Three things come to mind immediately when I think about Living an EQ Life©:

1. be present
2. be respectful, and
3. be open.

Let me explain...

Be Present: As you read this note, try to identify all that is happening around you right now; e.g. email pings, TV talking, dog barking, kids screaming, phone ringing, people in and out of the room, laundry washing, thinking about groceries, guests arriving shortly, online homework...it is a never ending barrage of things to do, people to see, places to go. And yet, I have discovered, when I can stop, breathe and focus (be present)...I am a better friend, a better coach, a better facilitator and a better community partner.

Be Respectful: I’ve become hyper-sensitive lately to the lack of civil discourse – for sure in the media, but also in casual conversation. Is there anyone else that thinks talking on a cell phone and ordering a large, skim latte at the same time is rude? How about answering a phone call in the middle of a face-to-face conversation – what is that about? We learned a lot about being respectful in kindergarten…wait your turn, don’t interrupt and always say please and thank you! I wonder if there is a refresher course?

Be Open: Being open to the possibility that we may learn something new or discover that there is always more than one right answer is a gift we can give ourselves. This becomes more difficult as we get older (for a number of physiological reasons). I guess we need to be consciously open about being open!

These are 3 things I believe will contribute to Living an EQ Life©.

I'm curious to know how you are putting emotional intelligence into practice...in other words, how are you This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ©?