In Part I, we explored resilience…the strength to bounce back after challenges. Now, let’s look at emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. It helps us connect, communicate, and build healthy relationships.
Emotional intelligence is not about being “soft.” It is about being aware. It means noticing how you feel, controlling your reactions, and respecting how others feel. People with high emotional intelligence can stay calm under pressure, solve conflicts peacefully, and inspire trust.
At work: A manager who listens to employees’ concerns and motivates them with empathy shows emotional intelligence.
At school: A teacher who notices when a student is struggling emotionally and offers support is practicing EI.
In friendships: A friend who comforts you when you are sad, instead of ignoring your feelings, shows emotional intelligence.
In families: Parents who guide children with patience, not anger, are using EI.
Intelligence (IQ) helps us solve problems, but emotional intelligence helps us solve people problems. It builds trust, teamwork, and understanding. In fact, many successful leaders and professionals are praised not only for their skills but for their EI.
Food for Thought: Can emotional intelligence be more important than IQ in building a happy and successful life?
Next week, we shall explore resilience in everyday life… how ordinary people use it to face challenges.
The Roots of Comparison Why does envy take root so easily? The answer lies in neighbours, society, and even ourselves. The Joneses Effect: Once it was just keeping up with the neighbours. Now, social media amplifies the comparison. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter… endless highlight reels of promotions, perfect families, exotic vacations.
When Envy Builds or Breaks Envy isn’t always destructive. Sometimes, it fuels justice. Other times, it corrodes the soul. Envy has two faces: positive and negative. Positive envy can spark change. History is full of movements born from resentment of injustice, oppressed people rising against the powerful, demanding fairness. Apartheid’s
This is the beginning of a five‑part mini‑series on envy, the green‑eyed monster we all know but rarely admit to. Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore what envy really is, how it shows up in our lives, the damage it can cause, and most importantly, how we can transform it