Forgiveness: How to Let Go, Without Letting Them Off the Hook with Rachael Coopes

What if forgiveness didn’t mean forgetting, reconciling, or letting people off the hook — but reclaiming your future?

Learning how to forgive — even when it feels like the hardest thing in the world to do — is transformative.

It’s a complex process, and there’s a real art to balancing boundaries and letting go.

It’s an art Rachael Coopes is obsessed with. She’s the author of The Art of Forgiveness.

💡 You’ll hear:
– The origin of the word forgiveness — and why it changes everything
– The science behind rumination, stress, and long-term health
– What forgiveness has to do with resilience and agency
– How to begin (even if you’re not ready yet)
– Why boundaries are essential — not the opposite of forgiveness
– Why reconciliation and forgiveness are not the same
– How your future can be your act of forgiveness

📖 Chapters
00:00 The Quote That Changed Everything
02:18 How Forgiveness Became Rachael’s Obsession
05:10 What 25 Interviews Taught Her
06:30 Forgiveness vs Letting People Off the Hook
10:45 Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation
13:05 The Neuroscience of Resentment
17:55 Where to Start When Forgiveness Feels Impossible
22:00 Boundaries, Distance & Letting Go
24:45 When Forgiveness Just Isn’t Possible
26:10 Resilience, Accountability & Rachael’s Son’s Story
29:40 Your Future as the Ultimate Act of Forgiveness
31:15 “Forgive Like a Grain of Sand”

🔗 Helpful Links:
– The Art of Forgiveness by Rachael Coopes
– Rachael’s official website
– Follow Rachael on Instagram

📺 Watch & Subscribe:
– Watch this episode on YouTube

📬 Get in touch:
thatshelpful @ edstott.com
Follow That’s Helpful on Instagram