Soberlicious and Augie -- I like that 'thoughtful recovery' and a great part of my recovery has had to do with having thoughtful and thought-provoking conversations with likeminded sober friends.
What have found in the last few years is that although my daily life didn't change very much, I was present to what was going on and so that same old life became more interesting and significant and enjoyable to me. That might be the biggest difference. Otherwise, I just bumble along.