I've been sober since August 1, 2007. I maintained the first three years of my sobriety with hard-core AA/NA meetings, service, sponsorship, etc. I was super involved in the program and loved it.
Since my resurgence of mental illness three and a half years ago, my path has widened, veered, twisted, turned. I was in a 16 step program which was amazing for awhile, until the funding got cut. I've been back and forth with 12 step meetings but ultimately I haven't been able to recommit since mental illness took over. Regardless of what I think about mental illness, without a doubt my sobriety has been the one thing that's enabled me to face it. I can't imagine what my life would be like today if I was still loaded. And yet I know how fragile it is, how it could all disappear like a dream or like mist if I pick up that first drink or drug.
I congratulate all of you today, whether you're struggling or not, but especially if you're struggling. Just for today, try to remember why it is that you got sober (or wanted to get sober) in the first place.