congrats AmbyMarie! Great comments above.
For me, while I knew from day 1 and my first AA mtg that I was done drinking - somehow, some way, I didn't know other than I didn't want to die.
I have 1122 days so 3 yr 1 day in exactly two wks. Putting aside the legit markers of 1,2 and 5 yrs that I do think important, especially in my physical and indeed mental recovery, I was closing in on 2 when I remember thinking, "ok, maybe I don't have to qualify my recovery as a newcomer any more." Now, I just say I'm an alcoholic and when the discussion is about getting started or time in the program or such, I am succinct but conservative - bc whoever got up earlier than I did today has more sobriety than I do.
Humble + hopeful in terms of time, action, everything is my view.