I too agree about the separation of ego.  And Matthew, I agree and get what you're saying.  It's not about having to lose your personality.  Like, there are times I can find myself suddenly focused on and upset about something and I have to stop and ask myself, is this really worth wasting energy on?  At things like that I'll tell myself to instead spend my thoughts and energy on something good, loving, or what makes me happy.  It's the same things as throwing away junk you don't really need or want instead of keeping it around to clutter your house.  It seems to always be something to work on, but a necessary part of true growth and comfort in one's true self. 

Thanks for your compliments.