12: Understanding Emotional Literacy: Why We Don't Always "Act Our Age"

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Shift Talking, host Davina Hehn explores the fascinating concept of emotional age and how it shapes our behaviors and responses in ways that might not align with our chronological age. Davina dives deep into why many of us feel “stuck” emotionally, the impact of trauma on emotional development, and how to recognize the signs of being emotionally out of sync.

Drawing on her expertise and personal reflections, Davina discusses:

• The critical role of emotional literacy and how it compares to learning a new skill, like reading.
• Why shame and judgment only hinder emotional growth.
• How trauma and life experiences can halt emotional development and create dissonance between emotional and physical age.
• The importance of self-awareness, introspection, and incremental progress in emotional growth.

Davina also shares practical steps to identify your emotional age, how to take inventory of your emotional responses, and why focusing on your own growth is the key to creating a healthier, more emotionally mature version of yourself.

This episode is a call to compassion—not just for others but also for yourself—as you navigate the journey of emotional healing and maturity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to differentiate between emotional age and chronological age.
• Ways to identify emotional "stunting" and its root causes.
• Practical exercises to assess and improve your emotional literacy.
• Why the stigma around emotional immaturity needs to end—and how to help make that shift.

Resources Mentioned:

• Previous episode: 10: Devillainizing Anger: What Your Brain is Really Doing When You're Mad (Part 2)
• Me & My Feelings Book on Amazon

Get in Touch: Follow Davina on social media for more resources, tips, and insights into emotional literacy and personal growth:

• TikTok: @asteadyspace
• Instagram: @asteadyspace | @yoursteadyspace
• Visit www.asteadyspace.com for more information about coaching services and programs.

Join the Community: Ready to take the next step in your emotional growth journey? Join the A Steady Space community for exclusive content, monthly Q&As, and tools to help you stay steady and get your shift together.