First, congratulations on 17 months, that is fantastic! I think it is a very big deal for many of the things you mention in your post. It allows us to be fully present with family and friends again. It forces us to take on whatever life throws at us and deal with it head on, rather than avoiding it in an alcoholic haze.
I am successful in my career, have three amazing kids, and a good husband; and getting sober is one of my greatest accomplishments. It wasn't easy, and I failed more times than I would like to admit, but I am proud of each sober day I have.