The things I’m glad I did in my 20s
Overall, I feel pretty good about how I spent my 20s—although, of course, there are things I wish I had done differently. If nothing else, I am incredibly happy about where I ended up at 30: married to someone who makes me laugh (often uncontrollably) every day, mother to an adorable pug, living in a lively city on the coast. I’m in good health, I can move easily and often, and I feel good in my own body. I’ve read good books, I’ve traveled to beautiful places, I have friends who are kind and funny and smart, a family that loves me and supports my choices. 
Without further ado, these are the things I’m most grateful I did in my 20s: the things that I look back and think, good job, young Christine! Thank you for not giving into the status quo and being afraid to quit your first job, thank you for not feeling weird about traveling alone, thank you for setting up automatic bank deposits. I’m glad that the decisions I made along the way have led me to where I am today.
Traveled solo! Traveled with friends! Traveled with an SO!
It’s no surprise that travel played a big role in my 20s: I visited 37 countries this decade! But what I’m happiest about is that I did a lot of different travel: I went on group tours, I went on a cruise, I traveled alone when I was single, I traveled alone when I was married, I traveled with my best friend, I traveled with new friends, I traveled with my now-husband, I traveled with my mom, I traveled with the same friends to different places, I traveled to see friends get married. I learned a lot about myself as a traveler: what I like, what I don’t, what I do that drives other people crazy (mostly, get very hangry), what other people do that drives me crazy. Not only do I have a lot of amazing memories in a lot of beautiful places, but I also like to think that I became a better person: more open-minded, more self-sufficient, more able to see that other cultures aren’t wrong but just different. I’ve become a better traveler, and I’m more aware of why I travel–I can’t wait to take that self-awareness into adventures in my 30s. 
Lived in New York City
Moving to New York City was the scariest and best decision I ever made: somehow, trying to make it there was more intimidating than moving halfway across the world. And looking back, I am so glad that I did. New York City is the most fun when you’re young and poor and up for anything, aka when you’re OK with living in cramped quarters with sometimes-crazy roommates but also going to next-level parties on a Tuesday or getting invited to a red carpet on a whim or having your regular Saturday plans be something straight out of a tourist’s dream itinerary. Whenever I go back to New York City, I’m glad I have five years knowledge of the subway and West Village secret streets and where to get coffee in Brooklyn to fall back on, without a second thought.
Set up automatic transfers
I’ve had automatic monthly transfers set up on my bank accounts since I started my first job: I’ve added transfers and I’ve increased transfers, but I’ve always made sure that money is regularly moving from my checking into savings accounts, 401Ks, Roth IRAs. It keeps me from spending too much, and it ensures that I’m saving money without even thinking about it. It also means that I’ve saved more money without thinking about it than I probably would have done if I only saved what I thought I could. Mostly: thank you, powers of compound interest.
Worked at great companies
One of the things that I am proudest to say about my career thus far: I have only worked at companies where I would pitch the product (and the company) even if I wasn’t getting paid. My career path hasn’t been a straight ladder up: I’ve moved industries and positions, and prioritized having a whole life instead of just a successful career. But I’ve worked for and with incredibly clever people who have made me better at what I do. Some of my best friends now are my former colleagues. I’ve left at 6pm every night (or often earlier) and I’ve worked remotely and I’ve taken a lot of vacations, and all of my bosses have focused on the work getting done instead of anything else. If your 20s are all about laying the foundation for the rest of your career, I’m so glad for the tools and opportunities given to me at Voce, Great Dane, ONA, Vimeo and Gimlet.
Got serious about finding a relationship
When I was 24, I decided to join OKCupid: I knew I wanted to get married at some point, and I knew that I wanted to have enough time with a partner that I wouldn’t immediately be worried about a biological clock (I’ve watched enough Sex and the City to know the concerns of late 30s dating!). I met David two weeks after joining the site (we were a 99% match!), and as they say, the rest is history. I never dreamed about a big wedding, but I was serious about finding a funny, caring and supportive partner. My life is exponentially better having him in my life, and I’m glad that I prioritized early finding someone with whom to share my life. 
Got a dog
It’s hard to express just how much I love my pug: I know it borders on ridiculousness to non-dog-people, and I take it to an extreme even for those who understand. But bringing home Gertie was 100% one of the best decisions I (and my husband) ever made. I struggle with anxiety and stress, and the best way that I manage it is through sticking to routines (morning meditation, regular exercise): having a dog has brought an extra layer of structure and joy into that. Starting my mornings with a long walk with Gertie and ending my day snuggling with her and a book in bed brings me a lot of happiness, and also helps to keep my emotions more level. I also just love her so so so much, and I truly can’t imagine life without her.
Realized how nice life is without a hangover and with eight hours sleep
Although I am never going to deny my love of a glass of chilled white wine at the end of a long day or a fancy cocktail on a rooftop or a cold beer on a beach, I’m glad I realized early in my 20s that I also really love a good night’s sleep and waking up early on a Saturday to clean my house. I’m glad that I feel fine ordering a glass of ice water when I want that instead of a cocktail, and comfortable enough to leave the party early. It has made the nights when I’ve made it to closing time all the more fun and memorable!
Kept blogging
There have been many times when I’ve wondered: is it worth it? And I’m sure if you looked at the number of hours logged on this thing–coming up with ideas! writing posts! resizing photos! editing posts! worrying that no one is commenting and does anyone even care! sharing posts on social media! answering emails! sending emails! worrying about the Instagram algorithm! more emails! more posts! more worries!–I am sure I would be earning pennies. But if nothing else: I’m so glad that I have this crazy record of my 20s. The places I’ve been, the things that I’ve felt, the clothes I wore: I hope to read this back one day in many, many years and be grateful to have something more tangible than just my memories.
