I had a friend, Amar, who was passionate to become a fitness coach. In our college days, he used to talk about how much he loved to be fit. On weekends, he wasn’t hanging out with us. Instead, he spent his time in the gym. All our college buddies were happy for him. Amar’s passion inspired us. His interest in fitness grew that he decided to make a career after graduation.
I liked spirituality, psychology, and mindfulness. I also wanted to write stories. We admired each other’s passion. Amar would enjoy my stories and share his criticism. We graduated and wished each other good luck in our careers.
He landed his first job in an IT company. He wanted to save money and start his own gymnasium. He became more focused on his IT job. He worked for three years while continuing his gym workouts.
Amar became determined to make quick money and move up his career in the IT industry. He stretched his work hours. His tiring work drained his body and mind. His daily routine changed. He could not wake up at 5 am for his regular workout, any more. He stopped going to the gym so that he could get some extra hours of sleep, which his body demanded. Two years passed by. He had become a project manager and played a key role in his organisation.
After five years working in the IT industry, Amar made a fortune. He thought of opening his own gym and coach people. But, the situation was different. His desires changed. He fell in love with a girl and got married. He bought a luxurious car.
His interest in fitness started to disappear. He couldn’t create time for his passion.
He bought a bungalow and it was a day of celebration. He gave a party to his colleagues and started to drive back home.
Amar had mixed feelings, and he couldn’t figure out the reason. He started to think if he was really happy with his wealth. He had gained weight after he quit the gym, and he was not happy with it.
He gave up the idea of pursuing his dream. He drove with a feeling of regret.
It was a drizzling evening and I felt like having some hot tea. I decided to walk to a nearby restaurant as I wanted to feel the rain and enjoy the chill breeze. Beside the restaurant, was a new book store.
I prefer to go to the library to read. But, it was a while since I had bought a book. I made up my mind to check out what’s in. I was happy to pick one of my favourite English literature books.
As I was about to enter the restaurant, a huge guy got down from his car and waved at me. I could not recognise this huge guy. But, he seemed to know me. I became curious and I dragged my feet to see him.
It was Amar!
It had been seven years since we had met each other. We went to a restaurant and ordered some sandwich and tea. We had lots to talk. I was happy to know that he worked in a reputed company.
He shared his work, family and his new house.
While sipping the hot tea, we shared our college memories. Both of us enjoyed the drizzle.
I was working in a bank and led a comfortable life. I had been married then and had a kid too. I told him that I am going to quit my bank job. It startled him. He asked, “Are you crazy to quit a bank job?”. I said, “Do you remember that I wanted to become a writer?”. He nodded. “I will become one, soon,” I said. But, he couldn’t accept that I was leaving my day job. He was unhappy with my decision.
“I like to write, so why can’t I become a writer?”, I said. He poured his advice that I should not leave my secured income and a comfortable lifestyle. He suggested, “You should first save money and buy a house”
“My job pays my bill and gives me perks. But, does it fulfil my dream? There was silence. Our conversation paused. His face showed no reaction. He started to listen.
The rain was pouring.
“If I’m not going to be a writer, I will become something that I am not”. “I like my bank job. I make enough money. I get several perks. I live a good life. But, this is not all I want.”
“I want something more”.
“Fulfilment”.
Finally, Amar broke his silence. He did not ask me why any more. He became curious and started to grill me. He wanted to know how I took a risky decision. No one leaves a secured bank job and risks his career. My job recognised my talents and gave me a life.
He interrogated “How did you become courageous?” “Do you know the consequences of this risk?”
“Isn’t it scary?”
I smiled at Amar and said, “If not now, then when”. “Yes, I have fears. And, that’s what pushes me to reach my goal. At some point, I have to face my fears. I chose to do it now.” Amar’s face glowed. He looked at me with determination. “It’s my insatiable desire to express myself.” His smile hinted me that he was listening.
He was surprised at my positive thoughts. He asked if no one criticised me for my decision.
“People criticise and I listen to them. I take their suggestions and bits of advice”.
“Forget others. My own reasons stopped me to become who I wanted to. I procrastinate and that became my roadblock. I feared to fail even before I started. It was a disaster”.
“I found a hundred reasons not to write. I created a comforting circle and was happy to live an average life. I spent my leisure hours to watch movies and hang out with friends. But, I did not work towards my goal”.
“Unless I have an internal urge to reach my goal, nothing works”.
“If I want to do something, I must start now.”
“So, I let my goals drive me.”
“Reasons will stop will. And, if I stop, I will stop forever. I think beyond reasons. I know I am taking a tough path and I have a beautiful life”.
We conversed for thirty minutes. The rain stopped. It became dark and we wanted to leave.
I was happy to meet him. Before leaving, I asked him “Is there a fitness coach inside you?”
He smiled at me and said, “Yes”.
“I will become one, soon”.