Episode 57: Quiet Courage: A Conversation with Maya about France, Wonder & Growing Up
After a two-month break, Emma and I return with a special family episode. We are joined by my middle child, Maya, to reflect on our unforgettable journey across France. From the bustling streets of Paris to the medieval charm of Sarlat, the caves of Lascaux, and painting en plein air in Provence, this conversation explores travel, connection, identity, grief, joy, and what it means to truly notice the world around us.
Emma steps into the role of host, guiding a conversation filled with rapid-fire questions, laughter, thoughtful reflections, and a few travel mishaps along the way. Together, we reflect on how stepping outside of familiar surroundings can deepen our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the shared humanity that connects us all.
If you're watching this episode, we've woven in photos and video from our travels throughout the conversation. Our hope is that you won't just hear about France—you'll feel transported there with us, experiencing the beauty, wonder, and moments that shaped this journey.
In this episode:
Why this France trip was so meaningful for Maya and me
Packing wins, travel fails, and surviving a European heat wave
The foods we loved...and the ones they definitely didn’t
The beauty of Sarlat, Provence, and slowing down enough to notice
What the Louvre and Lascaux IV taught us about art, history, and being human
How we built connections without speaking French
Why travel changed us—and why everyone deserves opportunities to experience other cultures
Discovering en plein air painting as a healing and reflective practice
Reflections on experiencing France as a Black girl and woman
Emma’s surprise “museum” waiting for us at home
Finding joy, laughter, and connection in the midst of grief
Chapters
00:00 Meet Maya
04:03 Paris Trip Setup
04:23 Rapid Fire Highlights
07:25 Culture Shocks And Favorites
09:14 Trip Challenges And Souvenirs
11:20 Favorite Moments In France
15:29 Museums And Meaning
17:50 Language Barriers And Detours
20:02 Did Travel Change You?
24:51 Lessons On Energy And Art
29:13 Being Black In France
32:07 Emma Home Museum Reveal
35:18 Closing Reflections
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
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!
