A journey can change your life. This book invites you on a journey of self-discovery and healing in the world of emotional trauma. Reading it feels like a long therapeutic session, where with science as your companion and humanity as your weapon, it will teach you to address yourself with the language of self-compassion, help quiet your harsh inner critic, and learn the great power of self-care through practical methods and highly applicable advice.

When the destination of this journey is the healing of wounds, self-acceptance, and cultivating love for oneself, then it surely is your most important journey.

Imagine that you have learned to recognize the things that challenge you in your life; that it is now clear in your mind when you are hurt, when you become overwhelmed, when you feel bad about yourself. Nice.

Now imagine that you are in a warm embrace, in which you feel acceptance, sympathy, compassion, love, care, support, comfort, from which you draw positive energy, courage, understanding, and support. Think that this embrace is always available to you whenever you need it.

Then imagine that you are better connected to the world around you, in a natural way; that you do not see everyone else as enemies, but as companions in the struggle of life, while at the same time you feel safe with them, as you now have the ability to protect yourself if you feel someone is violating your boundaries.

Finally, imagine that you see your life with gratitude and yourself and those around you with tenderness and understanding; that you live with awareness and courage. Without shame, fear, or guilt. Doesn’t that sound lovely?