Still Amazed at My Almost 30 Years of Sobriety

I am going to go on a little rant here so be forewarned.

Since when do I need to apologize for having almost 30 years of sobriety?  I have been an active member of a 12 step program for almost 30 years. For awhile now I have gone to meetings where it seems ok for people to announce that they have 22 months of sobriety or 13 months of sobriety but if I even mention that I have been sober for a "long time" someone feels it necessary to give a lecture about how we live one day at a time and people with long-term sobriety are no different than someone with one day. That it is arrogant to talk about having long-term sobriety.  I agree I am no different but I do have the benefit of my own experience today.  I no longer have to rely on the promises of others that things do get better. I can assure the newcomer that if they hold on things will get better from my own experience as others did for me when I was newly sober.


Now it is true that I have gone through some tough times in my sobriety and have not always been the picture of sublime serenity; however, I have gone through these times without taking a drink or a drug.  I have used the tools I have learned to walk through these dark times without a crutch just like any other person. This, I believe, is a testament to how well I walk the walk, not just talk about it.

It is true that I do not raise my hand and advertise for sponsees.  I believe that my program is a program of attraction.  I do not advertise.  My Higher Power will guide me to those who need me.  This is how I was taught the program worked and I believe it wholeheartedly.

When do we have to stop talking about how much time we have been sober?  Why is it ok for someone to be amazed that they have been sober for 29 months and announce this but I am not allowed to have the same amazement that I have been doing life on life's terms for almost 30 years and I have done it all sober?