We measure time daily and weekly. And somehow, decades go by. I was recently thinking about how every decade seems to have a theme. Did you know that people often experience personal breakthroughs at 29, 39, and 49? It’s as if the symbolic turning of a decade pushes us to reflect, reset, and reach for something more. For example, many runners hit their fastest marathon time at age 39. Coincidence? Turning a decade naturally makes us reflect, reset and push harder.

But, what is the theme of each decade? I reflected on my own experiences, spoke with a few people a few decades ahead, and here’s what I found.

-- In your 10s, you think it’s all about speed.
You just want to grow up fast — more freedom, more independence, more of everything. You’re eager to sprint, not realizing life is a marathon.

-- In your 20s, you think it’s all about the destination.
The dream job, the perfect relationship, the milestones. You chase the idea of "making it" as if happiness is a finish line.

-- In your 30s, you think it’s all about the journey.
You start valuing experiences over achievements, realizing that growth happens in the process, not just at the end.

-- In your 40s, you realize it’s all about the companions.
Who you travel with matters more than where you’re going. The right people make any path worthwhile.

-- In your 50s, you realize it was all about the stories.
The adventures, the laughter, the lessons — you become a living book, and every story you tell keeps you alive.

-- In your 60s, you realize it’s all about your health.
The body you once took for granted now demands attention. Staying active, eating well, and taking care of yourself become the real wealth.

-- In your 70s, you realize it was always about the little things.
A warm cup of chai, a familiar voice, the way sunlight feels on your skin. Joy is in the smallest moments, and a bonus if it is with your family. 

-- In your 80s, you realize it was always about finding peace.
You let go of expectations, regrets, and even time itself. The noise fades. The striving stops. You find joy in simply being. Life was never about control — it was about embracing what is, as it is.

So wherever you are on this timeline, pause for a second. What’s the theme of your decade?

I Pebble You,
Ankit

"I Pebble You" is a heartfelt collection of thoughtful moments — articles, memes, videos, and insights —that spark joy and connection. Inspired by how penguins gift pebbles to their loved ones, it’s a space to pause, reflect, and share. Subscribe to receive these meaningful pebbles in your inbox, and add your own to help build something bigger — because together, we create more thoughtful connections.

👉 Read the previous pebble "Your Spirit Animal"
👉 Read the original pebble "I Pebble You"

We measure time daily and weekly. And somehow, decades go by. I was recently thinking about how every decade seems to have a theme. Did you know that people often experience personal breakthroughs at 29, 39, and 49? It’s as if the symbolic turning of a decade pushes us to reflect, reset, and reach for something more. For example, many runners hit their fastest marathon time at age 39. Coincidence? Turning a decade naturally makes us reflect, reset and push harder.

But, what is the theme of each decade? I reflected on my own experiences, spoke with a few people a few decades ahead, and here’s what I found.

-- In your 10s, you think it’s all about speed.
You just want to grow up fast — more freedom, more independence, more of everything. You’re eager to sprint, not realizing life is a marathon.

-- In your 20s, you think it’s all about the destination.
The dream job, the perfect relationship, the milestones. You chase the idea of "making it" as if happiness is a finish line.

-- In your 30s, you think it’s all about the journey.
You start valuing experiences over achievements, realizing that growth happens in the process, not just at the end.

-- In your 40s, you realize it’s all about the companions.
Who you travel with matters more than where you’re going. The right people make any path worthwhile.

-- In your 50s, you realize it was all about the stories.
The adventures, the laughter, the lessons — you become a living book, and every story you tell keeps you alive.

-- In your 60s, you realize it’s all about your health.
The body you once took for granted now demands attention. Staying active, eating well, and taking care of yourself become the real wealth.

-- In your 70s, you realize it was always about the little things.
A warm cup of chai, a familiar voice, the way sunlight feels on your skin. Joy is in the smallest moments, and a bonus if it is with your family. 

-- In your 80s, you realize it was always about finding peace.
You let go of expectations, regrets, and even time itself. The noise fades. The striving stops. You find joy in simply being. Life was never about control — it was about embracing what is, as it is.

So wherever you are on this timeline, pause for a second. What’s the theme of your decade?

I Pebble You,
Ankit

"I Pebble You" is a heartfelt collection of thoughtful moments — articles, memes, videos, and insights —that spark joy and connection. Inspired by how penguins gift pebbles to their loved ones, it’s a space to pause, reflect, and share. Subscribe to receive these meaningful pebbles in your inbox, and add your own to help build something bigger — because together, we create more thoughtful connections.

👉 Read the previous pebble "Your Spirit Animal"
👉 Read the original pebble "I Pebble You"