What happens when someone we love dies and we're left carrying unresolved anger, hurt, guilt, or regret?

Grief isn't always about losing someone with whom we had a loving, peaceful relationship. Sometimes the people we lose have also caused us pain. Sometimes there were words left unspoken, apologies never offered, and wounds that never had the chance to heal.

In Episode 17 of Hope After Loss, Marilyn Burns, M.S., L.P.C.C., explores one of the most complicated parts of grieving: forgiveness.

Drawing from personal experiences and nearly five decades as a mental health counselor, Marilyn discusses why forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting, excusing hurtful behavior, or pretending the past didn't happen.

We'll explore how unresolved emotions can complicate grief, why forgiving ourselves can be just as important as forgiving others, and how we can begin releasing resentment while still honoring our experiences.

Forgiveness is not something we can force, and healing doesn't always require reconciliation. Sometimes it simply begins with giving ourselves permission to find peace.

Because letting go of the pain doesn't mean letting go of the love.

Join Marilyn for another heartfelt conversation about grief, healing, and finding hope after loss.

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Thank you for listening to Hope After Loss: Conversations on Grief.

If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need support and hope today.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.

If you have a question or a topic that you would like me to gently explore,
you’re welcome to email me at healerzz@yahoo.com.

While I’m not able to provide individual counseling through email,
I would be honored to hold your question and possibly share it in a future podcast, so others may feel less alone.

Thank you for allowing me to walk beside you. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. Learning to walk with this pain begins one day at a time, one choice at a time to love yourself.

Books by Marilyn Burns, M.S., L.P.C.C.

For additional support, hope and healing, you can explore my books, including Lost No More: A Mother's Spiritual Journey Through Her Son's Addiction, Where Are You, God?, and Now I Lay Him Down To Rest.

View my books on Amazon