LETTER FROM THE Editor
ALONE WE ARE AMAZING . TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE .
I ’ ve always been intrigued by the lone wolf . The one who stays on the outside and never really steps into the pack . Staying always at the edge and never fully stepping in . Watching and waiting but never daring or caring to be one of many .
I ’ m intrigued because I ’ ve walked that line before . Mentally beat down and forced into a space where I didn ’ t matter . Where I felt that I didn ’ t deserve the comfort and food of the pack . I wasn ’ t worthy of the shelter , security and protection that came with it . I built up high walls around my heart and what I would let in . I chose to feel unwanted because that ’ s what I believed . I was unwanted by those around me .
Out of fear I spent a long time watching and observing . I watched to make sure others weren ’ t watching me . When I was thrown a scrap of friendship I kept it held at arm ’ s length with skepticism . Always wondering when they were going to take it back or what the price was of generosity .
The lone wolf is safer if she never lets anyone in who can hurt her . I wish I could tell you there was some huge epiphany one day for me and those walls came crashing in , but I still have my lone wolf moments . I wonder if she really wants to hang out with me ? Or I wonder how long this friendship will last before she betrays my trust ? What are they really saying about me ?
Those lone wolf thoughts are still there , but I ’ ve chosen to live a different path . When I first started my online journey three years ago , I kept very close to myself . I also noticed that everyone else did too . These friendships , likes , and comments weren ’ t true connections . As I dove deeper into my business I begun to realize a lot about myself .
One thing stuck out really clear ... This would be a whole lot easier if we all just worked together . So that ’ s what I decided to do . Work together and collaborate . At first that still looked very lone wolf and not so much pack-ness happening . Collaborate , but really you both still have your own agenda . What if we built something badass for all the people to hang out ? I knew that if I was going to leave that lone wolf behind I was going to have to dive into something big .
That drive for a pack of badasses coming together is what makes community the heart of Badassery . A group of individuals working together to break down the standards and start our own revolutions . Community . Multiple packs who can see the good in all of us . Pretty soon multiple packs are running side by side with strong leaders .
Without a community , Badassery Magazine would just be another attempt at another great idea . Instead , it ’ s thriving and full of life . Full of individuals that may be lone wolves who are just starting to see the pack to full blown pack leaders . We love and cherish it all .
This month we are debuting our brand-new book , Badassery Style Community out into the world . It ’ s full of wisdom about building strong and mighty communities . It took us over six months to compile and it is bursting with total Badassery . If you are ready to answer the she-wolf calling in you and build a thriving community , come dive on in . We promise you will have a blast , because we ’ ve broken it down just like throwing a party . So , throw some confetti and come howl at the moon with us . Get your copy at badasserymag . com / badasserystyle-community
6 • BADASSERY MAGAZINE