58: What If the Life You’re Waiting For Is Already Happening? | Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh – Badass Books and Besties
Introduction
Living your most badass life is about stepping into your authentic self, embracing your passions, and overcoming obstacles. In this blog post, we explore insights from Brianna Brown, founder of the Badass Book Besties, as she shares her journey from educator to entrepreneur. Along the way, she created a thriving community where women come together to inspire one another, live boldly, and support each other in their personal growth journeys.
Finding Your Badass Self
For Brianna, the key to living a badass life is embracing authenticity. Throughout her life, she struggled with the need to please others and fit societal expectations. But she soon realized that by doing so, she was suppressing her true self. It wasn’t until she decided to stop people-pleasing and start being her authentic self that she began to live fully.
Brianna’s message is clear: being true to yourself may seem simple, but it requires courage and self-reflection. It’s about recognizing the conditioning and fears that hold you back and deciding to let go of the need to conform. Living your most badass life begins with embracing who you truly are, flaws and all.
The Journey from People-Pleaser to Creative Explorer
In the interview with her sister, Catie, Brianna shares how she transformed from a people-pleaser into what she calls a “creative explorer.” Creativity wasn’t always something Brianna felt she possessed. Like many, she equated creativity with artistic talent, and for years she didn’t think of herself as a creative person.
However, as she began exploring new interests—whether through books, crafts, or travel—Brianna realized that creativity is about experimentation, not perfection. This shift in mindset allowed her to try new things, take risks, and enjoy the process of creation. Her journey from educator to entrepreneur embodies the idea that creativity is inherent in all of us, and it can be unlocked when we allow ourselves the freedom to explore.
Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Resilience
Brianna’s life hasn’t always been easy. Like many, she faced personal struggles, obstacles, and moments of doubt. However, she didn’t let those setbacks define her. Instead, she used them as motivation to keep moving forward.
One of the most important lessons Brianna shares is the power of resilience. Life will always present challenges, but the key is to persevere. Brianna’s story is a testament to the idea that even when things are difficult, you can keep pushing forward. You may fall down, but as long as you get back up, you’re still on the path to success.
For Brianna, living a badass life means not letting fear, anxiety, or past experiences stand in the way of pursuing your passions. Whether you want to start a business, travel the world, or simply be your true self, the most important thing is to take action, even when it feels scary.
The Birth of Badass Book Besties
The Badass Book Besties community was born out of Brianna’s love for books and connection. After spending years in education as a teacher and librarian, Brianna realized she wanted to create something that was her own. She wanted to merge her love of reading with building a supportive community for women.
In the interview, Brianna shares how her journey into entrepreneurship began with an MLM book company, but it soon evolved into something much bigger. She founded Badass Book Besties, a membership-based community that features two book clubs: one focused on fiction and nonfiction, and the Lotus Academy, which centers on self-improvement and personal transformation.
Beyond books, the community is about connection. Members not only discuss literature, but they also support each other in their personal growth journeys. The relationships formed in this community are at the heart of Brianna’s work. It’s about creating a space where women can share their stories, learn from one another, and grow together.
Living with Intention: Travel, Writing, and Dreams
One of Brianna’s biggest goals is to live intentionally. Whether it’s through traveling, writing, or building her business, she wants to be intentional with how she spends her time. As a passionate traveler, Brianna dreams of exploring new places, meeting Badass Book Besties around the world, and visiting bookstores in different cities.
Another important goal for Brianna is to finally publish the book she’s been writing for years. As someone who has always loved storytelling, she’s ready to take the stories she’s been crafting and share them with the world. Her message to aspiring writers and creatives is simple: stop waiting for the “right time” and start taking action.
The Power of Community and Connection
At the core of Badass Book Besties is the belief in the power of community. For Brianna, creating this group wasn’t just about reading books—it was about fostering real, meaningful connections between women. Whether it’s through shared book discussions, personal growth workshops, or simply chatting in the group, the community is a place where women can feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Brianna emphasizes that Badass Book Besties isn’t just for avid readers—it’s for anyone looking to connect with like-minded women, explore new ideas, and find inspiration. It’s a space where women can come together, be themselves, and grow in a supportive environment.
The Lessons Brianna Wants You to Learn
If there’s one message Brianna wants to share, it’s this: don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Too often, we let fear of failure or fear of judgment prevent us from pursuing the things we truly want. But as Brianna’s story shows, the only way to live a fulfilling life is to take risks, embrace your uniqueness, and believe in your worth.
Another important lesson is self-compassion. We’re often our own harshest critics, but it’s crucial to treat yourself with kindness. Mistakes will happen, and things won’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The key is to keep going, learn from your experiences, and continue growing.
Finally, Brianna encourages women to take action. Whether it’s starting a new business, publishing a book, or simply trying something new, the time to act is now. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or for everything to fall into place. Start where you are, and take the first step toward your dreams.
Conclusion
Brianna’s journey from educator to entrepreneur, and from people-pleaser to creative explorer, is an inspiring testament to the power of authenticity, community, and perseverance. Through her work with the Badass Book Besties, she’s creating a space for women to connect, grow, and live their best lives.
If there’s one lesson to take away from Brianna’s story, it’s this: don’t let fear, self-doubt, or past experiences hold you back. Be bold, be authentic, and most importantly, be your own biggest supporter. As Brianna would say, you are more than enough—now go live your most badass life.
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