[20/F] Considering a relationship that I told myself I wouldn't get in to (26/m) - thoughts?

So...let's see. Some backstory. A few months ago, I broke up with my SO of 16 months, minus a month or two of broken-up time. A lot of factors went in to it, but I largely chose to end it because living together and spending my time around him had left me feeling shut in, suffocated, and extremely depended upon. I felt lost, and like I needed some time to hang out with myself. Figure out a little better who I am and all that.

Shortly after breaking up with the SO, I made a mistake and hooked up with a mutual friend of ours - he had been friends with the SO first, but over the course of the past year I've become a good friend of his as well. We didn't really have any feelings for each other. More of a mutual curiosity, I'd say. It happened more than once after nights at the bars with friends. The entire thing went on for just a few short weeks, and I ended things by explaining that I wasn't ready to be doing that and that I didn't want to screw up our friendship. He agreed, and all is good there. We're chill.

BUT...here's where it gets (more) messy. The mutual friend has a roommate, who we'll call Daniel. I met Daniel back in January, and we instantly hit it off. We've always had so much to talk about. Obviously, we were strictly friends for a long time.

Lately, (the past few months) we've spent a lot of time together. Most days, we just go on really nice outdoor ventures, walking and talking and enjoying nature together. I first started thinking about him in a potentially romantic way a few weeks ago. We went out for dinner and drinks the other night, and...one thing led to another...yep, we did the deed. We've hung out once since then (daytime sober style), and we did kissing a few times but didn't talk about 'things'.

So, now I don't know what to do from here. I really like this guy. On one hand, I know that this is the point in life when I should be focusing on myself and my life. But, at the same time, I also don't want to miss out on this opportunity. So, now I'm torn. I know that if things happened here, they would be far different from my last relationship - the old SO was clingy, needy, jealous, and incredibly time-consuming. Daniel is a much more mature person, and I know he would be completely okay with (and happy about) my need for independence. However, part of me feels like I should stick to what I told myself - that I should take a break from relationships (casual or not) and spend more time with me.

What do you folks think? Is it possible to simultaneously 'find yourself' while starting and/or being in a relationship? Is it more important that I seize this chance while it's here, or stay true to what I thought (think?) I want? Oh, and my ex now refers to me as a "homie hopper" - thoughts on that part, please? Thank you (: