Interesting that your mood seemed to lighten over the course of writing your piece. Also interesting that your piece was well-written. I relate to a lot of things you talk about. My trite touchpoints are: it's a journey vs destination, be a good coach to yourself, let each moment be an opportunity. That said, I feel like a miserable failure and flog myself along mercilessly because I promised myself I would keep trying. Oh--two more touchpoints: have faith in the future you, you never know what's around the next bend.