My body feels different in my 40s. Not just because of age or autoimmune illness, but because of everything it’s carried. The trauma. The silence. The push-through.

So many of us, especially Black people, women, and people of color, have spent our lives absorbing blows just to survive. And when we finally react, we’re called angry, bitter, unloving.

But sometimes the most radical act of healing… is choosing not to keep absorbing.

Emotional intelligence isn’t just a “soft skill”, it’s a leadership essential. It’s what allows us to pause before reacting, to communicate with intention, and to lead with empathy. Whether you’re managing a team, building relationships at work, or navigating challenges in your personal life, emotional intelligence shapes how you show up, and how others experience you.