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Episode 149 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychological Services at Customized Behavioral Healthcare. As a queer, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman of color, Dr. Essence brings a unique and powerful perspective to conversations on identity, emotional awareness, and belonging. Together, the trio explore the importance of emotional literacy, how to create brave spaces for self-exploration, and why curiosity is a superpower when it comes to discovering who we truly are. 

 “The discomfort of Growth is temporary. Staying where you don’t belong is forever.” – Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers

Key Takeaways

🔹 Feeling stuck? Get curious! 

🔹 Emotions are data, not obstacles. 

🔹 Safe spaces are essential for growth. 

🔹 Find your right ecosystem. 

🔹 Diversity fuels belonging. 

🔹 Stop cleaning up your emotions. 

Key Moments

[00:00] – Introductions and celebrations of presence, alignment, and freedom

[03:42] – Finding community and opportunities that align with your vision

[07:09] – The myth of “figuring it all out” at 18 and why identity is fluid

[10:31] – Differentiating between doing and being through a values-based approach

[18:20] – How to recognize brave spaces for self-exploration

[22:08] – Emotional literacy as a skill and using the “How We Feel” app

[26:35] – The importance of tracking emotions and body sensations

[35:58] – Belonging, diversity, and why we stay in environments that don’t serve us

[43:18] – Embracing brave vulnerability and showing up authentically

[48:57] – The power of diverse communities and allowing yourself to evolve

Resources Mentioned

📱 How We Feel App – A free tool for tracking and identifying emotions. https://howwefeel.org/

🎨 Emotion Sensation Wheel by Lindsay Braman – A tool to connect physical sensations with emotions. https://lindsaybraman.com/sensation-feelings-wheel/

Connect with Dr. Essence:

Website: https://customizedbehavioralhealthcare.com/dr-essence%2C-psyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essencerivers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressencerivers/

Additional resources from your hosts:

• Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out as you strive to create change in this world? Created by Kim Romain, The Rising Visionaries is a one-of-a-kind community offering support, tools, and connection with like-hearted changemakers to help you reclaim your energy, find Clarity, and align your actions with purpose—so you can make a meaningful impact with greater ease.
  
• Discover how to thrive in your career and life during the perimenopause and Menopause transition. Created by Louise Neil, Menomentum is here to empower you with Education, strategies, and support to align your work and life with your values.
• Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective. Learn more about the FPC at https://feministpodcasterscollective.com

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Louise Neil and Kim Romain have created a movement around finding and creating work that fits and feels good. It doesn’t matter if you work for yourself of someone else - the bottom line is what you do for a living doesn’t have to be work! It’s time to take back control of your work life. That is why we have created Your Kickass Career Podcast, live events, workshops, and collective.