Forgive Yourself – Détails, épisodes et analyse

“If you feel like you're at rock bottom and you've hit a wall and you have nowhere else to go, it's actually an exciting place to be." - Coach Sara

Today, I welcome kindred spirit Sara Olson—artist, author, and empowerment coach—who shares her transformative journey from pain to purpose through the healing powers of forgiveness and creative expression.

Our conversation flows naturally into deep waters as Sara reveals how facing herself in the mirror—literally and figuratively—became the foundation for both her personal healing and her approach to helping others. Her story of setting a timer for five minutes to look in the mirror and say "I love you" (while naked, no less!) demonstrates the raw vulnerability required for genuine transformation.

What makes this episode special is Sara's unique approach to healing through intuitive art. She shares the powerful story of how painting six deeply emotional pieces helped her process grief and heartbreak, eventually leading to her innovative coaching approach that combines creative expression with emotional healing.

Throughout our conversation, we explore themes close to my heart: the courage to face yourself despite your flaws, learning to find beauty in painful experiences, and discovering freedom through self-compassion. Sara's insights for single parents and those hitting rock bottom come from authentic lived experience, making her guidance both practical and deeply empathetic.

Whether you're struggling to forgive yourself, facing life transitions, or simply yearning to reconnect with your creative spirit, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and practical tools to help you rise from your own ashes and discover the beauty waiting on the other side of pain.

Coach Sara’s Website and Links: 

• Website
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• FREE: Rising from the Ruin Toolkit

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

"There's a big difference between saying sorry for hurting someone and saying sorry for just existing."

In this heartfelt episode, I explore the deeply ingrained habit of over-apologizing – something many of us do without even realizing it. Drawing from both personal experience and historical context, I unpack why women in particular tend to say "I'm sorry" when we've done nothing wrong.

Have you ever apologized for asking a question, for taking up space, or even when someone else bumped into you? This pattern isn't just a personality quirk – it's rooted in generations of societal conditioning that taught women to be agreeable, accommodating, and passive.

I trace this conditioning from Victorian expectations of women as "moral guardians" to post-World War II pressure to return to submissive roles, to modern media portrayals that still subtly reinforce these patterns. This historical perspective helps us understand why assertive women are often labeled "aggressive" while men displaying identical behavior are seen as "confident."

"We teach people how to treat us. When we over-apologize, we teach others that our very presence requires forgiveness."

Throughout the episode, I connect over-apologizing to deeper issues of low self-esteem, fear of conflict, and people-pleasing tendencies. Most importantly, I offer practical steps to break this habit: building awareness by tracking your apologies, replacing "sorry" with empowering alternatives, practicing assertiveness, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

The goal isn't to never apologize – it's to save our apologies for when they're truly warranted. By making this simple yet profound shift in our communication, we can transform not just how others perceive us, but how we see ourselves. Remember: you deserve to take up space without apology.

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

"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

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• 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

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

"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

"Grief is hard work. It is a lonely journey sometimes. People do avoid it because we want to shy away from pain. But avoiding your grief doesn't help at all." In this heartfelt episode of the Forgive Yourself podcast, I welcome Joan Kpandei, a certified advanced grief specialist from Nigeria. Joan shares her profound journey into grief counseling, a path she never sought but was drawn into after the loss of her mother in 2019. With numerous certifications and a commitment to helping others navigate their grief, Joan offers invaluable insights into the complexities of grief and the importance of processing it. Joan discusses her work with corporations, churches, and individuals, providing training sessions and one-on-one counseling to support those dealing with loss. She emphasizes the necessity of allowing people to grieve and the role of society in understanding and accommodating this process. Joan also highlights the different types of grief, including non-death losses, and the importance of presence and support from friends and colleagues. Joan and I delve into the misconceptions about the stages of grief, stressing that grief is not a linear process but rather an oscillating journey. We also touch on the significant role of forgiveness in the grieving process, whether it’s forgiving oneself, the deceased, or those who fail to show up during times of loss. Join this enlightening conversation to gain a deeper understanding of grief and learn how to better support yourself and others through the process. Joan’s wisdom and compassion shine through as she shares her experiences and offers practical advice for navigating the waves of grief. More info and links: Joan: https://grief.com/grief-counselor-directory/name/joan-kpandei/ 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

"When leaders show forgiveness, they bring a sense of emotional intelligence and strength that resonates throughout the entire team." Did you know forgiveness can transform your leadership and team dynamics? Today I’m talking about the powerful role of forgiveness in enhancing team dynamics and creating a positive, productive work environment. Forgiveness builds trust, strengthens bonds, and enhances employee satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a better overall performance and a more robust bottom line. Don't miss this insightful and transformative episode on the power of forgiveness in leadership. Thank you so much for being here. Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful, and let's cultivate a community of understanding and forgiveness together. And feel free to reach out anytime, I’m here for you. Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/ Brenda’s Website – 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

In this episode, I talk with you about the power of forgiveness in sibling relationships. I've seen how these relationships are often complex, filled with shared memories, unique dynamics, and inevitable conflicts. But I'm here to explain how radical forgiveness can create an opportunity to heal these relationships and make them stronger than ever. "Siblings can share a unique bond. It's a connection that starts from childhood, and hopefully it lasts a lifetime. Yet, sadly, it doesn't always." I delve into the common sources of conflict between siblings, such as competition, comparison, parental favoritism, different personalities, life changes, and unresolved issues from the past. I share a personal story about my own family dynamics, highlighting how forgiveness can help address these challenges and transform sibling relationships. This episode is for anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of sibling relationships. I provide actionable steps to foster forgiveness, including open and honest conversations, active listening, understanding different perspectives, setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of resentment. I emphasize that forgiveness is a process, and with patience and consistency, it can lead to rebuilding trust, creating new positive memories, and strengthening the unbreakable bond between siblings. "Forgiveness has a way of allowing us to see each other as human beings, capable of making mistakes and growing from them. This perspective can foster a more profound sense of empathy and closeness." Whether you're struggling with a strained sibling relationship or simply want to deepen your connection, I offer valuable insights and guidance. Tune in to learn how forgiveness can be the key to unlocking the true power of your sibling relationships and creating lasting, supportive bonds. Thank you so much for being here. Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful, and let's cultivate a community of understanding and forgiveness together. And feel free to reach out anytime, I’m here for you. Resources: Your FREE Forgive Yourself resources: https://brendareisscoaching.com/podcast-resource-optin/

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

In this episode of the Forgive Yourself podcast, I welcome Karen Rae, the inspiring founder of Fave, a community for women navigating life's major transitions. Karen shares her journey through unexpected challenges such as divorce, re-entering the workforce, and becoming an empty nester. Refusing to remain invisible, Karen chose to thrive, embracing her vibrancy and creating a space where women can be celebrated and shine. We delve into Karen's mission of celebrating 1 million women, where courageous voices are ignited by honoring the brave stories of women worldwide. This initiative inspires hope for today, tomorrow, and future generations, empowering women to celebrate their own courageous journeys. Karen discusses the importance of rich connections and valuable support as we journey through our brave stories together. Join us as Karen shares her transformative journey, from feeling invisible in her own life to creating Fave, a community that encourages women to step into their own space and shine. We explore the impact of embracing one's true self, the power of community, and the importance of forgiveness in moving forward. Learn more about the Fave community, Karen's mission, and how you can get involved in celebrating and supporting women globally. Discover how you can share your own story and connect with other women through Fave's platform and events. Thank you for listening, and as always, please share this episode with others who might benefit. More info and links: https://favelifestyles.app 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

In this episode of the Forgive Yourself podcast, I welcome Rachel Vasquez, a transformational speaker who inspires change and empowerment for those creating a new life after loss. Rachel specializes in guiding women and children through grief, helping them cope and find healing. Rachel shares her journey following her husband's death in 2018, which led to her mission of supporting others through grief. She discusses normalizing grief conversations and the need for support programs in various settings. Rachel's story demonstrates finding purpose through pain and embracing joy amidst grief. She offers insights into grief's multiple aspects and their impact on well-being, addressing the challenges faced by widows and their children. We explore Rachel's work with the Modern Widows Club and her efforts to bring grief education to corporate settings. Her wisdom will inspire anyone navigating loss. Listen to Rachel's podcast, Soul Spark, and learn about her eight-week program for creating a new life after loss. For more resources, visit livingbeyondgriefnow.com. Thank you for listening, and please share this episode with others who might benefit. More info and links – 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