Mean as a rattle snake.......Ha!
I pondered your question as we all have over periods of time. The thought hit me today that I stay sober as living amends to the world at large and no one, myself included, in particular.
Not trying to sound grandiose, but it's true. I remain available, on the clock when needed by the spirit of the universe.
Two nights back a friend called at 930 pm with car trouble. His wife and kids were in the car which died.......motor seized, it seems. He called, I went. Not long ago, I would have been out of play. Heck, somebody thought I could help at 930 at night.
That's the miracle.
Wife, son/daughter, friend and me - or those nameless faces.That's who's I stay sober for today. That's the way the universe prefers it, I think