What change does to identity

I realized yesterday that it has taken me six years to move from my professional identity to my human identity.  I also see that being a professional brought me status in my family and in the world.  I remember that after I received my Ph.D. people listened.  I really hadn't changed what I was saying or lecturing about, but students listened and took me much more seriously.  I was amazed that a couple of letters behind my name gave me so much more status and respect.  Inside I was the same person before and after achieving my Ph.D.  When I moved to CT, I had vowed to sat aside my life as a professional and being a more human journey.  I was not prepared for the feelings of valuelessness and worthlessness that flooded my system.  I really had no preparation for what to do with myself if I weren't responsible to someone else.  

During that six years, I had to take time out to heal from breast cancer which took about two years of full time healing work and then some recovery which feels like it is completed now.  I have much more respect for change and the challenges those changes bring.  I expected to feel free, and in truth, I felt jailed by my former life.  I guess six years isn't so bad after all.