MAP TO THE FOUR WAYS BACK HOME

Описание: “Four Ways Back Home” is a reflective exploration of the lived experience of becoming self-forgiving, grounded in my doctoral research on self-forgiveness. This song gives voice to the quiet, often unseen inner work of healing—where change unfolds gently, over time, and with compassion.
Through the metaphor of the chrysalis, the lyrics honor the in-between space of transformation: not yet wings, not yet light, but a sacred pause where old identities soften and new self-understanding begins to take shape. Rather than striving for perfection, this piece centers presence, honesty, and emotional safety as pathways back to oneself.
The “four ways back home” reflect lived practices that emerged consistently in my research on self-forgiveness:
• Gentler words toward oneself
• Clearer emotional boundaries
• Honest, grounded presence
• Compassion in moments of struggle
Together, these practices form a steady foundation for healing—one breath, one choice, one return at a time.
This song is not about fixing what is broken.
It is about listening.
Beginning again.
And learning how to stay present with yourself when it matters most.
“Four Ways Back Home” is part of my ongoing Self-Forgiveness Journey, integrating research, lived experience, and creative expression to support emotional healing, resilience, and compassionate self-understanding.
Thank you for walking this path with me. 💛
—
Written by Dr. Diana Smith, PhD
Based on doctoral research: Self-Forgiveness: A Heuristic Study of the Lived Experience of Forgiving One’s Self
#SelfForgiveness #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalHealing #InnerWork #TraumaRecovery #SelfCompassion #ComingBackHome #DrDianaSmith #ResearchInPractice #healingthroughreflection

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