something good to fill the gap in the middle of me that has been plugged with alcohol and self-hatred
Couldn't have put it better myself!
I'm glad you're feeling so good about life right now. Living sober really rocks, even tho it doesn't automatically make life easier or smoother but makes me better able to deal with the bad stuff.
It did me a lot of good to read your post. Thank you for making my day and for strengthening my resolve to stay sober. :ghug3