I feel the same way - very hopeful and thankful for the things that have been happening. It feels like a lot of the efforts that I have been making over the last few years are starting to pay off. It has bee a tough but fun road for sure.

I like your quote:

I had to do it either way to work on my mental health and spiritual growth

To me this is such a big plus because there is just enough of a focus to keep me actively engaged doing something, improving my writing and learning new techniques and software.