Jessica Simpson feels 'blessed' to have 'gone through the hard stuff' in her life

Jessica Simpson has been able to find the silver lining even in the more difficult times of her life.

The 45-year-old star has returned to performing music live, after announcing her separation from husband Eric Johnson earlier this year, and is now looking to the future with optimism.

"I was just in Pittsburgh to perform for the first time since 2008 for 60-plus minutes. It felt like home. It was such an adrenaline rush. It was beautiful for me,” she told People Magazine.

She continued, "I’m actually blessed to have gone through the hard stuff that I went through. I feel like I’m on the other side. I’m proud to be doing music independently and have my kids rooting for me. It’s more free than I’ve ever been."

The mother of three revealed earlier this year in July that she was ready to start dating again.

The singer was asked by Today show co-host Jenna Bush-Hager, "Are you interested in dating? Can I set you up with anybody?"

Jessica replied, “I'd totally jump on that. Yes I'm single - very into like, very I'm ready!”

Jenna subsequently questioned, "What are you into so I can set my criteria?"

And Jessica then explained, "My type of person is one of a kind. I don't have a look, or anything. I just like for somebody to be individually, who they are. And exude confidence without the ego.”

She continued, "It's hard to find but I feel like it's out there. I don't need somebody to be supportive of me all the time. I feel like the independence that I have right now, if I can have that and give it to someone else, that'd be cool."

Jessica announced her split from Eric in January.

The pop star wrote on Instagram at the time: "Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage.

"Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

Jessica does have a date night outfit in mind.

She told People, "A leopard-print dress, definitely heels, the Aaminas [strappy platform sandals]. I just called to get them in red."

When it comes to leopard print, Jessica joked it feels like her own version of "beige" which was inspired by her grandmother.

"To me, leopard is neutral. It’s my beige,” she told the outlet. “My nana, my mom’s mom, always had some form of leopard, a scarf or tortoise jewelry. I just loved it.

She added, "There’s even a Jessica Simpson suitcase in leopard. And I even have furniture that’s leopard.”