Well, I have kept meaning to contribute to this thread, but have really needed the time to sit down and marshal my thoughts.
Firstly, photography is just a thing. It is something you do. It doesn't define you. If you stop doing it, it will continue, and so will you. If you want to take it up again it will still be there. Personally I enjoy it because it is totally different from what I do for a living. At one point a few years ago I considered going pro but realised that photography was my outlet, my escape and my channel for self-expression along with my writing. I realised that if I combined the two I would kill that which made it enjoyable for me..............................
Bill. Thank you for taking the time to think about and to contribute to this thread. I have read it three or four times and it really resonates with me. I have an idea for a different direction at present, to refresh myself, to keep active, to keep my brain ticking over.......to keep my rear end away from the sofa; but without feeling compelled. It involves photography, but in a different way and very ad hoc.
Watch this space. It may be marvellous or it may be ordure! Time and practise will tell.
Thanks once again for your very thoughtful piece.