Not sure if you read last weeks blog (if not, catch it here), but WOW did I get a lot of powerful comments from women who are both grateful that I am talking about the idea of CHOOSING yourself first, yet at the same time feeling lost as to HOW without the side of guilt that comes along with it....
Sadly, women are conditioned to feel guilt when they choose themselves first, or even be subject to scrutiny by others for seeming selfish. This is a HUGE problem in our culture/society, and I will continue to support my community, no matter your age, race, gender, etc in how you can take the best care of yourself not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
That brings me to today's topic, which is: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence (aka EI) and why it's important for EVERYONE!
EI, (not AI, that little thing that seems to be taking over the world right now) is the foundation to a happier and healthier life.
When I got sick with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in 2017, I had NO CHOICE but to take a good hard look at my life and the areas where I was lacking care for myself. Taking care of my Emotional Intelligence was one of them, along with learning how to manage stress, get better sleep, SLOW DOWN (that's part of emotional intelligence) and SAVOR life in the present versus rushing through every moment trying to get to the next thing.
Emotional Intelligence is like the secret sauce of life. It's about understanding and managing your emotions while being in tune with the emotions of others. It's not just about having a killer six-pack; it's about having a killer heart and mind too!
Here's why cultivating Emotional Intelligence is good for your well-being:
Stronger Relationships: When you can tune into the emotions of those around you, you build better connections. Notice I said "tune in" not "take on". This helps you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and create more meaningful, loving relationships. Think about it, better relationships equal a happier more harmonious life.
Stress Reduction: EI helps you manage stress by recognizing and learning how to understand your own emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively, you respond thoughtfully, reducing the impact of stress on your physical and mental health. It's like doing yoga for your brain.
Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions allows you to make better decisions, set and achieve goals that are attainable, and maintain a positive self-image. It's like having a GPS for your personal growth.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It's not just about knowing your own emotions; it's about being there for the people you care about, supporting them through thick and thin and knowing when to offer your feedback or just stay quiet and listen.
Resilience: Building emotional intelligence helps you bounce back from setbacks with greater strength. Life throws curveballs, but with EI, you become the MVP of your game, no matter what happens.
So, how do you cultivate Emotional Intelligence? Well, as I always say, "It's a journey..."
Start by practicing active listening, understanding your own emotions (get curious about them, versus judging them), and seek opportunities to connect with people on a deeper level instead of just talking about the weather.
Meditate, journal, and reflect on your feelings. Lean in and get curious about why you feel the way you do. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about progress.
Just like you focus on keeping your body fit for better health, Emotional Intelligence will transform your life in many positive ways. It's a workout of the heart and mind. Let's live our best lives together!