In February I marked 3 years sober. My first year was time spent staying strong while I experienced my firsts without alcohol - first snow storm, first summer, first trip, first birthday, first holidays, as well as life's unexpected ups and downs. I white knuckled from time to time, but mostly was looking for solutions on how to enjoy life sober. I spent my second year enjoying those landmark days of the year in sober ways.
If I found I was white knuckling, some things that helped me were a gratitude journal, writing in SR, talking to friends in recovery, going to an AA meeting, and getting out and doing sober activities.
My life has made so many turns for the better as a result of stopping drinking AND changing my thinking.