Join me for a special interview with Alexandra Velosa, Marketing Manager of Southcentre Mall. I am blown away by how she thinks, and how's she has turned a mall into a place of community.Community isn’t just where we live—it’s how we show up. In this episode of Bravely Connected, we explore the power of small actions that create big change. From transforming a mall rooftop into a thriving garden to uniting artists for a cause, these stories prove that impact starts with connection. In these special interviews, I uncover how everyday people are turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary solutions. Community can be created anywhere.Alexandra reminds me of this.

This episode is a passionate call to action against the rising epidemic of disconnection. It highlights the power of community in combating anxiety and depression, sharing real stories of transformation through simple acts of gathering—whether through dance, art, or shared meals.

This episode challenges parents, teachers, and students to step up and create spaces of belonging, offering practical steps to foster genuine connection. If you’re ready to fight loneliness with the “sword of connection,” this episode will inspire you to take action.

#connection #community #youth #parents #teachers #anxiety

Why do we instinctively protect ourselves in social situations? And how can we break through self-preservation to build truly connected spaces?

In this episode ofBravely Connected, I reveal a game-changing truth about human behavior—one that affects every interaction we have as parents, educators, and leaders. When we understand self-preservation, we can move beyond safe spaces and create environments where connection thrives.

Join me as we explore:
✅ The hidden instinct driving our reactions
✅ Why we form cliques and avoid vulnerability
✅ Practical ways to foster genuine belonging in any space

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on buildingBravely Connected communities!

#Connection #SelfPreservation #BravelyConnected #CommunityBuilding #Belonging

This blog post is about shifting from the concept of safe spaces to brave spaces—environments that focus on resilience, personal responsibility, and deep connection rather than self-preservation. It explores how trauma shapes perceptions, the limitations of safe spaces, and the importance of building brave spaces through curiosity, empathy, trust, and relationships. The post also emphasizes long-term community transformation and practical strategies for parents, teachers, and leaders to foster meaningful change.

Dive into the art of setting boundaries to foster healthy, sustainable relationships in every area of life—whether with children, partners, family, or colleagues. In this episode, we explore why boundaries matter, especially during high-pressure times like the holidays.

Learn how to manage your inner world, advocate for your needs, and practice the Bravely Connected Method to nurture resilience and connection.

Discover actionable steps for:

- Understanding your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

- Identifying what’s within your control.

- Creating boundaries using simple, empowering formulas.

- Differentiating between boundaries and walls to protect relationships worth preserving.

Join me to reflect on how you hold your end of the rope in relationships and take your first step toward building belonging—from the inside out.

Bonus: get a paper and pen and do the 4 steps to finish with your complete boundary plan!

Anxiety in kids is often misunderstood and, unfortunately, mishandled. In this episode, I dive into the ways we can better support children who struggle with anxiety by focusing on the powerful role of connection and belonging. Instead of seeing anxiety as something to suppress, we can approach it as a signal—a call to look beneath the surface, understand deeper needs, and build resilience through genuine connection.

Join me as I share insights from my Bravely Connected method, real-life stories, and practical strategies for parents, teachers, and anyone leading others. Let’s move from simply managing symptoms to creating a culture of belonging that allows kids to overcome anxiety and thrive.

If this resonates with you, explore more resources at conniejakab.com and learn about the Bravely Connected Parent Teacher Membership. Let’s support the children in our lives by connecting with them bravely and compassionately.

In this episode of Bravely Connected, we dive deep into ADHD—what it really means and how we can best support those living with it. ADHD is often misunderstood, but with the right insights and practical tools, we can make a world of difference in the lives of children, students, and loved ones.

Join me as I explore the real impact of ADHD on executive functioning, explains the concept of attunement, and share actionable strategies to help parents, teachers, and even coworkers positively influence the ADHD brain.

You’ll learn why ADHD support goes beyond discipline, how co-regulation can transform emotional responses, and why fostering strengths is just as important as addressing challenges.

Topics Covered:

- What ADHD really is and how it affects the brain

- Signs and symptoms of ADHD

- The role of attunement and interpersonal neurobiology in managing ADHD

- Practical tips for parents, teachers, and peers to better support someone with ADHD

- The strengths of an ADHD mind that often go unnoticed

- If you're ready to move beyond the ADHD myths and gain a deeper understanding of this condition, this video is for you.

Hit subscribe and stay tuned for more insights on mental health, emotional resilience, and building strong connections!

Are you feeling exhausted, disconnected, or overwhelmed as a leader, parent, or teacher? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I dive deep into compassion fatigue—a silent but powerful drain on your energy and ability to connect with those you care about most.

Learn how to identify the signs of compassion fatigue, understand its effects on your mental health, and discover practical strategies to regain balance and rebuild your emotional strength.

In this episode I cover:

- Recognizing the early warning signs of compassion fatigue

- Simple self-check exercises to attune to your own needs

- Building resilience through empathy and emotional connection

- Techniques for setting boundaries and managing school anxiety

- The power of self-compassion in your role as a caregiver, teacher, or leaderJ

oin us on the path to Brave Connections as we explore how to show up authentically and make a lasting impact in your community. Stay tuned to transform how you support others—and yourself.

🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on parenting support, mental health, and leadership skills!

Emotional connection and mental health awareness and school anxiety support for YOU the parent or teacher to help boys specifically with how to overcome anxiety.

Importance of Self-Recognition (1:31 - 2:50)

Evaluating Social and Media InfluencesShielding with Friendships and Media Choices (2:51 - 4:15)

Self-Identity and Personal Growth (4:16 - 6:00)

Creating Routines for Anxiety Management,Pre-Sleep and Morning Strategies (6:01 - 8:30)

Incremental Actions to Reduce Overwhelm (8:31 - 9:10)

Responding to Anxiety DirectlyEmpowering Language Against Anxiety (9:11 - 11:00)

Additional Resources and Announcements

Free Mental Health Resource and Webinar (11:01 - 12:10)

The way we perceive others directly influences how we interact with them. If we only see their flaws—anxiety, depression, opposition—we lock them into those identities. But if we can shift our focus to their strengths, we give them room to grow.

In this episode I share a time when I was faced head-on with how my perception was blocking me from SEEING someone who deeply hurt me. Discover how we can ditch the labels and really see people again.