Cynthia, I know that "slogging along in self pity" route. One of my least favorite versions of me is Me Feeling Sorry for Myself. Ugh. I also know what it's like, though, to suddenly find messages at every turn that build upon each other in stunning ways. It gives me great hope, as a blogger, that blogs can be a part of that process. Thanks for sharing your story and your post! I'm so glad you're not slogging along quite so much any more.

Sam, those so-called ordinary moments can be pretty amazing. I think it has something to do with not trying so hard—letting go to be ourselves in the world we encounter. In some ways, that's also what happens when we're in our low spots, too. The low spots are just much more difficult than the ordinary ones. :) And I completely relate to this description, that epiphanies happen when you're at "a dead end of my thinking process." Another moment for letting go?

Ashley, that's a beautiful way to describe darkness—as a gem. I've gradually been able to see the good that comes out of dark moments, but I still have a hard time being comfortable with them. 

 Lisi, I do think Fear, in general, is closely related to darkness. Either it feeds it or is a response to it, or maybe both. It makes sense that you would relate one of your deep fears to darkness. Good for you, for pushing forward, forcing yourself out, where you were able to find light.