In this heartfelt episode of "Forgive, Forgiveness, or Revenge," hosts Brenda Adelman and Louisa Hext dive deep into the complex journey of forgiveness. Is there a recipe for letting go, or is the path to healing a winding, unpredictable road? Brenda shares her three-step forgiveness process, while Louisa explores the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and empathy. Together, they discuss the challenges of moving past anger, the power of compassion, and the significance of setting healthy boundaries. Real-life stories, personal insights, and practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of forgiveness.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to the episode and hosts Brenda Adelman & Louisa Hext
• Is forgiveness a journey with a destination, or an ongoing process?
• Brenda’s three-step forgiveness process:
• The role of anger, grief, and justified emotions in healing
• The importance of self-awareness and curiosity in developing empathy
• Real-life examples, including the story of Jo Berry and Pat McGee
• The challenge of relapse: Do you start over or pick up where you left off?
• The significance of self-forgiveness, especially in recovery and addiction
• How empathy leads to understanding and the release of righteousness
• The necessity of setting healthy boundaries while keeping your heart open
• Final thoughts on making meaning from pain and living with purpose
• Invitation for listeners to share their thoughts and experiences

Tune in for a deep, honest conversation about the messy, beautiful, and transformative process of forgiveness.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey toward healing, forgiveness, owning your story and personal transformation, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Discover how Brenda Adelman can support you in finding freedom through forgiveness by visiting ⁠⁠forgivenessandfreedom.com⁠⁠. Or visit her on FB at https://facebook.com/brendaadelman

To learn more about working with Louisa Hext and embracing the power of forgiveness in your life, visit ⁠⁠embraceforgiveness.com⁠⁠.

Your path to a brighter, more peaceful future starts with a single, courageous step—connect with Brenda or Louisa today and unlock the support and guidance you deserve.

In this candid conversation, hosts Brenda Adelman and Louisa Hext dive deep into the messy realities of forgiveness and revenge. Sharing personal stories—from road rage to profound family loss—they explore what it means to be "queens of forgiveness," why anger and revenge are natural human responses, and how healing is a journey that often starts with self-compassion. Whether you're struggling with a relationship, a betrayal, or your own inner critic, this episode offers real talk, practical insights, and a reminder that forgiveness is a personal path—sometimes with or without the other person.

Show Notes:

• Introduction: Brenda and Louisa set the stage for an honest, unscripted discussion about forgiveness and revenge.
• The Challenge of Forgiveness: Brenda shares a powerful story from her time volunteering in Hawaii, highlighting how revenge can surface even in healing environments.
• Personal Stories: Both hosts open up about moments when they felt vengeful—Brenda after a family tragedy and relationship betrayal, Louisa in everyday situations like road rage.
• The Human Condition: Discussion on how anger and revenge are normal, and why self-awareness and compassion are key to moving forward.
• The Science of Reaction: Louisa explains the brain’s fight-or-flight response and why forgiveness isn’t always possible in the heat of the moment.
• Relationships & Attachment: Exploring how different attachment styles affect conflict, communication, and the ability to forgive.
• The Inner Work: Why forgiveness is ultimately an individual journey, and how to begin healing even when the other person isn’t present or willing.
• Practical Takeaways: Tips for self-soothing, reparenting, and releasing anger without needing closure from others.
• Closing Thoughts: The importance of self-compassion, personal choice, and the ongoing nature of healing.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey toward healing, forgiveness, owning your story and personal transformation, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Discover how Brenda Adelman can support you in finding freedom through forgiveness by visiting ⁠forgivenessandfreedom.com⁠. Or visit her on FB at https://facebook.com/brendaadelman

To learn more about working with Louisa Hext and embracing the power of forgiveness in your life, visit ⁠embraceforgiveness.com⁠.

Your path to a brighter, more peaceful future starts with a single, courageous step—connect with Brenda or Louisa today and unlock the support and guidance you deserve.

In the first episode of the 3 episode series 'Forgiveness or Revenge', hosts Brenda Adelman and Louisa Hext delve into their personal journeys with forgiveness.

Brenda shares her story of forgiving her father, who murdered her mother and later married her aunt,- something she explored through writing her successful one-person show, My Brooklyn Hamlet, which she has performed worldwide. She also has a book, My Father Killed My Mother and Married My Aunt: Forgiving the Unforgivable (available on Amazon) with her proven 3 step forgiveness process. She also has a digital training called Phoenix Rising.

Brenda was honored to receive the Hero of Forgiveness award from the Hawaii In International Forgiveness Project, has a master's in Spiritual Psychology and has given workshops for youth-at-risk, for mental health trainings and for women prisoners. She's been a life coach specializing in forgiveness and setting healthy boundaries and healing stories since 2006.

Louisa is a transformational coach, speaker, and mediator with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate forgiveness, healing, and personal growth. Drawing from her research and nearly 13 years as the curator of a highly regarded traveling photographic exhibition on forgiveness, Louisa has been privileged to guide countless individuals through profound emotional healing.

Her coaching practice is built on empathy, deep curiosity, and a non-judgmental approach, creating a safe space for her clients to explore their unique stories and unlock their potential for growth and transformation. Whether helping clients release long-held resentments, rebuild relationships, or cultivate self-compassion, Louisa is a trusted partner in guiding them toward the peace and freedom that true forgiveness offers.

The hosts discuss the natural human tendency towards revenge, the complexity of forgiveness, and the notion of peace as a destination. They explore the idea that forgiveness is deeply personal and often requires a witness to one's pain and a process of self-healing. They conclude by inviting listeners to reflect on what forgiveness means to them.

If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey toward healing, forgiveness, owning your story and personal transformation, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Discover how Brenda Adelman can support you in finding freedom through forgiveness by visiting forgivenessandfreedom.com.

To learn more about working with Louisa Hext and embracing the power of forgiveness in your life, visit embraceforgiveness.com.

Your path to a brighter, more peaceful future starts with a single, courageous step—connect with Brenda or Louisa today and unlock the support and guidance you deserve.