• By 30, I'd been through two failed long-term relationships and hit rock bottom. So, I moved to Rome. • Once the thrill of a new life wore off, I realized I couldn't run from my problems by moving. • The experience made me stronger, and I found an independent version of myself I'd never known.

I spent most of my 20s committed to building a life I thought would last.

I'd grown up in the late '80s and '90s, peak Disney-princess era, certain I'd have the complete fantasy: the husband, the house, and maybe a baby or two by that age.

Instead, I marked my 30th birthday with two failed long-term relationships. The life I pictured had vanished, boxes checked then overturned … or never checked at all.

As I hit rock bottom, I realized I could stay there or climb out by doing a complete uphe

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