Phases of Life

The most enjoyable phase of life. The child, his parents, other family members all celebrate his arrival into this world. This phase is characterized by innocence, carefree attitude and fun. Anything can become a 'play'. Small gifts of life look like the World.

Phase 2 (10-20 years)- Phase of conflicts

This phase marks the beginning of 'conflicts'. You have to choose between 'fun' and studies. You have to go through various tests in studies, relationships and personal life. One is still a child even though the child begins to imagine himself as an 'adult'.

Phase 3 (20-30 years)- Phase of real adulthood

No more concessions for you in this phase as you are no more a 'child' for anyone except your parents. Critical transition from a student to a responsible contributer as a family man begins here. Lot many go for marriage and kids here. Lots of activities simultaneously occur, especially in latter half of this decade.

Phase 4 (30-40 years)- Phase of Truth

One reaches the 'pinnacle' of ones career sometime during this decade. Money plays a 'huge role' in this phase as demands arise as rapidly as income in this decade. One starts seeing 'death' all around as mostly grandparents and sometimes, parents leave you forever in this phase. Many start becoming 'spiritual' in this decade. Paradoxically, in spite of rise in income, many label this decade as the 'most stressful' decade of their life.

Phase 5 (40-50 years)- Phase of mid-life crisis

Many people complain of 'feeling depressed' in this phase as children 'move on' with their lives leaving aging children all alone leaving a 'big lacunae' in their lives. One realizes that everyone including their own children have priorities of their own and they were 'fool enough' not to search for 'other reasons' to survive. Money loses much of its importance and many people turn to 'religion' for solace.

Phase 6 (50-60 years)- Phase of Happiness

The 'happiness' experienced in this phase has its basis in the negatives like greed, attachment and overwork done in last two decades. The spiritual and religious shift which occurred as a response to mentioned negatives start exerting their 'positive effect' in this decade. Even research has proved that people feel 'happiest' around 50 in whole of their lives. Of course, those who still keep 'money' as the end all- of everything feel no solace even in this decade.

Phase 7 (60-70 years)- Phase of Retirement

Even if one doesn't want, one is 'retired' from professional life once he crosses sixty. Usually one has married off his children by now and is happily playing with grandchildren. The worries of this world are usually passed on to children and one can feel relaxed. Much time is spent engaged in 'community services' and trying to 'give back' to the society from which one received so much.

Phase 8 ( 70-80 years)- Phase of Tiredness

One is usually afflicted with serious diseases in this decade. Men suffer from Dementia,Cataract and Prostate which are inevitable by this decade while most old women already have weak joints and Cataract. The 'pleasures' which one experienced being with children and grandchildren don't give joy anymore and many now start praying to God to relieve them of Life.

Phase 9 (80-90 years)- Phase of 'Being Unwanted'

Howsoever a Lion one was in his early years, one feels 'most ignored' in this decade. Many repent why they didn't seek God in early years as now they feel he can be the only Saviour. Vision and other senses start failing completely now and one is seen as a 'liability' even by people whom he gave his all for. One tries to be 'extra accommodating' with everyone, even with neighbors he always fought with as he needs at least someone to 'talk too'.

Phase 10 (90-100 years)- Phase of End

Very few people survive into their nineties even though modern day medicine has advanced a lot. You don't know weather to call those reaching their nineties as 'fortunate' or 'unfortunate'. Many people have lost even their sons and daughters by now and the predominant though occupying their minds is 'death'. Beyond 100, you become a 'celebrity' once again.

I have grouped these 'phases' only according to my own observations watching people around me and of course,myself. Whatever I said is my opinion and I may be 'wrong' too. Enjoy Life but realize its 'short' too. Time will fly before you know. People have come before you and they will keep coming after you are long gone. World has forgotten most who have gone and will forget you too. Practice Detachment, Resist Greed and Remember God if you want to 'lessen pain' in latter decades.