"When you love someone with all your heart and you have dreams and plans and you share these little secrets, right? You have these little code words and they're your person, they're the ones that you call when you see something funny or you have these little symbols, you have these inside jokes, you have these plans and these dreams that are gone, taken out right from underneath you. The rug pulled out. You had no say in it.”

Today, I share my profound reflections on the past year since my husband, Doug, moved into memory care. As I recount the heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, and transformative experiences of navigating dementia, I hope to offer solace and understanding to those in similar situations. 

Join me as I delve into the emotional turmoil, the difficult decisions, and the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way. We'll also discuss the importance of asking for help, finding compassionate support, and ultimately, turning pain into peace.

This episode is a heartfelt message to anyone struggling with a loved one's dementia, affirming that you are not alone and you matter. Get ready to embark on a powerful journey of empathy, rage, love, and hope.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"By forgiving ourselves and others, we create room for personal development and expansion. It does require deep introspection, it does require empathy, and it does require courage to confront our own shortcomings."

In this episode, we're diving deep into a truly transformative journey—one that takes us through the stages of healing and forgiveness, and how they can radically change our lives for the better.

We'll begin by exploring the significance of having our stories heard and validated, a crucial step in the healing process. I'll guide you through the various stages of forgiveness, from moving beyond victimhood to fully integrating forgiveness into our daily lives. Along the way, I'll share personal anecdotes and insights, including a touching story about my own father and the impact of unmet expectations.

We'll also tackle the tricky terrain of expectations and resentments, learning how ineffective communication often leads to misunderstandings and emotional pain. I'll offer practical tips on how to communicate more clearly and set healthy boundaries, helping you to break free from the boulders of resentment that may be holding you back.

And that's not all. We'll delve into the science-backed benefits of forgiveness, highlighting how it can improve everything from heart health to self-esteem. I'll also introduce you to the concept of radical forgiveness, a process that has brought about significant transformations for many of my clients.

Join me as we navigate this empowering journey together. Let's turn our pain into peace and build more harmonious, joyful lives!

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"All it takes is one person stepping forward in a generation to do the work that it takes to heal a pattern."

Today, I dive deep into the transformative journey of healing family wounds through generational forgiveness. Drawing from my personal experiences and family story, I explore how unresolved conflicts and buried secrets can create emotional distance that spans generations.

Like the saying "We don't talk about Bruno" from Encanto, many families carry hidden wounds that shape their relationships without even realizing it. I share how my own family's journey with generational patterns, including sexual abuse, was transformed through the courage to acknowledge, understand, and heal these deep-seated wounds.

"Generational forgiveness isn't something that happens overnight, but it's about breaking the cycle so future generations can grow in a more loving, understanding environment."

I explore why generational forgiveness differs from individual forgiveness, requiring us to look at patterns that may have started long before we were born. I explore why generational forgiveness differs from individual forgiveness, requiring us to look at patterns that may have started long before we were born. Through personal stories and practical guidance, I outline the steps to begin this healing journey: acknowledging deeper patterns, cultivating empathy for past generations, opening honest communication, choosing forgiveness, and considering reconciliation when safe and appropriate.

Most importantly, I emphasize that it takes just one person in a generation to step forward and do the healing work needed to transform family patterns. As I've witnessed in my own family, this brave choice can create ripples of healing that extend to future generations, breaking cycles that have persisted for decades.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"Forgiveness is so important...because I was willing to forgive and not let it hold me hostage, because then I sit home brewing while they're off having a great life." - Laurie Hardie

In this powerful episode, I welcome Laurie Hardie, a Seattle radio personality and recovery coach with 35 years of broadcasting experience. We dive deep into how trauma and isolation, especially during COVID, affect our ability to feel seen and heard. 

Laurie shares her insights about the impact of language on connection, particularly for those with childhood trauma (ACEs). She reveals why certain communication styles can create barriers and offers practical strategies for more inclusive engagement. Drawing from her experience in radio and recovery coaching, Laurie explains how authentic storytelling and intentional communication can help heal trauma and build genuine connections. 

Whether you're a content creator, coach, or someone seeking deeper connections, this episode offers valuable insights about the power of personal narrative and inclusive communication. 

Laurie also shares her journey of understanding forgiveness as a path to freedom rather than letting others off the hook. With her unique blend of broadcasting expertise and trauma-informed coaching, she provides practical tools for both speakers and listeners to create more meaningful connections.

More info and links:

• Laurie: http://www.coachlaurie.com
• Brenda: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast/

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"Forgiveness is actually about you. Your emotional freedom, your inner peace, and your journey towards healing. It is an act of self liberation that allows you to let go of the heavy burdens tied to resentment and pain and shame and guilt."

In this heartfelt episode, I address a profound question from one of my clients: How is forgiveness a gift to the forgiver and not the person who caused harm? This question touches the core of why many of us struggle with forgiveness.

I explore the common misconception that forgiveness is about excusing someone's behavior or letting them off the hook. Instead, I reveal how forgiveness is actually about your emotional freedom, inner peace, and healing journey. It's about choosing to no longer let past hurts control your present life.

Drawing from my personal experiences and client work, I discuss how holding onto resentment gives away our power and keeps us stuck in an emotional prison of anger and bitterness. I share my own journey with my ex-husband and how I discovered that by holding onto blame, I was the one suffering, not him.

Throughout the episode, I delve into the transformative power of self-forgiveness and how it helps us reclaim our self-worth. I explain why self-punishment keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from embracing who we are now. Most importantly, I offer practical guidance on how to begin this journey of forgiveness, emphasizing that it's okay to take small steps and move at your own pace.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"Forgiveness is not a thing. It's an act. It's an action. To me, it's a verb." - Louisa Hext

In this powerful episode, I welcome fellow forgiveness coach Louisa Hext, who brings a unique perspective shaped by her work with the F Word Stories of Forgiveness exhibition and her family's Holocaust survival story. Louisa shares the remarkable story of Eva Kor, a Holocaust survivor who chose to forgive her Nazi captors as a path to personal healing. 

Through her work as a forgiveness coach, Louisa specializes in helping people navigate family forgiveness and self-forgiveness, using storytelling to illuminate paths to healing and transformation. 

Our conversation explores how forgiveness isn't a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage, and how it operates as a process rather than a single moment of change. Louisa shares her experience interviewing Holocaust survivors and how their stories of survival often centered around relationships and hope. 

We discuss how forgiveness coaching provides a safe space for inquiry and unpacking complex emotions, without pressure or judgment. Whether you're struggling with personal resentments or seeking to understand the power of forgiveness in extreme circumstances, this episode offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of forgiveness work.

More info and links:

• Louisa: https://www.consultantshext.com/
• Brenda: https://brendareisscoaching.com/

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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• LinkedIn

"Self-forgiveness isn't just an act of kindness to ourselves. It's necessary for our mental well-being."

In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of self-forgiveness. As someone who struggled with this concept for years, I understand how challenging it can be, especially for women. We often carry the weight of guilt, shame, and perfectionism on our shoulders, but I'm here to tell you that self-forgiveness is not just an act of kindness – it's essential for our mental well-being.

I explore what self-forgiveness truly means, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting its importance in our journey towards healing and growth. Drawing from personal experiences and scientific research, I discuss the impact of self-forgiveness on our mental and physical health, sharing insights from studies that demonstrate its benefits.

Throughout the episode, I offer practical steps and techniques to help you embrace self-forgiveness. From mindfulness and journaling to self-compassion exercises and affirmations, I provide a toolkit to guide you on this journey. I also touch on the long-term benefits of practicing self-forgiveness, including improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a profound sense of inner peace.

Remember, you are worthy of forgiveness. This episode is designed to empower you, helping you let go of past mistakes and embrace a life filled with self-compassion and emotional resilience. Join me as we explore this crucial aspect of personal growth and mental well-being.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"We weren't created to live in the shame and guilt of traumatic experiences. Self-forgiveness allows us to move forward with greater compassion, resilience and peace."

In this episode, I dive deep into the crucial role of self-forgiveness in trauma recovery. I explore how trauma changes us and the importance of internal healing alongside external support. Drawing from recent studies, I discuss the widespread impact of collective trauma, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises.

I break down the concept of self-forgiveness, emphasizing that it's not about excusing bad behavior but about personal accountability and growth. I share insights from psychological research on the benefits of self-forgiveness, including reduced anxiety, depression, and health issues.

To help listeners on their healing journey, I outline five steps for practicing self-forgiveness:

1. Recognizing what happened and its effects
2. Understanding your feelings
3. Practicing self-empathy
4. Making reparations where possible
5. Letting go

I also provide practical techniques to support this process, such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, therapy, self-compassion exercises, and positive affirmations. Throughout the episode, I stress that self-forgiveness is an ongoing practice, not a one-time event, and encourage listeners to be patient and compassionate with themselves as they navigate this journey.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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• LinkedIn

"Forgiveness can be a superpower. When we embrace forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burden of past mistakes, and it opens the door to new opportunities."

In this episode, I explore the powerful connection between forgiveness and business resilience. I delve into how embracing forgiveness can help entrepreneurs and business leaders overcome setbacks, adapt to change, and move forward with renewed determination. I emphasize that setbacks are inevitable in business, but learning to forgive ourselves and others is key to overcoming failures and maintaining a thriving enterprise.

I cover various aspects of forgiveness in the business context, including self-forgiveness, barriers to forgiveness, and practical steps to cultivate a forgiving mindset. I discuss common business setbacks and the emotional responses they can trigger, highlighting the importance of viewing these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than personal failures.

"When employees feel safe to admit mistakes and learn from them, it creates a supportive and innovative environment."

You'll gain valuable insights into building a resilient business culture, with strategies for fostering open communication, celebrating efforts, and providing resources for emotional intelligence and stress management. I conclude by emphasizing that forgiveness is not just a personal act but a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, improving business performance, and creating a more resilient organization.

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

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"Freedom comes from the inside out. Freedom is loving who you are, owning who you are, knowing, standing in certainty in your gifts."

In this powerful episode of the Forgive Yourself podcast, host Brenda Reiss welcomes Jackie Cote, a freedom and love mentor who helps women transform their lives. Jackie shares her inspiring journey from a 30-year career in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach.

The conversation explores Jackie's transition from a high-pressure corporate job to starting her own coaching business, highlighting the challenges and personal growth she experienced along the way. Jackie discusses the importance of self-awareness, facing fears, and learning to process emotions in healthy ways.

Key topics include:

• Overcoming survival mechanisms and embracing vulnerability
• The power of "borrowed belief" in pursuing dreams
• The ongoing nature of personal growth and self-discovery
• Finding forgiveness and healing through unexpected life circumstances
• The importance of community and support in personal development

Jackie also shares insights about her membership program, which aims to provide affordable, high-value support for individuals on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The episode concludes with an inspiring message about living a "freedom life" by embracing authenticity and self-love.

This episode offers listeners valuable insights on personal transformation and the courage to pursue one's dreams, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own journey of self-discovery.

More info and links:

• Jackie: https://jackiecotecoaching.com/
• Brenda: https://brendareisscoaching.com/

Resources:

Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

Are you struggling with a situation or a person in your life? Wondering if you are ready to work on forgiving yourself? Take our quiz to find out your emotional IQ and how this impacts your ability to forgive: https://archetype.brendareisscoaching.com/sf/357cdc60

Brenda’s Website/Links

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn