Amazing, this is true growth and clarity!
I have found it that I am more relaxed, even when I have an urge, by the knowledge that I am a healthy human being that doesn't need to rely on Lust to get through my problems. This is including times of extreme stress and pressure!
Feeling worthy is also about self-respect. A lot of us have lost respect for ourselves, and if we change our self image from a person who doesn't deserve to be worthy, to a person who has earned that worthiness by working on themselves, then we are on the right path to happier lives.
(A side note, "happier lives" doesn't necessarily mean always happy, it could also mean that during the rough times this burden isn't there, which makes the rough times more manageable. As well as when life isn't rough then we are truly happy without this weight holding us back.)
Keep on Trucking, One Day At A Time!!