I experienced this a few years ago. I was in my forties. I love how you are able to extract the good from the bad. I feel the same way about my ex though we never speak. He checked out. Same reasons, new job, work, transitioning, stress…he took it out on me I felt. I was the one holding it all together. I was the back bone, the cheerleader. I learned a lot from my divorce too. You took the time to learn, explore heal, grow and enjoy your life. Life is so much more when you know who you are. We are not just our marriages. Sadly, it takes a divorce or death of a spouse for many of us to realize that. I enjoyed your piece. You’re a very wise woman.