Great thread, Steve. It is always good to reflect. As others have said, becoming sober wasn't hard compared to living sober. The hardest thing for me, as I have posted on other threads, so forgive if this is repetitive, is to sit quietly with a problem that really has no solution. Cases in point: aged mother with some dementia and alcoholic sibling. Challenges associated with both people, and it ain't gonna change for the better. This is the kind of thing that would have sent me racing for the bourbon bottle, knocking over a cat or two on the way. Mrow! Now I meditate. I practice yoga, I go for a walk or to the gym. I pet and brush said cats, which are furry little calmer-downers. I also try to remember that my life is very blessed, and that I am a lucky little chucklehead. Peace.