The power of forgiveness: finding strength, hope and healing

Some sessions stay with you long after they end. The Power of Forgiveness, part of Rail Wellbeing Live 2026, is one of them.

This powerful conversation, hosted by Railway Mission chaplain Mike Roberts, features author and campaigner Mina Smallman. It is honest, emotional and ultimately uplifting. As you watch the session above, you will hear not only Mina’s story, but also a message that speaks to anyone navigating challenge, grief or recovery.

A story that goes beyond labels

Mina begins by introducing herself with warmth and honesty. She speaks openly about how she is often defined by the loss of her daughters, but makes it clear there is much more to her story.

“I’m so much more than that… but I don’t shy away from it.”

Her experience of loss, and the failures of institutions around it, has shaped her work today. She now campaigns for the safety of women and girls and challenges organisations to do better.

“You can never tick that box and say it’s done… the work is never going to be done.”

It is a reminder that wellbeing is not a one off conversation. It is something that needs ongoing attention, honesty and action.

What forgiveness really means

At the heart of the session is a question many of us struggle with. What does it really mean to forgive?

Mina explains that in her case, forgiveness for the man who murdered her daughters came unexpectedly.

“Honestly, I already have… it was a gift.”

But she is clear that this is not always how forgiveness works. For most people, it is a gradual and personal process.

“While I continue to hold onto this injustice, that person still has power over me… and I will not give them that power.”

This idea runs through the whole conversation. Forgiveness is not about excusing what happened. It is about protecting your own peace and reclaiming control.

Starting with yourself

For anyone wondering how to begin, Mina keeps it simple and practical. Forgiveness starts from within, not from the other person.

“You don’t start with them, you start with yourself.”

She talks about creating distance from painful feelings and slowly replacing them with something more positive. It is not quick or easy. It is something you practise over time.

There is also a strong message about boundaries. Forgiveness does not remove the need for accountability.

“Tell your truth, hold onto your truth… you have no control over that.”

That balance is what makes the conversation feel real and relatable.

Turning pain into purpose 

Throughout the session, Mina reflects on how she has channelled her experiences into something positive. From teaching and drama therapy to activism, her focus has always been on helping others. 

“I’ve had a lot of practice at turning frustration and anger into something positive.”  

Her work now continues that mission, supporting people to understand themselves, express emotion and find strength in difficult situations. 

She also speaks openly about grief, tears and vulnerability. 

“I cried… I had nothing left in the tank.”  

It is an important reminder that strength does not mean holding everything in. It often means allowing yourself to feel. 

Finding hope in the hardest places

Despite everything she has faced, the message Mina leaves us with is one of hope.

She speaks about the importance of not letting trauma define who you are.

“Don’t let this define you… that survival is what will ultimately free you.”

And perhaps the most powerful message of all is about self belief.

“Don’t let people box you… you are not less than. You have purpose.”

It is a message that feels especially relevant in the workplace and beyond. Everyone has a story. Everyone faces challenges. But everyone also has the capacity to grow, heal and move forward.

A session to come back to

The Power of Forgiveness is not an easy watch, but it is an important one. It speaks directly to the core of wellbeing. It encourages reflection, compassion and courage.

As Mike Roberts says at the start, it is “some really powerful stuff… and the impact that it can have on our wellbeing.”

Take time to watch the full session above. Whether you are looking for perspective, reassurance or simply a moment to pause, there is something here for everyone.