Dirt to Gold - True Alchemy is of the Soul
Take the pain of all your losses, those feelings of defeat, the mountains of doubt, the shedding of egos, the grief of all the potential you've forgone, the weight of your shortcomings crashing down all at once -- take it all and rejoice for it's made you who you are.
And despite it all, you are here, strong, perhaps wounded & scarred, but your spirit is not beaten down; no, not at all. In your sensitivity to pain and humbleness at heart are the very ingredients to a lasting beautiful transformation of your soul.
The journey has refined you. Your efforts along the way, the ignorance you once clung onto, the pride that carried you through improbable feats, the meaning you used to attach to one-sided love, money, & superiority for a false sense of security -- they weren't in vain.
Their very ashes, that rubble you may find yourself in at many points in life, that's what you have to work with. Muster up all those talents from deep within, look up to God & thank Him, and go build -- this time, with more care and intention, more integrity and vigor, more enthusiasm and strength, more confidence and love.
Go and live the life you dream of, the one that beckons your coming & tugs at your heart.
Go and be all of who you are.