Episode 24: Embracing Authenticity, Expectations & Self-Love with Vesta Hurlbutt
In this powerful and heart-centered episode of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, Melissa Crook welcomes Vesta Hurlbutt—host of Open Heart Healing—for a vulnerable and inspiring conversation on healing, releasing expectations, and embracing self-love.
Vesta opens up about the pressure of living by others’ standards and how she found freedom by living for herself instead. Together, they explore the reality that loving yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. From practicing body acceptance while desiring change to holding space for emotional duality, this episode is a meaningful guide for anyone navigating the tension between self-growth and self-acceptance.
Whether you’re learning to forgive yourself, redefining your expectations, or just starting to prioritize emotional wellness, Vesta’s story will speak directly to your heart.
Listeners will walk away with tools to:
Let go of unrealistic expectations and live by your truth
Practice self-forgiveness and cultivate self-worth
Embrace both joy and sadness in your healing journey
Love your body while working toward positive change
Create or find a community rooted in healing and inclusivity
Tune in now to reconnect with your inner self, honor your journey, and live unapologetically—with love at the center.
Ways to Engage: Take the time to recognize people in your life who you love unconditionally and vice versa. It might even help to write them down for times when you’re feeling unloved, depressed, lonely, etc. Unconditional love is a beautiful thing and you are worthy of experiencing it.
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:44 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 10:54 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 24:35 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 35:07 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:55 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 47:03 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 55:31 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:03:00 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:08:44 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:11:08 )
Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021 or complete our contact form here: https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis