How Emotional Intelligence (Actually) Grows: Awareness, Labels, and Making Space

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, Ryan and MJ explore emotional intelligence through the lens of personal stories, childhood conditioning, and modern mental health culture.
From growing up with no emotional language to today’s oversaturation of labels like “I have anxiety” or “I am ADHD,” they break down how emotional awareness forms, where it goes wrong, and what we can do to build it intentionally.
They also discuss:
• Why “fine” isn’t a feeling
• The danger of over-labeling and identity attachment
• How to separate emotion from identity
• Why space between stimulus and reaction is where growth happens
• Real-world examples of how to pause, reflect, and respond

Whether you’re learning to name your emotions or helping your kids understand theirs, this conversation is a roadmap for making space, not just naming feelings.