Episode 35: Choosing Joy in the Midst of Grief: The Hope Tree Episode

Send us a text

In this week’s episode of Living in 3D Power, Emma and I once again turn to Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts’ Black Joy Playbook to explore Day 17: “Grief Is Not the Whole Story.” As the holidays approach and grief sits close to the surface, we discuss the tension—and the truth—of holding joy and sorrow at the same time.

Together, we walk through the “Hope Tree” exercise, reflecting on our personal hopes, faith, the legacy of ancestors, school dynamics, family relationships, and the courage to choose joy as a daily practice.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reclaim joy in a season when grief and celebration often coexist.

Chapters

01:00 – Discussing The Black Joy Playbook
01:42 – Navigating Grief and Joy During the Holidays
04:13 – The Significance of Good Friday and Resurrection
06:20 – Finding Hope and Joy Amid Sorrow
10:11 – Exercise Your Joy: The Hope Tree
11:35 – Amber’s Hopes: Purpose, Legacy, Peace, Trust, Impact
17:00 – Emma’s School-Related Hopes
19:27 – Emma’s Concerns About Lunch and Classroom Dynamics
21:18 – Bullying, Self-Advocacy, and Communication
22:21 – Family Time, Healing, and Weekend Plans
23:19 – Birthday Wishes and Emma’s Wishlist
26:24 – School Safety, Cell Phones, and Children’s Realities
29:53 – Grief, Joy, and Family Connection Through Loss
32:59 – Choosing Joy and Final Thoughts

⭐ CHICKEN NUGGET WISDOM (Emma’s Weekly Challenge)

Hang out with a family member you haven’t seen in a long time — or call, text, or FaceTime if you can’t be there in person. Be intentional. Don’t wait.

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @natural_inclination

Youtube: @naturalinclination

TikTok: Amber Sessoms

LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP

Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social

Facebook: Natural Inclination

Website: www.aninclination.com

Like, Comment, Share, Engage
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!