001- How to forgive what you can't forget

Welcome to the very first episode of Beyond Words, with Najwa Zebian.

This episode explores one of the hardest things we’re asked to do: forgive someone who never apologized. Najwa gently walks you through five powerful strategies to process pain without internalizing blame, to stop seeking closure from those who won’t give it, and to choose yourself in the aftermath of betrayal. This is a conversation for the empath, the over-giver, the person who’s been stuck waiting for an explanation that may never come.

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean peace with the past, but it can mean freedom for your future.

Show Notes / Timestamps

00:00 – Why forgiveness can feel impossible
01:07 – The core question: how do you forgive what you can’t forget?
02:05 – Strategy 1: Forgive without an apology
04:24 – Strategy 2: Feel the pain without blaming yourself
08:23 – Strategy 3: Stop running from the storm of emotion. Face it
11:20 – Strategy 4: See their pain, but don’t excuse their behavior
13:18 – The trap of revenge and needing others to “see your side”
15:04 – Their karma is who they are—not your responsibility
17:29 – Strategy 5: Set yourself free—don’t wait for them to do it
21:25 – Begin by forgiving yourself
24:06 – Choose people who see your light, not dim it
26:55 – You don’t need to confront them—they know what they did
28:58 – Why authentic people make liars uncomfortable
30:17 – Focus on your healing, not their actions
32:59 – You can move on without offering forgiveness
34:54 – Holding people accountable without hate
36:53 – Reflect: What’s one word that means forgiveness to you?