From Grief to Growth: A Dialogue with Emotional Intelligence Guru, Joy Langley

I first crossed paths with Joy Langley, a well-known Emotional Intelligence Guru, during a LinkedIn audio room session that she was hosting. Joy struck me as an articulate woman, exuding poise, and calmness. Her demeanor held an air of tranquility, even as she discussed the intricacies of her family life. Born as one of five children to Jamaican immigrants, Joy’s appreciation for her life in England was deeply palpable.

The conversation took a poignant turn when I asked about her children. Joy shared the heartbreaking loss of her son, who succumbed to suicide in 2018. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and although she believed he had a handle on his mood swings, his loss taught her a harsh reality: sometimes, despite therapy, communication, and medication, it is impossible to prevent someone from succumbing to their inner demons.

As she shared her story, her anguish resonated with me deeply. I've been associated with suicide cases in the past, and every single one ended tragically for all involved. Yet, Joy's retelling was not intended to attribute blame. Instead, it was a humble admission of the simple yet profound fact that everyone must take responsibility for their own actions.

Joy's pain was palpable as she spoke about losing the connection with her son, often unconsciously glancing over with the expectation that he was still there. This was a reminder that we, as humans, are inherently emotional beings. Communication plays a pivotal role in our interactions and understanding, but our emotional nature prevails.

The topic of suicide prevention, though unintended, was embraced warmly, highlighting Joy's humanity. We emphasized the importance of seeking assistance and taking that first step because you are never alone. There are countless people and organizations ready to extend their helping hand.

www.thefirewatch.org

www.save.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741

As the conversation shifted, we delved into understanding oneself first. Joy suggested that Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness are foundational to self-understanding, igniting curiosity about why we think and act in certain ways.

With simple yet profound words, Joy conveyed her feelings, underlining that nobody can read anyone else’s mind. Expression, she argued, is key to letting others assist you.

In many ways, Joy lives up to her name, spreading joy to the world through her wisdom. She has come to terms with her past, living in the present with the hope for a brighter future.

You can connect with Joy Langley via LinkedIn and Facebook. Also, do visit her website at www.joylangley.com to learn more about her work.