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Badassery in Action

| written by Alece Ronzino | 3 comments

My word this year is badassery, and — let me tell you — it’s been S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G me big time.

My moments of badassery, I realize, may look like just ordinary moments to someone else. But I’m okay with that. I’m not out to do impressive, grand, adventurous things. My purpose for choosing this word is very personal, so naturally, the way I live it out and allow it to shape my year and my life is also going to be personal.

Someone asked me why wearing red lipstick is on my Badassery List. While that’s a common thing that women all around the globe are known to do, for this girl who prefers to blend in rather than stand out, wearing red lipstick requires the intentional choice to lean into badassery. Small thing for most. But huge for me.

So, yes. I’m keeping a Badassery List. And there are currently 62 things written down on it — all acts of badassery that I’ve accomplished this year. And I’d imagine the majority of the things on my list so far would be considered inconsequential to others…

・Doing a detox cleanse
・Blogging more often
・Having difficult conversations
・Going to a cocktail party
・Resting when my body demands it

Nothing remarkably life-changing, I know. But cumulatively? Absolutely life-changing for me. I can see myself daily becoming bolder, more confident, more vocal, more empowered…. And it’s both thrilling and terrifying at times!

One of my favorite things about having a word for the year, is all the places I start to see it. There are blatant reminders of badassery all around me. I’ve seen and read the word more than ever before, in some of the most obscurest of places. Friends have sent me quotes and books and gifts that are badass-themed. I’ve watched movies and heard stories that have inspired me with others’ badassery. And I’ve recognized it in people that I’ve gotten to know…

Last month, my badassery took me to Thailand to learn more about the work of The Exodus Road, an organization that finds and frees victims of human trafficking. As I spent time with the founders, Matt and Laura Parker, I couldn’t help but develop deep respect, admiration, and love for them. And I couldn’t help but acknowledge the badassery I see in them. The work they do is hard. It’s grueling, it’s heart-sore, it has demanded much sacrifice from them and their family. And still they do it. With passion and fervor, they lay everything on the line to rescue girls and boys from the hands of injustice.

They are the truest of badasses.

And I’d love for you to get to know the work they’ve given their lives for.

I have a feeling your One Word might be stirring something in you that pertains to the work that The Exodus Road is doing. Or maybe it’s prompting you in the direction of another social justice organization you’re passionate about. Either way, don’t ignore those nudges…

Take time to feel and process through them, and allow them to stir you to action in some way. Maybe it’s through volunteering your time. Or making a monthly or one-time donation. Or actively educating yourself on an issue.

Just don’t allow yourself to remain inactive. Uninvolved. Disengaged.

There are still seven months left this year for you to lean into your word in new and broader ways. As you look for opportunities to engage your word on behalf of others, it will continue to shape you from the inside out.

And yes. It will be both thrilling and terrifying at times. But absolutely and completely worth it.

* * *

Will you join me in fighting for justice for children trapped in sex slavery?

The Exodus Road is currently trying to expand its team of investigators, covert operatives, and social workers in India, and we can help make that possible through monthly or one-time financial support.

Join Me

After pioneering a nonprofit in South Africa for 13 years, Alece Ronzino now lives in Nashville, TN. She’s a vacation rental management firm owner, freelance copywriter/editor, and the founder of One Word 365. More importantly, she dances in the car, talks with her hands, and makes a mean guacamole. Follow Alece on Instagram and Twitter, and visit her blog, Grit and Glory.