Healthy Humaning Institute

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The BRACE Method: What They Should Have Taught in School

🎶 “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…” 🎶

Okay, so I can’t sing to save my life. But what I can do is teach the world how to live in harmony—or at least get closer to it. Because let’s be real, humans will always human, every single time.

Here’s the thing: We’ve all been dealt a massive disadvantage, and most of us don’t even realize it. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? If no one has ever told you, “Hey, your communication skills might need work,” how would you know? You’d just keep experiencing frustration, stress, and resentment, thinking it’s normal.

And the same goes for the other critical life skills we were never taught—skills that would make life and relationships so much easier.

The BRACE Method: What Is It?

I’ve broken these essential skills into five key components, wrapped them in a neat acronym (because who doesn’t love a good acronym?), and called it The BRACE Method.

Boundaries

Understanding where you end and others begin. Protecting your energy, your values, and your authenticity.

Responsibility

Owning your choices and actions—without taking on what’s not yours to carry.

Autonomy

Respecting that everyone has the right to make their own choices, even when you don’t agree.

Communication

Expressing yourself clearly and listening deeply. It’s the foundation for all healthy connections.

Emotional Intelligence

Recognizing, understanding, and managing your own emotions—and honoring others’ feelings, too.

Why It’s Hard (But Worth It)

Let’s be real: These skills should have been taught to us as kids, during the “sponge years” when learning comes naturally. Instead, we were often handed poor models, toxic norms, and unhealthy habits. Now, as adults, learning this stuff can feel overwhelming and unfair.

But here’s the truth I tell my clients all the time:

  • It’s only hard because it’s new.

  • It gets easier the more you practice.

At first, it feels like climbing a mountain. But each step builds strength and resilience. Eventually, these skills will become second nature, just like they should have been all along.

Why These Five Components?

Life doesn’t follow a neat, linear process—and neither does The BRACE Method. Think of it like a braid:

  • You might start with communication, but then realize you need to weave in autonomy and boundaries.

  • Then you loop back to add more emotional intelligence or revisit personal responsibility.

Each strand strengthens the others, creating something sturdier and more functional than what you started with.

For example:

  • Setting boundaries is pointless if you can’t communicate them effectively.

  • Amazing communication skills won’t fix a relationship if there’s no accountability.

  • And emotional intelligence helps ensure that autonomy and boundaries are handled with care.

These five elements work together to shift how relationships function—not just with others, but also with yourself.

Why “BRACE”?

Honestly, I spent months trying to turn these concepts into something easier to teach and remember. One day, a coach of mine repeated them back in just the right order, and ta-da! The BRACE Method was born.

It’s memorable, but not rigid. It’s not a step-by-step process—it’s a framework. A guide. A tool to help you evaluate and improve your relationships, your choices, and your life.

Why It Matters

This work is hard, but it’s transformative. When you commit to learning The BRACE Method, you’re not just improving your own life—you’re creating a ripple effect.

  • Stronger Relationships: Built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

  • Greater Peace: As you align your actions with your values.

  • Better Communities: When more people embrace healthy, intentional living.

Is it fair that you have to learn this as an adult? No. But is it worth it? Absolutely.

Are You Ready to BRACE Yourself?

Healthy humaning is a choice. It’s about showing up for yourself and others in ways that are intentional, authentic, and aligned with your values.

If you’re ready to dive in, The BRACE Method is here to guide you. Let’s braid these concepts into something sturdy, something life-changing, something beautiful. Invitation to book a 15-minute consultation with me today to get started on your journey to emotional empowerment, deeper relationships, and a more fulfilling life.