<p>Forgiveness is an existential and relational phenomenon that touches the core of human existence. It highlights how our ‘being-in-the-world’ is affected by our relationships and the violations that may occur within those relationships. Empirical research has shown that forgiveness can mitigate negative emotions, thereby enhancing self-esteem and improving one’s ability to navigate life’s challenges. Despite considerable research on the benefits of forgiveness for mental and physical health, there is an increasing demand for qualitative phenomenological studies that delve into forgiveness and its role in human transformation. This study aims to deepen our understanding of forgiveness by emphasizing its existential significance, specifically examining how the lived experience of forgiveness shapes individuals’ perceptions of the self and the world. The research question guiding this inquiry is: “What existential themes emerge in the process of forgiveness, and how do these themes contribute to human transformation as individuals articulate their personal journeys of forgiveness?” By analysing 20 narratives from The Forgiveness Project using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological psychological method, this study examines the role of forgiveness in personal and relational transgressions, particularly as experienced by survivors of relational trauma. The findings suggest that forgiveness entails liberating oneself from the pain and influence of past offences, cultivating compassion for both the perpetrator and oneself, and empowering individuals to shape their futures.</p>