Great post kjell, I have heard folks use the onion metaphor who have over 30 years sober. These folks have peace and serenity sparkling about them, yet when they speak, it is not as though they are done with their recovery, they are always learning, with every new layer of them selves that they peel back and come to terms with, there is yet another layer beneath.
I have heard old timers say that when they think they got it and can go no further they dig even further and continue to work thier programs.