I think that I do need Mark to know that I am not just sitting around waiting for him... it's important to me that he knows that i am a bit different now to how I was. I also told him that I hadn't missed him until he messaged me - it was true - I didn't miss him, of course now I do.

I am glad you got a new contact and can start planning a bit more for the future. You will need to get you things from your ex's sooner rather than later though.. it must make him also think that maybe you will be coming back...
Stay strong and I'll stay strong too.
I will not contact him.. he can contact me when he has sorted out his head.