Welcome back cagy
The concept of the AV is extremely helpful to me as well. Now that I recognize it, there is such a clear distinction from the sober/focused/optimistic me from the addicted/I want this now/pessimistic me.
My av tells me I work too hard at things, that I'm an over achiever, that everyone drinks, that I deserve it, why be such a martyr? But guess what? My av is an idiot because the price I pay for listening to it is huge and it never delivers on what it promises.