celebrate my life… while I am still here?Chapters01:23 Heart Versus Vise Insight03:39 Learning To Receive Celebration06:15 Birthday Body Check In07:35 Aging And Beauty Standards09:54 Childhood Birthdays And Shame13:04 Birth Story And Feeling Uncelebrated14:57 Being The Heart This Year17:04 Poems And A Recording Oops23:16 Emma Poem And Trust Talk29:13 Receiving Flowers Practice33:57 Softness Versus Strength39:13 Emotions And Long Life44:02 Chicken Nugget Wisdom47:46 Soft Girl Era WrapConnect with Me:Instagram: @natural_inclinationYoutube: @naturalinclinationTikTok: Amber SessomsLinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSPBluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.socialFacebook: Natural InclinationWebsite: www.aninclination.comLike, Comment, Share, EngageIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences because you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!