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DIVINE INSPIRATION
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Hey all,
Mark here. Here's what we have in store for this week...
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WHAT I'M WRITING ABOUT
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Rebuilding Emotional Literacy in a Numbed-Out World
We live in a world overflowing with information—and starving for emotional wisdom.
Despite more connection than ever, people feel more fragile, reactive, and alone.
Why?
Because emotional literacy—the ability to understand, express, and regulate our inner world—is quietly declining.
And without emotional literacy, resilience collapses.
Relationships weaken.
Teams fracture.
We grow up unable to navigate the storms of life.
But the good news?
Emotional intelligence can be trained. And it must be—if we want a healthier, more conscious next generation.
Let’s break down how.
Why Emotional Literacy Is Declining—and How to Rebuild It
Screens replaced conversations.
Distraction replaced presence.
Performance replaced play.
Kids and adults alike are losing the ability to name what they feel, let alone process it. Rebuilding emotional literacy starts with slowing down, listening inward, and giving language to the sensations, triggers, and stories running beneath the surface. Awareness is the first step toward healing.
“Quit Taking It Personal” — The Foundational SEL Muscle
Everything changes when you stop assuming things are about you.
Most conflict comes from misinterpretation—not malice.
When you stop taking things personally, you create space between stimulus and response.
That space is where maturity grows.
That space is emotional intelligence.
Reframe with “I Statements”—From Victimhood to Accountability
“I feel…”
“I need…”
“I’m noticing…”
These simple shifts pull you out of blame and back into ownership.
Victimhood drains your power.
Accountability restores it.
Reframing with “I statements” teaches your nervous system to lead, not react.
Storytelling and Vulnerability Improve Connection
People don’t connect to perfection—they connect to honesty.
When you share your story—the real one—you create trust.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s a bridge.
It turns walls into windows and opens the door for others to follow.
Modeling Emotional Intelligence at Home and at Work
The next generation won’t learn emotional intelligence from lectures—they’ll learn it from leaders.
From how you apologize.
From how you listen.
From how you breathe before reacting.
From how you handle hard conversations without shutting down or blowing up.
You are always modeling—intentionally or not.
Restoring Resilience in the Next Generation
Resilience isn’t built in a classroom—it’s built through support, struggle, and skill-building.
Schools must teach self-awareness.
Parents must model emotional regulation.
Leaders must create cultures of trust, not fear.
When we raise emotionally literate kids, we raise stronger teams, stronger families, and stronger communities.
Hooyah!
--> Watch episode #544 with Lori Woodley-Langrendorff
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NEW EPISODE - THE MARK DIVINE SHOW
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The Mark Divine Show
Stop Taking It Personal
Episode #544
Lori Woodley-Langendorff, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of All It Takes, has been named the 2026 Counselor Advocate of the Year by the California Association of School Counselors—a recognition that reflects more than three decades of unwavering advocacy for students, educators, and the school counseling profession.
Beginning her career unexpectedly in school counseling, Lori quickly discovered a calling to expand what counselors could accomplish. From her work in the Antelope Valley, Moorpark, and Conejo Valley to statewide leadership roles, she has championed programs that help every student feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their boldest goals.
In 2010, Lori founded All It Takes, transforming her experience into a global movement for emotional intelligence, leadership, and experiential learning. She is also the co-creator of the award-winning A Trusted Space series and author of SEL Muscle Mastery, equipping educators and caregivers with tools for resilience, connection, and well-being.
Podcast Highlights:
Most people think they communicate well. Most people think they’re emotionally intelligent. But according to SEL expert Lori Woodley, we’re getting the most important human skill completely wrong.
In this powerful conversation, Mark Divine sits with nationally recognized SEL leader and author Lori Woodley Langor to explore why emotional literacy is collapsing inside homes, schools, and workplaces—and how we can rebuild the skills that actually create resilient kids, stronger families, and healthier communities.
From redefining accountability, to breaking the habit of taking everything personally, to shifting from blame to responsibility, Lori reveals the six SEL muscles that determine how we relate, communicate, and lead.
This episode unpacks the real emotional crisis behind student behavior, teacher burnout, parental overwhelm, and the widening disconnect between generations.
If you’re a parent, educator, leader, or someone who wants to build deeper connection and stronger relationships, this conversation will change the way you listen, respond, and lead.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
1. Why emotional literacy is declining and how to rebuild it
2. Why “quit taking it personal” is the foundational SEL muscle
3. How reframing with “I statements” shifts you from victimhood to accountability
4. Why storytelling and vulnerability improve connection
5. How to model emotional intelligence at home and at work
6. How schools, parents, and leaders can restore resilience in the next generation
--> Listen to episode #544 with Lori Woodley-Langrendorff
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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
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“If we’re going to bring our kids back to engaging in personal development, we’re going to have to do it ourselves” —Lori Woodley-Langrendorff
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PRACTICE OR HABIT TO TRY
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Take a moment today to notice:
Where are you taking things too personally?
Where could an “I statement” replace a reaction?
And who is watching you—at home or at work—learning how to handle emotions by the way you respond?
Emotional intelligence isn’t taught one time—it’s practiced daily.
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Join The Unbeatable Tribe - Build With Intention
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Unlock elite leadership, mentorship, and coaching with Unbeatable accountability and community.
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P.S. If you enjoyed this email, reply here and let me know what you thought. I'd love to hear from you.
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Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.
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This email was sent to NPl9n7oy@niepodam.pl by Divine Inspiration, LLC.
All rights reserved © 2024
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