Who Are You When the Identity That Defined You No Longer Exists?

What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life around suddenly disappears? After multiple combat deployments as an Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Benjamin J. Lee came home carrying invisible wounds that led to addiction, depression, and one life-altering question: Who am I without the uniform? In this powerful episode of Notes From the Edge, host Lisa Lacy sits down with Benjamin for an honest conversation about identity, trauma, recovery, and what it truly means to reinvent yourself after life falls apart. Together, they explore: Why so many people struggle with identity instead of motivation The masks we wear to survive trauma and adversity Life after military service and addiction Shadow work without the jargon Reinvention after divorce, career loss, illness, or major life transitions How to reconnect with the person beneath the roles you’ve been playing This episode isn’t just for veterans. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered: Who am I when the life I built no longer exists? If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical wisdom for finding your way back. Guest: Benjamin J.