Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate life's challenges with grace while others struggle with emotional overwhelm? The answer often lies in emotional intelligence—a set of skills that forms the foundation of mental well-being, healthy relationships, and personal resilience.

For many of us, especially those who have experienced trauma or learned early that showing our true selves isn't safe, vulnerability can feel like the most dangerous thing we could do.

When we think about trauma, we often focus on its devastating effects—the sleepless nights, the flashbacks, the ways it can shatter our sense of safety and self. This focus is important and valid because trauma's impact is real and profound.