How to Have Difficult Conversations with Honesty, Empathy, and Emotional Intelligence I have learned a few things throughout my roughly ten years of working in sales. After talking with lots of people from different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds – you name it – the biggest takeaway has been this: you can say anything to anyone, you just have to say it the right way. It’s a mindset that’s guided me through conversations both big and small, uncomfortable and necessary. Whether it’s setting boundaries, expressing needs, or offering feedback, this principle has shown me how to communicate in a way that is effective for both me and the other person. The context…
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Jealousy is a powerful emotion. I think it’s something we all feel, but it’s not something we talk about very much. No one is ever proud to announce that they’re jealous of someone else. After all, jealousy usually stems from a sense of lack and fear, so it also reveals other insecurities. Depending on your level of self-awareness or the image that you maintain, that’s not really a good look. If you’ve ever felt jealous and yucky about it – or perhaps you struggle with jealousy – this post might provide you with a little perspective. What if you could simply choose a new alternative to this seemingly all-consuming emotion?…
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How do I discern whether someone belongs in my life? Who you let into your life is important. We might not always realize it right away, but the people we allow ourselves to be around influence us – sometimes more than we know. As humans, we can’t help but learn from each other. That’s why being mindful about who gets access to your energy isn’t just a nice idea – it’s necessary. Being discerning with my time and energy is something I’ve been actively working on. This post is a reflection on the importance of being choosy about who you share your time with – whether it’s a romantic partner,…
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There is always so much going on; most of us have a running to-do list that is a mile long. We’ve got deadlines to meet, errands to run, and don’t forget to clean the house because we’ve got company coming tomorrow. Of course, tending to our responsibilities is important. That also means that sometimes in life we have to sacrifice certain things to ensure that our responsibilities are met first. However, there’s something that you should consider when you think about how busy you are, and how you’re rushing around to get things done. Remember to take a break, remember to be present. Be conscious of how you use your…
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When we were little, we were taught to say “sorry” when we did something wrong. For some of us, somewhere along the way, we picked up the habit of apologizing constantly – just moving through life. People go to therapy because they need to talk about their desire for an apology. I know in the past, I’ve held the belief that an apology needed to happen before I could move on, and I’m not alone. Some folks wait years – sometimes their whole lives – for an apology. They stop speaking to loved ones, they hold grudges. They rearrange entire parts of their lives because they feel an apology is…
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Healing doesn’t only mean you make friends with your shadow side, and it’s more than working through past traumas. There’s even more to it than learning to trust yourself. We all know that healing requires you to walk through some dark nights and accept some hard truths. We also know that there is freedom on the other side of letting go. One thing, however, that I don’t think is discussed as much when it comes to healing, is how much space you create for yourself to feel the good things more fully. So many of us approach our healing journey with the hopes of feeling better, less sad, less focused…
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It’s almost like before we begin healing, we’re one person, and after healing, we become someone entirely new. Not in personality or essence, but in how we see. This is a shift that is both natural and necessary. When you’re still hurting, it’s easy to move through life wearing a filter that distorts reality just enough to protect your heart. However, healing sparks clarity; it removes that filter; and what you begin to see might surprise you. You start to feel a new kind of peace – one that doesn’t depend on how others behave. That freedom allows you to notice things you hadn’t before: the subtle ways people take,…
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When you stop seeking approval, some people may become uncomfortable around you. The impact that how you feel about yourself has on others is very real. You start living more authentically, standing tall in your truth and being who you are, you might find that people seem different. Maybe someone who once seemed supportive pulls away, becomes critical, or even passive-aggressive. When you stand firm in who you are, you learn that confidence can unsettle others around you. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing, although it might sting a little – especially if you aren’t expecting it. You might even feel tempted to make yourself smaller, or revert…
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We talk a lot about using compassion, patience, and understanding as tools for growth – and rightfully so. They’re essential. But one powerful tool that often gets overlooked is curiosity. Approaching situations with curiosity and the intent to learn more can change your whole experience. Asking deeper questions helps you understand the world and yourself. Being open allows you to find the answers you’re looking for, and having curiosity leads to clarity. Use curiosity in place of judgement – judgment closes your mind, while curiosity does the opposite. In fact, curiosity allows you to see everything from a different perspective; it can even be fun if you want it to…
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I feel like this saying is everywhere: Protect your energy. It’s become a kind of modern mantra – a shorthand for emotional self-care. Whether you’re navigating toxic work environments, draining relationships, or trying to avoid burnout, the idea of protecting your energy offers a sense of empowerment. It’s a way to reclaim your peace, and – there’s more to it than that. I mentioned the phrase “protect your energy” to my therapist once. In response, he paused and asked, “What would happen if, instead of using the word protect, you used the word curious?” It was a subtle shift – but one I’ve referenced ever since. What if protecting your…
