Give yourself some credit, why do you think you did not come out of it as a better human being? And what's wrong with being cynical? Some of my favourite people are cynics. :D
All that matters is that you are happy, and you are, aren't you? The scepticism I do object but with a little practice it can grow up to be a happy and a positive attitude. I am happy for you and glad that you came back from the other side. Cookies on this side are better anyway... :)
Oh, I do give myself all the credit I can give :-)
These days I'm content. I do my own thing, I look forward to each new day, ... It's just that, from time to time, I miss that naive boy and his blind trust in people.