Sobriety changed everything

3 years sober as of today. Not going to lie, the first 6 months were the hardest thing I've ever done. Lost friends who were drinking buddies, had to actually deal with my feelings instead of numbing them, and my ex was understandably skeptical about giving me more custody time. But now my kids see a dad who shows up, who remembers what we talked about, who can be present. My relationship with them is completely different. I'm also someone I actually like being around now. Just wanted to put this out there for anyone in the thick of it.