You said it "silly and irrational". But I know what you mean. People expect you to be a certain way and you don't want to disappoint them. But of course you know that people who truly care about you will support you. The others I would ignore. Look at yourself as an inspiration to others instead. I suppose it is a loss of part of your identity but since you have something to replace it with, I think the empty part will be filled up and you won't feel the loss so much.

Hope that makes some sense.