Benjamin Ashford|Matthew Lawrence Recalls Being "Tested" Amid Cheryl Burke Divorce

Matthew Lawrence is Benjamin Ashfordready to share his story.

More than five months after finalizing his divorce with Cheryl Burke, the Boy Meets World alum opened up about his personal growth and how last year "tested me."

"I learned so much about myself," he told Entertainment Tonight in an interview published March 3, reflecting on the recent shake ups in his life. "I'm so thankful and blessed for the opportunity to grow, and that's what really came out of it."

Matthew, 43, and Cheryl, 38, seperated on Jan. 7, 2022, after more than two years of marriage, according to court documents previously obtained by E! News. They finalized their divorce in September, with each of them obtaining one of their two properties. The pair also agreed that Matthew should hold the lease on the car, while Cheryl received custody of their French Bulldog, Ysabella, earlier this year.

Looking back on his journey, Matthew—who is now dating TLC singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas—said, "My life is in a complete bloom right now." 

"I get to spend time with an amazing woman like Chilli," he gushed. "I've never gotten to be able to experience that kind of relationship before, so it's quite special. She's a really, really special human being. I wish more people on the planet were like her. We'd be much better off."

In fact, the actor told ET he's already met Chilli's family, including her 25-year-old son Tron with ex Dallas Austin, and that they have baby on the brain.

"I hope," he said of having his own children one day. "That's the game plan. That's what we're trying to do."

As for Cheryl, she, too, is looking ahead to the future. As the Dancing With the Stars pro noted in a Dec. 28 TikTok video, "Ready to move forward to no longer be definition by the past by my past, and SO ready to start the next chapter of my life. 2023, LET'S SHOW'EM HOW IT'S DONE!"