What better way to kick off the weekend than with a post in the Badass Women series here on Alive in the Fire? :)

I'd love to introduce you to Brynna, an amazing friend of mine who is one of the most badass photographers I know. Not only does Brynna inspire me with her artistic work behind the camera lens, but she knows how to teach an incredible vinyasa flow class and how to make the best damn mimosa you've ever had. Brynna always keeps me laughing, she's there for me whenever I need a hug, and she's just hands down one of my favorite people on earth. This is her story.

What makes you a badass?

What makes me a badass—I refuse to let fear outweigh my ability to make decisions and choices for myself. I’m far more afraid of missing out on living my life fully, than leaving a job or relationship or whatever else doesn’t serve me. One of my favorite authors, Maurice Sendak, author of “Where the Wild Things Are” (excellent read by the way….not just for kids), did a radio interview on NPR about five years ago. He talked about a lot of things including life and death. He said, “It is a blessing to get old. It is a blessing to find the time to do the things, to read the books, to listen to the music. I wish you all good things. Live your life, live your life, live your life."

If there’s anything worth anything it’s knowing that what scares me can only be one of two things: 1. Stories in my head, or 2. Things I have absolutely no control over. I recognize however that I have a choice in how I react to both. When faced with that, I know these are the moments when I feel tested to truly live my life. I’ve actually grown fond of saying “fuck-it” and pressing on. I’m a work in progress, but there won’t be even the smallest part of me if I’m blessed to grow old and gray, that won’t have lived a life filled with experiences that I choose; with big huge amazing love—with people, and words and books and music and pictures and the sound of ocean waves lapping up against a shoreline. All of these will be moments that will have seeped in and grown wild and will have become a part of me. Life is, in fact, too short not to be a badass.

When do you feel most confident?
When I’m surrounded by people I love.

How did you get where you are today?
It’s been a twisty road. Simply put, recognizing I had something to give, and then giving it.

What do you do for yourself to rejuvenate?
Chocolate, dog kisses, yoga -- not necessarily in that order.

Who has inspired you or encouraged you lately?
Anyone that knows me, knows I am madly deeply in love with my best friend. The wildest, craziest soul I’ve ever met…who just happens to be my dog. He is one of my most favorite teachers. Partly because he doesn’t give a fuck and partly because he lives in every single moment. There is nothing more encouraging than knowing this is actually possible, because he does it every day. Maybe Bruno should have done this interview, because he is for sure living his life. No regrets, no apologies. He makes me want to be a better human every single day.

What advice would you give to someone who's having a crappy day or needs to feel badass in this moment?
I would ask them, if your life depended on it—could you let go of what’s making you feel crappy? If the answer is yes, then try to remember your life will inevitably be filled with these moments, but how much of your precious time do you want to spend on them. Is it worth it? Find your inner badass and let it go, maybe even tell it to fuck off...

How do you plan to continue your baddass-ery? ;)
By living life of course :) At the moment I’ve also been growing a yoga photography business.

My little creation born from my love of yoga. Elsie de Wolf has continued to be a source of inspiration for me lately with my photography. I have a book that offers a small window into her life detailing her experiences during WWII through the use of photographs. I’ve heard her described as the mother of interior design. She said, "I’m going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life.” And she did. This has been something that has stuck with me lately. Getting the opportunity to shoot with so many different and equally amazing yogis, is kind of awesome. Surrounding myself with beauty in all it’s forms, for no other reason than, it feels good.

Thank you, Brynna, for being a part of this series -- and mostly, just for being you!

Namaste.