Emma Slater closed out the year with a sun-drenched belated birthday Instagram post on Tuesday, December 30, that blended vacation energy with a surprisingly candid dose of personal reflection.
The Dancing With the Stars pro, who turned 37 on December 25, shared a set of poolside snaps wearing a bright, patterned string bikini while celebrating somewhere tropical.
Emma Slater / Instagram
Slater appeared relaxed and glowing, posing beside a pool with her hair loose and textured from the beach air.
She accessorized with dark oval sunglasses, layered necklaces, and a few simple bracelets, keeping the look effortless and vacation-ready.
Emma Slater / Instagram
The photos were lighthearted, with Slater smiling and flashing peace signs, leaning into playful poses that match the laid-back setting.
Emma Slater / Instagram
But her caption took a deeper turn, with the longtime DWTS favorite opening up about a period of struggle, with people pleasing and having zero boundaries, and relearning how to trust herself.
Actress Chrishell Stause left happy birthday wishes in the comments, writing “Happy bday queen!👑🔥”