Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#9 Five steps to forgiveness

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Episode notes

Forgiveness is a challenge. Someone does something you don’t like. Forgiving them is not a typical reaction.

Whether it’s as simple as having someone cut you off while you’re driving, or something as dramatic and horrific as being hurt, or having a loved one taken from you.

Some might say, “Why should I forgive?” And others might say, “I refuse to forgive.”

This podcast looks at what forgiveness is, what forgiveness is not, and then we dive into 5 steps to forgiveness that can eliminate resentment and anger in your life, and build greater positivity and happiness at a personal level, and in our families.

I also offer some parenting advice to a mum whose daughter was involved in a car accident, and now she doesn’t want to drive in the car – and freaks out if things feel scary.

Show notes

Lack of forgiveness increases the body’s production of stress hormones, and impacts on our relationships and wellbeing. In contrast, choosing to forgive has a measurable impact on our physiology, and makes us happier.

Here are my five steps to forgiveness:

* Acknowledge what happened

* Empathise

* Get perspective

* Let it go

* Repeat as necessary – and it will be necessary