Across the Decades: Envisioning life across each decade
Today I decide to write about how I’ve been viewing life in the form of decades. So I have tried living every day as it comes and that is a great way of doing it. I plan the day and execute work based on my energy levels. It works wonders. But yesterday I was looking at a more umbrella perspective of life and how I have been percieveing each decade that has passed and those coming ahead! So here it is!
Life is a journey, and each decade offers a unique opportunity to focus on different aspects of growth. In my 20s, it was all about exploration. I was discovering new passions, learning about myself, experimenting with different career paths, and meeting new people. It was a time of energy and curiosity, where I wasn’t afraid to take risks and try everything. I learnt new things which I never thought I was that good at! I went to dance classes and became quite proficient in movement therapy and understanding my body. I dabbled in the arts and design too. I basically did a whole bunch of exploratory experiments to see what I was gravitating towards!
My 30s shifted that energy into productivity. These were the years where I honed my skills, focused on building my career, and put my creative work into the world. It was about setting goals and achieving them, pushing boundaries, and seeing the tangible results of my efforts. I even did a TED take during this period as I got well known for a large city wide art project I had started off. I created a lot of things! I put ideas out as tangible products. I wrote books and screenplays, I made music, I wrote poetry, I performed, I collaborated with a whole bunch of people and created some beautiful videos and content! So it was all about action!
Link to TED talk : https://www.ted.com/talks/divya_ramachandran_using_art_to_ignite_ideas_spur_creativity_and_spread_joy?geo=hi
Links to my music:
https://youtube.com/@sierrashine2023?si=8QzHEMP6-3pjLz5b
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-wnR9Rv9U1/?igsh=ZWt6Yjd1ZjBlZWF0
Link to my audiobooks:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0xp36OEl6cSqnGsXWpUA83?si=9ewJaaYQRby8bN8UKkCKmg
Links to my authored books:
https://www.amazon.in/Think-Build-Create-Unraveling-creative-Divya-Ramachandran/dp/935838087X
https://www.amazon.in/Echoes-Illusions-Divya-Ramachandran/dp/9360946060
Now, as I approach my 40s, I realize that my focus is moving towards mental and physical well-being. I want to cultivate a sustainable balance in my life, prioritizing my health, relationships, and personal peace. It’s no longer just about producing; it’s about being mindful, taking care of my body, and nurturing my mental health. This will prepare me for the next stage, my 50s, where my goal is to engage in knowledge exchange. I want to travel, teach, and share the lessons I’ve learned with others while continuing to learn from the world around me.
Each decade brings a new focus, and by living intentionally, I feel like I’m designing my life with purpose — growing, creating, and evolving with each chapter.
As I look toward my 60s, I envision a time of reflection and legacy. By then, I will have accumulated years of experiences, knowledge, and stories. My goal for this phase is to pass on the wisdom I’ve gained — not only through teaching or mentoring, but by living a life that embodies the values I’ve cultivated over the decades.
I see my 60s as a time of slowing down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, deepening my relationships, and focusing on what truly matters. It will be less about chasing new heights and more about appreciating the view from where I stand. Whether it’s through writing, speaking, or simply spending time with family and friends, this will be a chapter where I can share my legacy and continue to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
This phase will be about giving back to the community and the world in a way that feels organic, with no rush or pressure — just living with intention and embracing the beauty of aging with grace and wisdom.
In my 70s, I imagine life will be about embracing serenity and finding joy in simplicity. By this stage, I’ll have lived a rich, multifaceted life, and it will be a time to focus on inner peace, gratitude, and enjoying the small, beautiful moments each day brings. My health, relationships, and spiritual growth will take center stage, and I’ll prioritize wellness in a holistic way — mentally, physically, and emotionally.
This decade will be about truly living in the moment, slowing down to appreciate the present without the urgency that often accompanies younger years. I’ll likely spend time revisiting the places, people, and passions that have shaped me, perhaps traveling to familiar destinations or discovering new hidden gems. My contribution to others will continue, but perhaps in quieter, more personal ways — through conversations, mentorship, or simply being there for loved ones.
My 70s will be about making peace with all I’ve done, savoring life’s simplicity, and nurturing the deep connections that bring the most meaning. It will be a period of true fulfillment, knowing that the legacy I’ve worked hard to create is one I can continue to live by, while finding comfort in rest, reflection, and love.
In my 80s, I see life as a celebration of wisdom and legacy. At this stage, I’ll have decades of experiences behind me, and I’ll find immense joy in sharing that accumulated knowledge with younger generations. Whether it’s through storytelling, writing, or mentoring, my focus will be on passing down the lessons I’ve learned and the values I’ve cultivated throughout my life.
This decade will be about living with a deep sense of gratitude for all that I’ve experienced, the people I’ve loved, and the impact I’ve made. I imagine myself surrounded by family, friends, and a community of people who look to me for guidance, comfort, and inspiration. I’ll embrace being a figure of quiet strength and wisdom, content in the knowledge that I’ve lived fully and purposefully.
Physically, I’ll take pleasure in gentle activities — long walks in nature, peaceful afternoons with a good book, and quality time with loved ones. My pace may slow, but the richness of life will still be there, filled with warmth, laughter, and the simple pleasures of every day. My 80s will be a time to reflect on the beauty of my journey, feeling at peace with all that has been and all that is still to come.
In this phase, legacy will be more than just what I leave behind; it will be how I continue to live each day with grace, presence, and purpose.
Well that’s how I see my life unravel. I’m sure in the midst of all this there will be a lot of excitement, travel, friendships, relationships, stories, ups and downs and crazies! And I want to savour all of it! ❤