State Of Slay

Healthy Conflict

You read that right. Healthy conflict. Typically we think of conflict as a negative thing, one stemming from anger, or a differing of opinion, but it’s all in how you look at it, conflict can be something positive, if you choose to look at that way.

Conflict is an opportunity to question our perspective, thoughts, or beliefs. It can open our eyes to an alternate view, or a new angle we haven’t been exposed to before, if, we walk through life with an open mind. I’ve talked about this before, I used to walk through life letting my ego run the show, I always thought I was right, even when I didn’t have the answers, I thought I knew better than you did, and I would argue my point until exhaustion, the thought of having healthy conflict never entered my mind, it was me against you, period. But now I see things differently, and no, that doesn’t mean I cave to what the other person’s point of view is, but I allow them to talk, and I allow myself to listen. Some of us too, avoid conflict at all costs, running from it, either bowing to the other person’s opinion to concede or just avoiding them all together, but here are some benefits to healthy conflict, see if you can change your mind and pick up some pointers on how to enter into conflict in a way that is more beneficial to you, and the people in your life.

1) Widens Our Perspective. Conflict can be extremely beneficial, it can widen our perspective and also challenge our own ideas and thoughts we may have carried with us from childhood, believing that there is only the one tried and true way, conflict may show us that there might be a better way, or that there might be another way at all. It also is a way that can produce solutions, if both parties are open to it, it may show different points of view and from there a resolution can be worked on, or an agreement to disagree, but the act of being open, of listening, and of at least trying to work out a solution strengthens relationships or forms new ones, as each of you learn more about the other.

2) Opportunity To Express Needs. Healthy conflict gives us the opportunity to vocalize our needs, and as I’ve talked about before, opens the door for us to ask for what we want. If our needs aren’t being met, here’s our chance to let them be known, allowing for the opportunity to then have a discussion about them. Speaking up for what we want, or believe in, allows for us to conquer our fear of getting our needs met, and sharpens our communication skills.

3) We Learn To Bend. I’ve also talked about this one before, if we don’t bend, we break. Conflict teaches us how to be flexible in relationships and in the workplace. We can’t always get our way, and, we shouldn’t, conflict helps us practice our flexibility and instills a sense of fairness into the relationships we have.

4) Helps Us To Listen. Engaging in healthy conflict teaches us how to listen. To engage in healthy conflict we need to listen to the other party, it’s not all about us, so we have the opportunity to listen to the wants and needs of others, in an active way, taking in what the other person is saying without interrupting and waiting for them to finish before we start our new thought. Again, an incredible skill to deepen any relationship.

5) Recognizing Patterns. If we engage in healthy conflict, and we are truly listening, we are better able to pick out patterns, not only in our own behavior, but in the behavior of those we engage with, which allows us to better understand ourselves and those around us. It also gives us signs of what to expect when we continue to interact with these people, and how we may react to them.

6) Brings Us Into Solution. Working these principles into healthy conflict allows us to find solutions in our daily life, and brings our thinking into solution based thinking, instead of adding to or creating problems. Change can be difficult, but if we’re willing and open to it, it can bring great resolution, and maybe even reinvention and evolution.

7) Fine Tunes Communication. Conflict allows us to fine tune our communication skills. Giving us an opportunity to state of intentions and expectations clearly and concisely without getting angry, speaking from ego, or bulldozing over the other person. Communication is truly the key to a healthy and happy life, and healthy conflict is a great way to practice it.

8) Boundary Setting. Another topic I’ve talked about before. When we engage with others we may need to set boundaries, this type of healthy conflict allows us the chance to set boundaries if we feel we need to for us to continue on in a healthy way for ourselves. Setting boundaries also lets the other people in our life in on who we are and what we’re looking for, as it does for them, we learn more about each other, and have more respect for each other when we are able to set healthy boundaries.

9) Emotional Control. Healthy conflict also is a way to practice controlling our emotions, of not letting our emotions control us. It is a great way to practice self-control and letting emotions from our past experiences or bottled up anger get thrown into a conversations it doesn’t belong, it’s about taking a breath, listening, staying in the moment, and being open to new ideas, and not letting ourselves get carried away and out of control. If we can stay in control it leads to a faster resolution, and if the other person is getting a better understanding of who we are and what our intentions are. Also, if we are able to remain calm it sends the message that we are open to resolve the issue, making people more willing to work with us and feeling like we are working together as more of a team, instead of one against the other.

10) Allows Us To Shine As Individuals. Engaging in healthy conflict sets us apart, it shows people who we really are, what we stand for, what we’re looking for, and how we’re willing to resolve an issue. It allows us to shine, and to be an example to those who may still be struggling to resolve issues in a healthy way. It allows us adjust, and allows others to adjust, as a solution is found, and it leads to far less frustration, anger, and separation with the people in our lives.

In the end it’s up to us to practice these principles, and to be open to new ideas and change, and I promise you if you do, you’ll walk away a stronger and more knowledgeable person and one with far less frustration in your lives. SLAY on.

SLAY OF THE DAY: Are you open to healthy conflict in your life? Is the conflict that you’ve experienced so far been healthy? Why hasn’t it been? What part have you taken in the unhealthy conflict? What can you do to engage in healthier conflict? Looking back at some instances that weren’t healthy, write down what they were and, using the principles above, write out some scenarios that could have made those instances healthier for you, and as a result, how the resolution could have been healthier. It’s about practicing these principles in your life SLAYER, and it takes time, but each time you practice them you’ll get better, and when you do, you see and feel the difference between unhealthy conflict and the kind that opens the door to a possible new perspective, and a solution.

S – self L – love A – appreciate Y – you

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER!  It’s great to have goals, and look into what you need to do to achieve them, but it’s the action that takes you to the finish line.

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

State Of Slay Knowledge

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! Take charge, be at the center of your power and energize yourself with what you need to fuel your passion, but also give yourself permission to learn and to grow, you don’t have to have it all figured out, leave some room for the unexpected.

SLAY on!

 

State Of Slay Masterpiece

You Are Only As Far Outside The Center Of Power As You Allow

This goes back to a lot of the topics I’ve written about in the past, we have the power to change, to be who we want to be, to do what we want to do, we are at the center of that power. Too often though, we forget that, acting powerless. We are not. There are things we do not have power over, but for the most part, we hold the key to our own happiness, success, and future.

In past I had played the victim, I acted as if life was something that was happening to me, and because I believed I was a bad person, I believed that I only deserved the bad in my life, so when it came, I figured I deserved it. What I had to learn is that I did deserve the good, and not only did I have to learn it, I had to believe it! That took time, and a lot of work and self-reflection, but it came. Once I took responsibility for my actions and my life I took my power back. Even taking back the bad, once I was able to see my part in all my actions, and that I had a choice, it gave me the power to move forward and take better actions, actions that were positive, actions that kept me moving forward in a direction I wanted to go, healing actions, actions I could take myself. So many times we get in that victim mode and when we do we are powerless, thinking as ourselves as victims gives us no power and gives that power to everyone else. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to give any person, place, or thing power over my life, not anymore. I only allow myself to have that power. So, if you don’t think you have the power within to make the changes you want to make, how do you find it?

1) Believe. It starts with a belief you can, or that you deserve it. That’s the spark to change. Believe you have what it takes to make it happen, or at least, have what it takes to start. Sometimes it’s just about starting and trusting the rest will fall into place as you go. Just start.

2) Visualize It. See it in your mind. What does it took like? What does it feel like? When we visualize it and put positive energy around it we send a message out to the universe that we deserve it, we want it, and we’re willing to work for it. See yourself going through the steps to get what you want, and visualize yourself achieving it.

3) Get To Work. Roll up your sleeves and get to work! No matter how much work it is, if it’s to better yourself or to better your life, do it! You are worth it. Visualization is great, but there’s always work to be done, and doing the work is a huge stepping stone to gaining more self-esteem, of feeling good about yourself because you are giving back to you. Never back down from the work, even if it feels daunting, or overwhelming, take it one step at a time, you’ll build momentum and it will become easier, and even if it gets hard again, you’ll know it will be worth it in the end.

4) Trust The Universe Has Your Back. If you’re coming from a place of self-doubt this may take time, but as we achieve small victories along the way, we start to believe that the universe has our back, or at the very least, is rooting for us. I have a dear friend who always said to me when I was struggling with this, “act as if life is rigged in your favor,” that seemed unlikely based on my history, but he didn’t say believe that it was, he said, “act” like it was, it was a start for me, so if you’re just starting to walk a brighter path and have come from the dark, act “as if” until you start to believe. I used to carry dice around and when I had doubt I’d look at those dice, and remind myself that I had the special dice, the dice that were rigged in my favor.

We are in control of what we do, how we act, react, what we pursue, and how we’ll succeed. We have the power to make those ideas, dreams, and hopes come true. Use that power for good, use it to get and go after what makes your heart shine, don’t ever give that power away, that, is at the center of who you are, of what makes you you, and is the key to where you want to go.

SLAY OF THE DAY: Do you feel powerless? Why? What makes you feel powerless? Write down a list of things that you feel powerless against. Looking at that list, what action can you take to have more power? What can you do to make those things better? To take back your power? Are you stopping yourself from going after what you want? What stops you? Do you think you deserve those things? If not, why not? What if you believed you did? Write down why you should have those things. Now write down the steps you can take to get them. They’re yours for the taking SLAYER, you have the power to make them happen. Now get to work and show us how powerful you are. SLAY on.

S – self L – love A – appreciate Y – you

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! Don’t give someone else power over your thoughts and actions, let go of resentments, not to let them off the hook, but to set yourself free!

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

State Of Slay Grudge

Setting Them Free Frees You

There was a time in my life when I thought holding onto anger meant strength.
That if I stayed upset long enough, if I replayed what happened often enough, somehow justice would balance itself out.

But the truth I eventually had to face was much simpler and much harder:

Resentment does not bind the other person. It binds you.

And when I finally understood that, everything about forgiveness started to shift.

Because letting someone go was never about them.
It was always about me.

About my peace.
My energy.
My ability to move forward without dragging the past behind me like a heavy suitcase I never unpacked.

And maybe you have felt that too.

When Anger Becomes an Attachment

Holding resentment creates a strange connection.
Even if someone is no longer physically in your life, emotionally they still occupy space.

You think about them.
You replay conversations.
You imagine what you would say if given another chance.
You rehearse arguments in your head that may never happen.

I have done all of that.

And honestly, it was exhausting.

There is a saying that resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.
I resisted that idea at first because it felt too dramatic.

But over time I saw how accurate it was.

My sleep suffered.
My mood shifted.
My joy dimmed.
And none of it affected the other person at all.

That realization was sobering.

Because suddenly it was clear: I was not punishing them.
I was punishing myself.

Forgiveness Is Not About Letting Them Off the Hook

This part is important, and I wish someone had said it to me sooner.

Forgiveness does not mean:

  • What happened was acceptable

  • You have to reconnect with the person

  • You forget the experience

  • You stop having feelings about it

Forgiveness simply means you decide not to keep carrying the emotional weight anymore.

That is it.

You are not excusing behavior.
You are reclaiming your peace.

And honestly, that is one of the most self loving choices you can make.

My Turning Point

For me, the shift happened gradually, not all at once.

I realized that staying angry kept me anchored in moments I did not want to relive.
It kept my attention focused backward instead of forward.

And I had worked too hard on healing, growth, and self awareness to keep sacrificing my peace for someone else’s actions.

So I started asking myself a different question:

Does holding onto this help me become who I want to be?

The answer was always no.

Every single time.

That is when I began to understand that setting someone free emotionally was actually setting myself free.

What Letting Go Actually Looks Like

Forgiveness is rarely a dramatic moment.
It is often a quiet internal decision.

Sometimes it looks like:

Choosing not to revisit the story again
Deciding not to engage in conversations that reopen the wound
Redirecting your energy toward your own life
Allowing space for new experiences

And sometimes it is as simple as saying, internally:

“I release this. I deserve peace.”

You do not even have to tell the other person.

Often, forgiveness is an entirely private act.

Steps That Helped Me Move Forward

There was no single formula, but there were a few things that consistently helped.

Acceptance

I had to accept that the event happened exactly as it did.
Not how I wished it had happened.
Not how I thought it should have happened.

Just reality.

Acceptance removes the constant mental argument with the past.

And that alone can bring enormous relief.

Finding Growth

Even painful situations carry information.

Sometimes they teach us boundaries.
Sometimes they sharpen our intuition.
Sometimes they show us what we will never tolerate again.

Growth does not justify the hurt.
But it can transform it.

And transformation is powerful.

Perspective

Looking at situations from another angle does not excuse behavior.
It simply broadens understanding.

People act from their own wounds, fears, and limitations.

Recognizing that helped me detach emotionally without minimizing my experience.

Checking What Serves You

This was the biggest one for me.

Does holding onto anger improve your life?
Your health?
Your relationships?
Your happiness?

Usually, it does not.

Letting go often serves you far more than staying angry ever could.

Creating Closure Yourself

Sometimes, closure never comes externally.

No apology.
No explanation.
No final conversation.

Learning to create closure internally is a life skill.

Writing a letter you never send.
Talking it through with a trusted friend.
Praying, meditating, journaling.

Whatever works for you.

Closure is not always given.
Sometimes it is chosen.

Freedom Is the Real Goal

When I released resentments, I noticed something surprising:

I had more energy.
More creativity.
More patience.
More emotional bandwidth for the people who actually deserved it.

Forgiveness cleared space.

And that space allowed joy back in.

Not immediately.
But steadily.

Protecting Peace Going Forward

Forgiveness does not mean repeating patterns.

In fact, it often makes boundaries clearer.

You can forgive and still:

Limit contact
Change how you engage
Choose distance
Protect your emotional well-being

Forgiveness and boundaries are not opposites.
They often work together beautifully.

A Note From My Heart to Yours

If you are holding onto anger right now, I get it.

Truly.

There were times I thought I would never let certain things go.
Times I believed my anger was justified and permanent.

But I promise you this:

Peace feels better than being right.
Freedom feels better than holding a grudge.
Healing feels better than staying stuck.

You deserve that.

Not someday.
Now.

SLAY Reflection

Surrender
What resentment are you currently carrying?

Listen
How does holding onto it affect your emotional well-being?

Accept
Can you accept the reality of what happened without rewriting it?

Yield
What would letting go create space for in your life?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I would love to hear from you.
Have you ever experienced freedom after letting go of resentment or forgiving someone?

Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who might need this reminder, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! Our only competition is ourselves, and our only job is to be better than we were the last time, or, the best we can be in that moment. Let go of expectations that get in your way of enjoying yourself and your life, and allow yourself to let the people in who love and care about you.

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

State Of Slay Ego

The Detachment Of Ego

I was reminded the other day how sneaky the ego can be. It shows up when we least expect it, whispering tales of inadequacy, pushing us to do more, be more, prove ourselves—sometimes even at the cost of our well-being.

For so long, I let my ego lead the way. Even in my darkest moments, when I felt broken and unworthy, my ego clung to its illusion of control. It told me I was too good to admit defeat, too strong to ask for help, too proud to let anyone see me vulnerable. I may have felt like a failure, but I was going to be the most impressive failure you’d ever met.

Even today, when I’m in a better place, my ego tries to step in. It tells me I should be doing more, having more, being more. It convinces me to push harder, to disregard my needs, to ignore the quiet voice inside me that speaks of self-care and balance.

Ego latches on to everything—an achievement, a relationship, a dream, an idea. It clings and demands recognition. But when we practice detachment, we loosen its grip.

Prefer to listen? The Audio Blog version is available here.

Letting Go of the Ego’s Hold

Detachment isn’t easy. From an early age, we’re taught to chase results: the prize at the end of the race, the grade at the top of the paper, the validation that makes us feel worthy. But what if we measured success not by accolades, but by the intention behind our actions?

Every day brings its own challenges. We wake up with different energy, different emotions, and different capacities. Instead of holding ourselves to impossible standards, what if we simply did our best each day and called that enough?

The ego might shudder at the thought. But here’s the truth: Detachment is where we find freedom.

How to Practice Detachment

  • Notice Your Thoughts: Pay attention to the chatter in your mind. When do feelings of inadequacy or comparison creep in? How do they affect your body and mood?
  • Separate Ego from Facts: The ego loves drama. It makes disappointments feel like disasters. Step back and look at the facts. Are you really failing, or just feeling a setback?
  • Release Expectations: Stay present. Let go of rigid expectations about how things should unfold. Embrace uncertainty as part of the journey.
  • Check In with Yourself: Pause, breathe, and listen to what’s truly happening inside. Meditation, walks, journaling, or quiet reflection can help.
  • Allow Mistakes: Perfection is an illusion. Mistakes are opportunities for growth. When you stumble, see it as a step forward, not a setback.

Freedom to Just Be

When we detach from the ego’s grip, we give ourselves permission to live authentically. We stop measuring our worth by external markers and start appreciating our effort, our resilience, and our humanity.

SLAY on.

SLAY OF THE DAY: Reflect & Rise

  • Do you place unrealistic expectations on yourself to always win or be the best? Why?
  • How do these expectations serve you—or harm you?
  • What can you do today to practice detachment and self-compassion?
  • Are you influenced by others’ expectations? How can you shift your focus inward?
  • When you fall short, how do you treat yourself? How can you show yourself more grace?

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you.
What helps you step back from your ego’s grip and embrace detachment?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s lift each other up.

And if you know someone struggling with self-worth and expectations, send this to them.
Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder: you are enough.

Slay Say

Good morning SLAYER! We are in charge of our anger, if we are feeling angry it’s our job to figure out why before we act out on it and possibly do or say something we can’t take back. Pause before you act.

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

State Of Slay Anger Destroy

Slay Talk Live Video

Hey SLAYERS! Weren’t able to join us tonight for SLAY TALK LIVE, here’s what you missed

Also, for those of you wanting to take a look at or purchase the Christmas ornament inspired by my episodes of SUPERNATURAL by Jodi Zulueta, click the link: Eldwenne’s Fantasy – Christmas Ball

Also, here are a latest “Sleigh Gear” I just added to the SLAY STORE today.

Holiday SLEIGH