Originally Posted by
haennie 
Basically, for me, sobriety is not the "goal" really but an essential component of the process that can lead to finding new values and creating a more fulfilling life.
Too true, same here! Glad to hear this type of discussion here, and thanks again Jazzfish for bringing it up. I think that viewing sobriety as the "end goal" is a bit dangerous. There's no prize that shows up in your mailbox after the first year (I know, because I checked). There's no magic bullet.
However, sobriety is an essential part of my existence now. In a way, I feel like I was looking out the window for 19 years and now I've finally dared to open the door and go outside. And what a wild ride it is! I have really embraced using sobriety as a stepping stone to begin leading a more rewarding life and I'm glad there are others seekers and explorers here who are engaging in the search for a meaningful existence.