Forgiveness is often associated with negativity. You don’t want to forgive. You don’t believe someone who has hurt you deserves forgiveness. Why is it so hard?

I understand those feelings. When someone abandons you as a child, it isn’t easy to forgive. When betrayed, it’s difficult to even say the word. You may even want them to suffer in the same way you have.

What if I told you that’s a natural response and one shared by millions of women just like you? Our innate reaction when hurt is to retreat and hope the same befalls our offender.

But I am living proof that will not get you where you want to be. Holding on to bitterness and refusing to forgive is a poison that will eventually destroy you.

Listen in today to learn 3 steps for forgiveness and how working through these can yield you the peace you so desperately seek.

Find the full transcript for this episode plus resources for women at Estrangement: Turning Pain into Peace at beckykolb.com/6.

Becky Kolb helps women with estranged relationships find peace and the ability to move forward from guilt & shame, a shredded self-esteem and develop boundaries and non-negotiables for healthy relationships. Contact Becky at www.beckykolb.com/contact

You want to avoid conflict that may lead to further estrangement, but should you? And what will that decision cost you? Should you learn to keep your mouth shut or speak up?

Whether you are in an estranged relationship or not, that is a dilemma many women face daily. And with compelling cause. There is a right and wrong way to express yourself and it takes some navigation to do communicate in a healthy manner.

You may be in a relationship that is contentious, and the other person knows exactly how to trigger you. Boy, I’ve been there. And my natural reaction was to respond now and deal with the consequences later. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that doesn’t work well.

Conversely, some women have been brought up to avoid conflict at all costs. That will eat you alive. Conflict is a part of life. Unfortunately, when you’re in an estranged relationship or one that is a constant battle, it isn’t easy.

Stay with me as I talk about conflict and how to manage it for optimal mental health for you.

Find the full transcript for this episode plus resources for women at Estrangement: Turning Pain into Peace at beckykolb.com/5.

Becky Kolb helps women with estranged relationships find peace and the ability to move forward from guilt & shame, a shredded self-esteem and develop boundaries and non-negotiables for healthy relationships. Contact Becky at www.beckykolb.com/contact

The quality of your relationships impacts the quality of your life. You may feel that you must maintain a relationship, good or bad, with certain people – family members or otherwise.

Your upbringing and other factors are ingrained into your mind. Your worldview may include staying in a toxic or otherwise unhealthy relationship because that’s what you were brought up to believe.

One lady recently recounted a crazy story about things a family member had done. As she told the shocking story she stated, “well, we have to get along because we’re family.” Does that situation ring true for you?

I am a big believer in keeping relationships intact as much as possible. But there are instances in my life where I had to simply hit pause. Does that resonate? I’m hopeful it isn’t permanent, but I’ve learned to shift my mindset to deal with the outcome in a healthy way and you can too.

Listen in to today’s episode for tips on improving the quality of your relationships and learning when to let go if necessary.

Find the full transcript for this episode plus resources for women at Estrangement: Turning Pain into Peace at beckykolb.com/4.

Becky Kolb helps women with estranged relationships find peace and the ability to move forward from guilt & shame, a shredded self-esteem and develop boundaries and non-negotiables for healthy relationships. Contact Becky at www.beckykolb.com/contact