What does forgiveness really mean when the person who hurt you caused deep and lasting pain?
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Kevin Hughes—Amazon bestselling author, mental health advocate, veteran, and speaker—to explore his remarkable story of surviving childhood abuse, healing from trauma, and ultimately discovering that forgiveness is not about excusing what happened—it’s about freeing yourself.
Kevin opens up about growing up in poverty and abuse, dissociating for decades due to the impact of being raised by a sociopathic mother, and the long road toward healing and reclaiming his life. Through profound personal reflection, faith, resilience, and inner work, Kevin shares how he moved from surviving to thriving.
Together, we explore the complicated emotions surrounding forgiveness, what healing actually looks like after deep emotional wounds, and why freedom often begins when we stop allowing our pain to define us.
This episode is honest, hopeful, and deeply validating for anyone navigating difficult family dynamics, unresolved hurt, or the complicated journey of healing from the past.
- Kevin’s experience growing up with abuse and emotional trauma
- What dissociation can look like and how trauma impacts identity
- The complicated relationship between healing and forgiveness
- Why forgiveness is about your freedom—not excusing harmful behavior
- Breaking cycles of pain and reclaiming your life story
**Connect With Kevin**
Kevin Hughes Website
Instagram @kevinhughes\_books
Facebook – Sociomom Book
LinkedIn – Kevin Hughes
**Connect With Live Free Wellness**
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