MindFlow: The Power of Emotional Literacy with Sarah Bjork

What if one of the keys to better relationships, healthier communication, and greater emotional well-being is simply learning how to identify and name what you’re feeling? In this episode, I’m talking with Sarah Bjork, creator of MindFlow, about emotional literacy and why understanding our emotions is such an important foundation for emotional regulation and emotional intelligence. Sarah became interested in emotional literacy after seeing firsthand how difficult it can be for adults who were never taught how to recognize or express their emotions. She also became especially interested in the subject while raising two young sons and noticing how frequently parenting resources emphasized the importance of helping children develop emotional awareness. Sarah explains the difference between emotional literacy and emotional intelligence. Emotional literacy is the ability to recognize, understand, and accurately label our emotions. Emotional intelligence builds on that foundation, helping us use emotional awareness to make decisions, manage relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations. We talk about why simply putting words to an emotion can change the way we experience it, why suppressing emotions doesn't make them disappear, and how unrecognized emotions can affect our relationships, communication, and overall well-being. Sarah also shares the story behind MindFlow, an app she created to make emotional processing simple and accessible. Using a four-step process, MindFlow helps users identify an emotion, understand its intensity, express it through brief journaling or drawing, and then decide whether they want to hold onto it or release it. The app also keeps a record of your emotional journey, which can help you notice patterns over time or provide information to discuss with a therapist or other professional. Whether you're trying to better understand yourself, improve your relationships, communicate more effectively, or help your children develop healthy emotional skills, this conversation offers practical ideas for becoming more emotionally literate. In this episode, we talk about: What emotional literacy is and why it matters The difference between emotional literacy and emotional intelligence Why identifying and naming emotions can help us process them What happens when we continually suppress or ignore our emotions How emotional awareness can affect relationships and communication Why many people struggle to find the words to describe what they feel Alexithymia and difficulty identifying or describing emotions The power of affect labeling The connection between emotional literacy and emotional regulation How parents can help children develop emotional awareness The four-step process behind the MindFlow app Using journaling and drawing to express emotions Tracking emotional patterns over time Simple ways to begin developing greater emotional awareness Sarah Bjork is the creator of MindFlow, a mother, director of Hope for Healing, author, and award-winning artist. Her work is centered around helping people better understand themselves and develop the tools they need to grow and thrive. Learn more about MindFlow: mindflowworks.com Find Sarah's book, What I Wish I Knew at 18: Amazon Listen, Share, and Support If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need hope today. Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and help us spread more healing and inspiration to the world. Free Resource for Healing If you're ready to release stress, calm your mind, and begin healing from within, visit: 🌿 https://hopeforhealingfoundation.org Discover free resources to help you build confidence, improve relationships, and find peace as you become the champion of your own story.