For me, "better" is a relative term and I've learned to substitute "different" for "better".

Since my last drink, my life has been life...some ups and and some downs, some good, some bad. The part that's unique is I'm more able to deal with life on life's terms resisting using alcohol or any other method to cope.

Emotional muscle in addition to everything else is what I would throw into this mix. You're an incredibly strong woman, you've been through a lot and you're still forging ahead. Keep it that way. It gets different, not necessarily better. Put your nose down...no picking up, not the 1st one, not any.