This is something I’m experiencing at the moment. Like you, I lost years to depression and remained stagnant. To take risks to avert that seemed impossible. Now, the dream, which will hopefully become reality, is the most audacious it has been in seeking actual happiness though whatever I do and the direction I allow my life to take. Seeing the light on the other side of the seemingly never-ending dark tunnel of depression is progress that was once unthinkable. Not needing to settle or accept, and being able to take necessary risks to avoid doing so, means recognising we deserve happiness and should not deter ourselves from seeking it. Your risks are have shown themselves to pay off and will no doubt inspire others to do the same.