My summer break has really taken me on an emotional journey. I have seen my daughter anticipate her ‘A’ Level exam results and worry about ‘what ifs’. Then feel relief as she received the results she needed to get into university followed by frantic shopping for ‘stuff’ as she starts the next stage in her education away from home.
My emotions seem to be on a roller coaster going from excitement in what lies ahead for her to sadness that our house will not be the same without her in it. At least she will be home in the holidays and no doubt with lots of washing to keep me busy!
Life has been hectic to say the least and it was actually quite grounding to return to school this week and get back into my normal routine.
This week also had me attending a fantastic Emotional Intelligence training day in Richmond with Richard Reid from Pinnacle Therapy. I spent the day with a group of other students learning about:
- What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- The impact EQ has on the brain
- The link between thoughts and emotions
- Mindfulness
- Negative thinking patterns
- The difference between fixed and growth mindsets
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Persuading, influencing and negotiation skills
As I develop my knowledge around emotional intelligence, the more I realise that this is something that needs to be included in the school curriculum for young people to have a more happy, contented and stable life.
Emotional intelligence is something that I cover in my school coaching sessions and the difference it can make to a young person’s life can be significant. It can help with the development of:
- Resilience
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social Skills
The feedback that I get from my students regarding the development of their emotional intelligence is that they feel:
- Less frustrated and confused about things that happen both in and out of school
- They feel they are a better person
- They are able to look at things from another persons point of view
- They have the ability to stay focused and not let life situations distract them from the task in hand
- They can communicate more effectively
- They learn how to let go
On Friday 6th October 2017 I will be attending The International Positive Education Network (IPEN) conference ‘ Next Steps for Wellbeing in Education’ in London. I am hoping that Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness will be on the agenda and how they can be introduced into schools on a larger scale.
If you know of a young person who is struggling in or out of school and would benefit from life coaching then please contact me.
