It's an important message to convey, Bam - those of us who are newly sober should not become discouraged or disheartened. I kept waiting to feel fabulous & it took far more than 6 mos. I was on edge all the time, wondering if it was really going to last this time - wondering if I'd get through the holidays, vacation, etc. When a year passed and I still hadn't picked up, I felt very encouraged, because I knew I'd made it through most of my trigger times.
We really are learning to live again. We were numb for so long. I'm proud of you all, each and every one. No one knows how hard recovery is except for those of us who are living through it.