For me, it's been like something finally clicks and then you realize - OMG, I've been doing this for like 15-16 f'ing months while DWH has been having his own adventures. F that!
You've done a lot of internal work during your separation, NM, and I'm really happy that you're now testing it out IRL. That's exactly what my therapist has told me to do. I will try.
Anyway, good for you!!!!!! And love hearing about it...