Episode 14: Centering Liberation at 44

Reclaiming Joy, Self-Worth, and the Sacredness of Being Seen

In this deeply personal birthday episode, I reflect on what it means to be seen, celebrated, and centered. Through stream-of-consciousness journaling, the wisdom of The Artist’s Way, and intergenerational dialogue with my daughter Emma, I reclaim joy and self-worth as sacred birthrights—not rewards we earn. If you've ever struggled with centering yourself, especially around your birthday or life milestones, this episode offers a gentle, liberating invitation to rewrite the stories that no longer serve you.

Chapters:

• 00:36 – Reflecting on Birthdays and Personal Growth

• 01:56 – Discovering The Artist’s Way and Creative Recovery

• 05:23 – Morning Pages & Journaling as Presence

• 07:59 – Centering Liberation and Self-Worth

• 10:07 – Navigating Family Dynamics and Being an Afterthought

• 20:12 – Questions for Self-Discovery and Reflection

• 25:51 – The Power of Discernment and Emotional Healing

• 26:30 – Listening to the Body's Messages

• 27:31 – Learning to Receive Love and Compliments

• 28:55 – Celebrating with Family and Friends

• 29:27 – The Power of Determination and Self-Care

• 33:20 – Reflecting on Family Traditions Around Birthdays

• 34:49 – Emma’s Birthday Wisdom and Shirley Temples

• 41:40 – Reclaiming Your Story and Visual Journal Practice

• 43:35 – Final Reflections + Community Connection

Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection

Power of Discovery

• What did birthdays mean to me growing up?

• What story did I inherit about my worthiness to be celebrated?

• Where in my life have I been made to feel like an afterthought?

Power of Discernment

• Where in my body do I still carry the grief of being unseen or unacknowledged?

• What does it feel like to center myself, not out of ego, but out of reverence?

• Where do I still flinch when loved?

Power of Determination

• What is one way I can intentionally honor the miracle of my life this week?

• Who are the people who center me without asking?

• How will I write a new narrative that reflects the truth: I have always been loved?

Suggest Podcast Questions

References

• Centering Liberation at 44: The Art of Rewriting My Story of Worth Substack

• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

• Evita Colon

• Wanderlog

• Myisha T. Hill

• The Ware Center

• Lancaster County Community Foundation

• Free resources to help you lead and live authentically

Connect with Me

Instagram: @natural_inclination

Youtube: @naturalinclination

TikTok: Amber Sessoms

LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP

Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social

Facebook: Natural Inclination

Substack: livingin3dpower.substack.com

If 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!