Blog 1: “Speaking the Truth” and Emotional Intelligence

Hey, moonbeams! 🌙✨

Welcome to my very first vlog! I’m Beatriz, and I’m so excited to have you here in my little corner of the internet. Today, we’re diving into something that’s been on my mind for a while: the whole idea of “speaking the truth” and what that really means when we bring emotional intelligence into the mix.

So, here’s the thing: We’ve all heard it before, right? People say things like, “I’m just being honest,” or “Stop being so sensitive”. But have you ever stopped and thought about what’s really going on when someone feels the need to be cruel in the name of truth? Well, let’s talk about that!

1. The “Truth” Behind Harsh Words
First off, people who think it’s okay to be blunt and harsh with their words often aren’t as emotionally connected as they think. Speaking your truth is one thing, but speaking it with compassion and understanding is something entirely different. I’m all for honesty, but there’s a way to communicate the truth without causing harm or shutting down someone’s emotions.

2. Emotional Suppression—What’s at Stake?
Did you know that emotional suppression can actually lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues? It’s true! Studies by Gross & Levenson (1997) show that ignoring or invalidating emotions doesn’t just affect your mental health—it can affect your body too. So, when we tell someone to “get over it” or dismiss their feelings with “stop being so sensitive”, we’re actually doing more harm than good.

3. Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Balanced Communication
Here’s where emotional intelligence comes in. Psychologist Daniel Goleman talks a lot about how true emotional maturity is all about balancing honesty with empathy. It’s not about hiding the truth—it’s about communicating it in a way that shows you care. Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing your own emotions while respecting the emotions of others.

It’s about being real without being hurtful, and that’s the kind of honesty I want to see more of in the world!

4. The Power of Empathy
At the core of emotional intelligence is empathy—the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. When we practice empathy, we can still be truthful without being cruel. It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level and creating space for understanding, rather than causing unnecessary hurt.

So, next time you’re about to speak your truth, ask yourself: Am I being truthful in a way that respects the feelings of others? Am I balancing honesty with empathy? Let’s all try to show up with both honesty and compassion. It’s about creating meaningful connections, not walls.

And always remember, your feelings are important—they're a fundamental part of being human. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise. 💖

Thank you for joining me today, and I hope this gave you something to think about. If you’re going through something, remember—you’ve got this. Do it scared, do it stressed, but don’t push yourself too hard. Your dreams matter, and you’re worth it. 🌙✨

Until next time!