Hi, Zen! I have been visiting this post repeatedly since you published it yesterday yet without replying. What you've said grabs my attention and makes me think. Unfortunately, all my thoughts are unsatisfying; I fear they fall far short of what will genuinely comfort and affirm you.

The best I can offer is an old observation I've returned to again and again: Some of the most valuable things in life are obtained only indirectly, or arrive unexpectedly while you're pursuing something else. Sometimes you hit the bullseye by aiming at a tree.