Bravely Connected

Have you ever wondered why you feel alone even when surrounded by others? It’s not uncommon. Loneliness can emerge in personal relationships, classrooms, workplaces, and even marriages. My work has centred on bringing the hurting closer—a theme I explore in my books for parents and educators. Loneliness often drives behaviours like lashing out, withdrawing, or being judgmental, as these actions communicate a deeper sense of disconnection or misunderstanding.

Personal Reflections on Loneliness

I remember feeling alone early in my marriage, despite being physically present with my husband. This feeling was compounded during crises when I felt solely responsible for holding my family together. My husband’s inability to fully grasp the emotional weight I carried led to feelings of isolation. Over time, I realized that this withdrawal was a response to the emotional disconnection I was experiencing.

The Impact of Loneliness on Behaviour

In Brene Brown’s book, Daring Greatly, she talks about how feelings of isolation often lead to withdrawal. This phenomenon is particularly evident in schools, where students’ avoidance behaviours are frequently misunderstood. These behaviours stem from a lack of connection rather than laziness. Lack of connection with the staff, peers, but also with purpose, meaning, and feeling what they are doing matters. Students, educators, and even parents often experience disconnection in environments that lack supportive and empathy. When there isn’t a collective vision to create something wonderous together.

Creating Supportive Cultures

Parents navigating mental health crises with their children often feel isolated. I know I did. Despite relentless efforts to seek help, the journey is frustrating with delays, expenses, and insufficient support. Similarly, educators frequently feel alone in managing their classrooms without adequate resources or guidance. This shared experience of loneliness highlights the need for cultural shifts in both homes and schools to foster connection and support.

The Role of Empathy in Overcoming Loneliness

Empathy is a crucial tool for addressing loneliness. It involves validating others’ experiences without dismissing or minimizing their feelings. Empathy fosters trust and encourages individuals to share openly without fear of invalidation. Yet we need to move beyond empathy to create change. While empathy is essential, it’s only the starting point for creating meaningful change. Clear values and shared language cultivate cultures of connection.

During my family’s mental health crisis, I created a personal mantra to guide me through challenges: “I am brave. I show up when it’s hard. I love without walls. I forgive when it hurts. I rise through the storm.” This mantra became a cornerstone for creating the resilient and supportive environment I wanted to create.

We can cultivate empathy and create environments that prioritize connection and support. If you need help doing this, my Bravely Connected Method creates this. Reach out to me at connie@conniejakab.com and let’s see 2025 a year of bravely connected spaces.