Emotional Intelligence Begins With Awareness

In this episode of EQ Unlocked, Matthew F. Stevens explores why emotional intelligence always begins with awareness—not control, perfection, or performance. He breaks down what self-awareness really is, how trauma can make it feel unsafe to notice our own thoughts and feelings, and why gentle curiosity is more powerful than self-criticism. This episode offers practical, trauma-informed steps to build awareness in everyday life, relationships, family, and work.