In this heartfelt episode of The Life Lived Better Podcast, Joseph and Paula explore one of the most challenging — yet most transformative — aspects of emotional healing: forgiveness. Whether it’s forgiving someone who hurt you or learning to forgive yourself, this conversation unpacks why forgiveness matters, what holds us back, and how to move toward freedom and peace.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The psychology of forgiveness and why it’s vital for mental, emotional, and physical health

• The emotional weight of holding onto anger, resentment, or guilt — and how it affects stress, relationships, and self-worth

• Common myths that make forgiveness harder (“Forgiving means forgetting,” “If I forgive, it means it’s okay”)

• Why self-forgiveness is often more difficult than forgiving others — and how to begin the process with compassion

• The stages of forgiveness: awareness, processing emotions, setting boundaries, and release

• How boundaries and forgiveness can coexist, allowing healing without tolerating harm

Through practical tools like journaling prompts, therapy, and mindfulness, Joseph and Paula guide listeners toward a balanced understanding: forgiveness isn’t about excusing the past — it’s about releasing its hold on your future.

Do you have any questions? If you have a question for Joseph and Paula to answer during a future episode of Questions for Counselors, reach out through the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I⁠nfo@lifelivedbetter.net ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession.

We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

Resources for this episode:

• 24 Forgiveness Activities, Exercises, Tips and Worksheets
• Forgiveness can improve mental and physical health
• Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness - Mayo Clinic
• The power of forgiveness - Harvard Health