There is no question that losing the self-loathing and instead being able to actually feel at peace, some calm, maybe even a smidgen of pride here and there is a huge part of sobriety for me.
Sure life hurts and suffering is a sure thing and my habits and complexes of avoidance and fear still make their regularly scheduled appearances. But all the pain and self-inflicted suffering fades and you realize that you actually have within you the things you need to make something good out of your life.
Congrats and welcome. The work has really only started.