S5 Ep 11 Don’t You Dare Say the F-Word—Not While I’m Caring for the Person Who Broke Me

🎙️ Caregiver Secrets: Show Notes – Season 5, Series 3, Day 1
Episode Title: Understanding Forgiveness in the Context of Abuse
Viral Title: “Don’t You Dare Say the F Word Around Me” — The Caregiver’s Reckoning with Forgiveness

Description:
Welcome to a new chapter of Caregiver Secrets. In today’s raw and riveting episode, we step into the quiet war that rages inside many caregivers—especially those caring for someone who once caused them deep harm. This isn’t the glossy forgiveness you read about in devotionals or see in movies. This is the gritty, soul-wrestling kind that shows up when your abuser forgets your name… but you still remember the pain.

Meet Tasha—a fictional, yet emotionally real character—who tells people her mother died long ago, even though she’s very much alive and now deep into Alzheimer’s. Tasha’s story reflects a truth too many caregivers face: the ones who once tore us down sometimes become the ones we’re called to lift up.

This is Day 1 in Series 3: The Journey Toward Forgiveness. And we’re not holding back. We’re unpacking what forgiveness is not—it’s not forgetting, not excusing, not reconciling. Instead, we’re shining a light on what forgiveness can be: a decision to break free from the chains of bitterness and step into healing for your own sake.

If you’ve ever whispered “I’ll never forgive them…” but still show up with soup and clean sheets… this one is for you.

Whether your story looks like Tasha’s or feels completely different, you’ll walk away with clarity, validation, and perhaps your very first step toward peace.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why forgiveness is one of the most complicated parts of caregiving

• What forgiveness isn’t (and why you don’t have to wait for an apology)

• A powerful, fictional story that echoes real-life emotions caregivers face

• How to begin the long, non-linear path of healing—at your own pace

💬 Listener Reflection Prompt:
What’s one step you could take today toward reclaiming your peace? Even if it’s just naming the hurt.

📘 Free Gift for You:
If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to download a free copy of my book Get Risen, https://bit.ly/GetRisen.  It’s filled with practical tools, mantras, and mindset shifts to help you go from just surviving to truly thriving on your caregiving journey. You’ll find the link in the show notes.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This episode is based on personal experience and research. It is not intended as medical, legal, mental health, or financial advice. Please consult licensed professionals for support in your specific situation.

🙏 Final Note:
You are doing holy work. Even if no one ever said it before—I see you. You are not alone. We’re walking this road together. Keep going, caregiver. You are stronger than you know.