You guys...do I have a special episode for you this week or what. I was out in Portland visiting my son, Blake, when we had the most beautiful moment of authentic communication between us. With Blake’s permission, I flipped on my microphone, and we’re bringing you the first ever podcast with one of my kids on it!  Blake is only 21, but I’m blown away by his wisdom and the healthy adult he is becoming. In the story we’re sharing with you today, Blake was actually the one who recognized when his ego got triggered and who initiated the communication between us, and I’d be lying if I said mom didn’t tear up a little over here! The moment we experienced together led us to a deep discussion about how the ego shows up in our lives, the peace that comes from authentic living, how we can communicate more authentically with the people in our lives, how to receive authentic communication and how essential it is to make sure we’re coming from a place of love as we do this work. Listen to discover: How authentic communication deepens connection How the ego keeps us stuck in our defenses Why trying to be right all the time kills connection How to create safety in relationships How to respond when someone doesn’t receive our authentic communication well How to begin authentically communicating When you hear the story of what happened, you will recognize that Blake and I didn't experience any conflict. However, Blake was aware of something that didn’t feel right internally about a conversation we had and leaned into that awareness to create an opportunity for more authentic communication.  There would have been nothing wrong with letting it go and moving on, but that extra step was a chance to build a deeper connection...and that’s how we create more meaningful relationships! We step up, we get vulnerable and we share authentically with another. As Blake says, the best part is not just stronger relationships, but also that sense of alignment with ourselves and knowing we’re showing up how we want to show up for others...as our authentic selves! “The ego is the part of us that creates separation.” - Michelle Chalfant “You can’t be right (all the time) and have a deep connection with other human beings.” - Michelle Chalfant “When you’re the hero of your story, it doesn’t matter what other people are saying. It matters how you’re showing up for them.” - Blake Chalfant “Whether we agree with another person who is communicating with us or setting a boundary with us, how we receive that and express back is so key to deepening that relationship and creating safety in that relationship.” - Michelle Chalfant “We automatically defend as humans unless we have awareness.” - Michelle Chalfant “It just comes back to everything you do coming from the container of love.” - Blake Chalfant   LINKS & RESOURCES    Episode #283: Deeper Connections Through Vulnerability https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/283/    30-Day Journaling Challenge - Sign Up Now (starts November 1) https://theadultchair.com/30days/    P&G Hair Food https://hairfood.com/  Or find at Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Target or Walmart MORE ADULT CHAIR   The Adult Chair® Website https://theadultchair.com     The Adult Chair® Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/   The Adult Chair® Workshop  https://theadultchair.com/events/   The Adult Chair® Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification   TAC Circles® https://theadultchair.com/taccircles/ STAY CONNECTED   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfantCo/    The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant