Author: Carrie Genzel

Adversity Shows Us Who We Are

In my journey, I’ve been through deep adversity before, and it has always shown me who I am. I haven’t always liked what I’ve seen, but I’ve come to understand that I have the power to change it.

Facing Ourselves

In our daily lives, we often fill our days with busyness—things that distract us from what we may not want to face about ourselves: our behaviors, our patterns, and the places we choose to live emotionally day after day. It’s easy to focus on other people, on places and things, and avoid the inner work that requires honesty. For much of my adult life, I did exactly that. I numbed, distracted, and ran from myself until I hit an emotional and spiritual bottom. Suddenly, I had no choice but to face who I truly was.

It wasn’t easy. I had spent so long running from my feelings and stuffing down the emotions I didn’t want to admit even existed. Looking at myself felt nearly impossible. But adversity leaves us with two choices: give up and sink deeper or choose to fight for our lives.

Surrender Is Strength

The adversity I faced with my mental health forced me into a corner. To survive, I had to surrender and ask for help. The word surrender used to feel like weakness to me. I thought it was something only people who weren’t strong did. But the moment I let go, the moment I admitted I couldn’t do it alone, was the strongest decision I ever made.

That act of surrender allowed me to take my power back. It was only the start—I had to continue to be honest about myself and my past. That honesty wasn’t always easy, but if I was ever going to build a life worth living, I had to stop hiding behind lies and half-truths. I had to commit to showing up for myself fully.

Looking in the Mirror

When the curtain is pulled back and all you’re left with is a mirror, there is no moment more humbling. I stood there and saw hate, sadness, and defeat staring back at me. But I was encouraged to find even one small good thing, one spark of light. It was hard at first, but even the smallest bit of goodness was a starting point. From there, I could begin to rebuild.

The journey from self-hatred to self-love wasn’t easy, but every step, every tear, and every hard truth was worth it. Today, I can look in the mirror with compassion and gratitude for how far I’ve come.

Adversity in the Present

Today, we face a new kind of adversity. It’s one that isn’t of our own making, but it affects every part of our lives. As we’re forced to slow down, to pause the busyness we’ve come to rely on, this adversity is holding up a mirror once again.

This time offers us the opportunity to see who we truly are. If we don’t like what we see, life is giving us a chance to change. Maybe that’s one of the greatest lessons from this pause: a reset, an opportunity to return to ourselves and realign with what really matters.

This is a time to shine—not only for ourselves but for those who need our light. It’s an invitation to reflect, to reset, and to emerge stronger and more grounded.

Are you liking what adversity is showing you? If not, it’s time to get to work.

SLAY on.

SLAY OF THE DAY

  • Have there been times in your life where adversity has shown you who you are?

  • Did you like what you saw?

  • What did you do to change that?

  • During this time of adversity, are you liking what you’re seeing?

  • What don’t you like? What can you do to change it?

  • Reflect and make some changes. Love yourself through them, and remember: we’re all walking through this together.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What has adversity shown you about yourself, and how are you working to change or embrace that?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s navigating their own adversity, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! Together we can do so much!

New blog goes up Friday, until then… SLAY on!

State Of Slay Together We Are Strong

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! We are better together.

SLAY on!

State Of Slay Dumpster Fire

 

Solidarity In Solitude

There was a time when solitude wasn’t something I chose—it was something I used to survive.
Before recovery, I isolated myself because I was afraid of being seen. Not seen in the beautiful, vulnerable, soul-baring way—but seen in the truth-revealing way. I was scared someone would notice the mess I had become.

So, I disappeared. I self-quarantined long before the world made it a shared experience. I believed I was safer alone, but really, I was hiding—from you, from judgment, and mostly, from myself.

It’s been over 14 years since I spoke my truth and reached for help, but during global moments of isolation—when the world closes its doors—I can still feel echoes of those darker days. I remember what it was like to live in solitude and mistake it for safety.

When Solitude Turns to Isolation

Solitude can be healing. But left unchecked, it can slip into something more dangerous: isolation.
When routines fall away, when connection fades, and when fear rises—our minds can convince us we’re better off alone. That no one wants to hear from us. That we’re too much, or not enough.

Sound familiar?

In times like these, it’s easy to slide down the emotional spiral. To disconnect. To feel like you’re the only one struggling. But that’s a lie the darkness tells us. Because you are not alone. And you are not the only one who feels this way.

We’ve all lost something—our routines, our rhythm, sometimes even loved ones. We’re all navigating this new version of life with uncertainty in our hearts. And yet, in the stillness, there’s a new kind of connection forming. One that doesn’t require proximity—but vulnerability.

The Power of Reaching Out

Connection doesn’t always have to look big. Sometimes, it’s a text. A check-in. A voice memo that simply says, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you.”

For me, reaching out is part of my daily practice. It’s tied to my recovery and to my ability to stay grounded. On days when I’m struggling, being of service—asking someone else how they’re doing—pulls me out of my head and into something greater than myself.

When we shift our attention from our own anxiety to someone else’s experience, we gain clarity. We create space for compassion. And we remember: we’re never really alone.

You don’t need a grand gesture to make a difference. Sometimes just asking “How are you really?” is enough to change someone’s day. And, maybe, your own.

Solitude as a Shared Experience

Something beautiful has happened during times of collective pause: we’ve reached for one another. We’ve shared our fears, our frustrations, our funny moments. We’ve created art, music, stories—and sent them out like lifeboats into the unknown.

We’ve remembered what matters most: people. Connection. Empathy. And in this shared stillness, we’ve found solidarity.

We’re walking forward—not hand in hand, but heart to heart. And though we may be separated by space, our spirits remain side by side.

We were never meant to do this alone. Not healing. Not grieving. Not growing.

We Are Stronger Together

When we choose to stay connected—even in the smallest ways—we create a safety net. We tether ourselves to something real. And if one of us starts to drift, there’s someone who will notice. Someone who will reach back and say, “You’ve been quiet. Are you okay?”

That’s the power of community. That’s the gift of solidarity.

So, if you’ve been isolating—whether out of fear, shame, exhaustion, or uncertainty—I want to remind you that connection is still available. Right now. Today.

Open a window. Wave at your neighbor. Call a friend. Join an online support group. Say hi in the comments. Let someone know you’re here.

Because when we reach for one another, solitude becomes strength. And our solitude becomes solidarity.

SLAY Reflection

Let’s reflect, SLAYER:

  • S: Have you been staying connected or isolating lately? What do you notice about that?

  • L: What fears come up for you when you think about reaching out?

  • A: Who could you check in on today, even just with a short message or call?

  • Y: What does community mean to you, and how can you stay more present in it—even from a distance?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
How are you staying connected, or where are you struggling to reach out?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s isolating, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! Balance is the key to everything. What we think, do, say, eat, feel, they require awareness, and through this awareness we can grow.

New blog goes up Tuesday, until then… SLAY on!

State Of Slay Who You Are

Be Informed, Not Consumed

When the world feels uncertain, it’s natural to search for answers. We scroll, click, refresh—hoping that one more headline will bring us peace. But more often than not, the opposite happens. We become consumed.

In times of crisis, fear drives us to seek control. And in today’s world, control often looks like consuming as much information as possible. With news available 24/7, alerts pinging constantly, and social media spinning every story into a wildfire—it’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise.

Staying informed is important. But there’s a difference between being informed and being overwhelmed. There’s a line where knowledge becomes anxiety, and awareness turns into obsession. If we want to stay grounded, present, and well—we have to learn how to navigate that line.

When the Need to Know Becomes Too Much

Before I began this journey of healing and self-awareness, I didn’t know where that line was. When national tragedies or global emergencies happened, I’d get hooked. I’d sit in front of the news for hours, scroll endlessly, and tell myself, “I just need to stay updated.”

But the more I consumed, the more I spiraled. I wasn’t calming my fear—I was feeding it.

And here’s what I’ve learned: when I don’t check in with myself, when I don’t have balance in my day, my mind will find the darkness. If I give my energy to fear-based media or worst-case-scenario stories, that part of my brain that wants to spiral takes over—and fast.

We See What We Seek

It’s true: we find what we’re looking for.

If we’re looking for fear, we’ll find fear. If we’re looking for anger, grief, chaos—we’ll find it, and then some. But if we make the choice to seek calm, hope, and positivity, we’ll start to notice those stories too.

Our perception is shaped by what we consume and who we surround ourselves with. The news we follow, the conversations we engage in, the content we share—it all matters. It all shapes our internal world.

That’s why I’ve learned to set boundaries. I limit the content I consume. I check my sources. And then, I require balance: something that feeds my mind, something that fuels my body, and something that lifts my spirit.

When I follow that formula, I feel grounded. I feel like me.

Information Is a Tool—Not a Lifestyle

In this 24-hour news cycle, information never stops. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep consuming it nonstop.

Just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s healthy. We don’t need to know everything in real-time. We don’t have to refresh the feed to feel in control. Sometimes, turning the news off is the healthiest decision we can make.

Information should support you—not suffocate you. It’s meant to help you make informed decisions for your life and your family. But it should never be the thing that consumes your energy, time, or peace.

Take the Break You Deserve

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless—it might be time to check in.

Ask yourself:

  • How much news have I consumed today?

  • Have I moved my body?

  • Have I taken a deep breath?

  • Have I laughed, reached out to someone, or stepped outside?

The news will still be there when you get back. But your peace needs to be protected now.

Take the break. Put the phone down. Fold up the paper. Let your mind rest. Engage with your life—your real, tangible, beautiful life.

SLAY Reflection

Let’s check in together, SLAYER:

  • S: Do you find yourself consumed by news or social media during difficult times?

  • L: How does this impact your mental, emotional, and physical health?

  • A: What’s one boundary you can set today to create more balance?

  • Y: What can you add into your daily routine to feed your spirit and shift your focus back to the present?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
How are you protecting your peace while staying informed?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s feeling overwhelmed by the noise, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

SLAY TALK LIVE Video

Hey SLAYER! Thank you to those who joined me today for an hour of SLAY TALK LIVE, for those who couldn’t join us, here’s what you missed!

SLAY on!

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! The waters may be rough, but it’s our choice whether we succumb to the waves or learn to surf.

New blog goes up Sunday, until then… SLAY on!

State Of Slay Calm Sea

How Does This Make Us Better?

Every challenge carries a choice. It can break us—or it can shape us.

Some of the hardest moments in my life are also the ones that changed me the most. Even the night I nearly lost my life—by all accounts, a night I shouldn’t have survived—eventually became a turning point. That experience didn’t just shake me, it redefined me. Not instantly, and not without pain, but over time, it became the spark for something more.

At first, I didn’t feel lucky to be alive. I felt guilty. I questioned whether my life was worth saving. What had I done to deserve another chance? Was I doing enough with the life I had?

But as I worked through the survivor’s guilt, something shifted. I began to see the opportunity in front of me—not just to live, but to give back. To take stock of my life. To use my pain for purpose.

And that’s what ultimately inspired me to create this blog—to take the hardest parts of my journey and turn them into a light for someone else.

The Darkness Doesn’t Last Forever

When you’re in the middle of it—whatever it is—it’s hard to imagine things getting better.

I remember thinking the darkness was permanent. That I’d never see light again. I hid. I shut down. I told myself if I admitted how bad things were, people would think I was broken.

But that wasn’t true.

The truth is, it took someone else shining their light to help me find my own. One person shared their story. One person reached out. And that small gesture gave me just enough hope to believe that maybe—just maybe—things could change.

Fighting my way out took honesty, stamina, and support. And I didn’t do it alone. I still don’t. Fourteen years later, I still lean on the people in my corner. Because healing isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily choice.

Turn the Pain Into Purpose

As I began to untangle my past, I started to see how it could be used for good.

The darkness I had once resented became a foundation for something bigger. A way to connect with others. A way to offer hope. A way to create change.

The truth is, we don’t just “get through” hard things. We grow through them.

Every difficult season gave me a tool—resilience, compassion, boundaries, forgiveness. And with each tool, life became a little more manageable.

I’ve learned to ask for help. I’ve learned how to stay in the light. And I’ve learned that even when I don’t have the answers, I can reach out to someone who does.

None of this happened in isolation. And it wasn’t meant to. We’re not built to walk this path alone.

We’re Always in This Together

There’s a hashtag I see a lot: #WereInThisTogether. And while it’s been used to describe difficult global seasons, the truth is—it applies to all of life.

We are always in this together.
It’s easy to forget that when things are going well. But in moments of pain, we remember: we need each other.

And when we remember that, we grow stronger—not just as individuals, but as a collective.

When we rise, we lift others with us.
When we heal, we make space for others to do the same.

Choosing to Come Out Better

Right now, we all have a little more time to think. Life has slowed down, and in the pause, there’s a chance to reflect.

So here’s a question worth asking: How does this make me better?

Not how does this break me—but how can I use this to grow?
How can I take this struggle, this shift, this pause—and turn it into purpose?

That’s where real transformation happens. In the questions. In the actions. In the moments we choose light over darkness, connection over isolation, growth over fear.

We all have room to grow. We all have ways to get better. The choice is ours—every single day.

So what will you choose today?

SLAY Reflection

Take a moment, SLAYER, and reflect:

  • S: Have difficult times in your life led to personal growth? What did you learn?

  • L: Are there past challenges you now see as defining moments? What shifted?

  • A: What can you take from your current season and use to grow or help someone else?

  • Y: What’s one positive change you can commit to today that will lead you closer to your best self?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What lessons have you taken from your darkest moments, and how did they shape who you are today?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s still in the dark, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! One reason people resist pain is because they focus on what they have to give up, not what they’re going to gain.
New blog goes up Friday, until then… SLAY on!
State Of Slay HOPE, Pain Ends