I was a high school dropout who went back to school after finding recovery. I stayed in school for thirteen years and earned three degrees in recovery, the last one a PhD.
I don't say this to impress you, but it impresses the hell out of me. And here's the thing: I'm not unique.
I know hundreds of women (and men, of course) in recovery who have as many years of recovery as me, as many degrees, as much success in their careers, who have raised children as wonderful as mine. And they all started out as broken as I was.
And here's the other thing: all the degrees, the success, the beautiful homes (ours is old, tiny, and crooked), fancy careers, beautiful children, and travel and boats and cars are just what recovery sometimes looks like on the outside for some people in recovery. I don't notice or look for those things as indicators of a strong recovery; it's what you share from your inner being that shows me that you've done the work of recovery.
I am more inspired by your inner light than your outer life.