This video of Priya
Kumar reminded me of my own story.
By the end of the year
2012 I had found my calling. I realized that corporate career in
financial industry had made significant contribution in my life in many
aspects. I was happy with all the success I had achieved till date but I was very
sure it can no longer give me the same level of contentment in future. I wanted
to pursue my hobbies or passion as full time career i.e. Writing,
Spiritual and mind training practices, Swimming and Swimming Coaching.
I had new agenda for
my life
- To experience
competitive swimming life again and stay active in competitive swimming
- Build swim
coaching career, take formal education in this field and produce
successful swimmers
- Contribute in
swimming field in whatever way I can
- Create awareness
about spiritual and mind training practices. Conduct headings and workshops
- Get paid to write
- Get associated
with NGOs working for environment protection, women empowerment and
orphan kids
Though all this new realization gave my adrenal push but at the same time it bought 360 degree changes in my entire being. A part of me often used to break out in cold sweat. Making this career change was like entering into uncharted territory. I was faced with lots of fears, doubts, uncertainties and blocks. I had no idea how I was going to manifest my dream life, yet my desire to live more meaningful life was stronger than fears which kept me hold onto my vision and take action towards it.
Life had become more
hectic then - morning swim sessions, full time job and appointments with
clients on weekends, had taken toll on my health! One day I decided to take a
break from everything. I applied for a leaves and went to my mom’s place. I
needed rest and also there was a need to contemplate. One afternoon I was just wallowing
in my bed and I suddenly felt like checking all my old swimming stuff. I made
my dad to pull out old suitcases. He had preserved everything so well, my
gymkhana identity card, medals, certificates, time sheets of competitions, my
swim workout diaries, news paper articles, photos etc. My heart was jumping
with joy as I was going through old photos and stuff.
I posted one photo on
Facebook where I am standing on podium with other winners, wearing medal and
holding certificate in my hand. This post helped me to connect with my swim
buddies after so many years. Next week when I was back in Thane we planned get together;
we swam together after so many years. Four of us really had a gala time ! We
clicked photos and shared on Facebook.
Checking that Facebook
post Mr. Kailash Akhade called me. He is a renowned coach in Thane District. We
both used to assist my swim coach during college days. He gave me information
about Masters’ Swimming Competition. I was shocked. I was not even aware of
such competition. I got butterflies in my stomach, when I had written my wish
about competitive swimming a part of me felt it is unrealistic, because I did
not even know such opportunity exists for swimmers of my age.
Now my daily swim
sessions had new meaning. I participated and win Masters’ competitions (state
and national) and clocked descent timings. It was an awesome experience.
Now when I look back,
I can connect the dots. Me falling sick, going to my mom’s place, urge to check
old photos, posting on Facebook, reunion with swim buddies, posting those
photos on Facebook and getting call from Mr. Kailash Akhade ! I will always be
very grateful to him.
All these so called
co-incidences were nothing but the response from universe to help me fulfill my
wish!
I would love to share
another incident.
In the year 2014 when
I left my job I had three offers in my hand. I was in no hurry to take decision
though all of them were lucrative and made sense logically. I still wanted to
think through. A week after I left my job my colleague - Priti called me, she
told me her school friend is visiting India for vacation, she would be staying
in Taj Hotel for a week and she is looking for swim coach for her kids for a
week. She asked me whether I would like to coach.
I was somehow
reluctant to go. I was looking for long term assignment. At face value this did
not make any sense, it dint seem like win-win situation. What will I teach in just 5
days? How are they going to benefit? What will they learn in just 5 days?, but
I don’t know why I got inner nudge to say yes and I did. I enjoyed with kids
and offer whatever I could in just 5 days.
On the last day her
sister, Dr. Dhansura visited. During our conversion she mentioned her daughters
are good swimmers and she is keen to develop them professionally. She also
mentioned a club where they practice - Garware club, is looking for a
professional swimming coach. Later she followed up with me, I submitted
proposal and I cleared interview. A logical part of me was reluctant to travel,
but my heart was constantly giving me green signal, don’t know why this
opportunity felt right. Finally I rejected other three offers and joined
Garware Club. I started taking 4 batches, beginner, stroke school, ladies and
advanced.
Soon everything made
perfect sense. I enjoyed each and every moment spent on the pool. I put my
whole and soul. Appreciation and compliments showered on me continuously and
abundantly not only from parents and club management but also from people who
used to watch me coaching from Gym, Cafeteria and other regular members who
used to swim daily. Common feedback from all of them was, they enjoyed watching
me coach young kids, watching kids enjoy my session, how I bonded well with
them and how much I enjoy coaching them!
One Sunday morning
club manager called to inform me there is a chaos at reception as 40 people are
standing in a queue to enroll their kids in your batch; some of them are
disappointed because we have to put them in waiting list.
Oh my God, How does it
get any better than this? I thought, a year ago I was faced with all fears,
doubts, uncertainties and voices of critics adding fuel to the flame, and today
I am experiencing this. Although there is a lot to learn, do and achieve…I was
happy that at least I had successfully laid down foundation of my new career.
I could join the dots…
Priti had joined our
company just few weeks before I left my job, I was in no mood to develop new
friendships yet we bonded well. My seniors advised me to leave job after
another 3 month in order to avail certain benefits yet I stood firm on my
decision and I did not extend. As a result I was available at right time at
right place; I was available to coach when Priti’s friend and Dr. Dhansura’s
sister visited India. I am so grateful to Priti, Dr. Dhansura and her sister
because of them I got this opportunity.
P.S.
Similar coincidences
led to foundation of Urja Holistic Healing. We three partners are fulfilling our
mission. I am associated with NGOs, Getting paid to write articles Reiki Rays.
Today as I am writing
this post my heart is filled with gratitude. A part of me is still anxious and
worried how I am going to achieve my goals and reach to next level, I can hear other
part of me saying “there is no need to be anxious about your journey, I
know there is a long way to go and lot of work to be done, but if you could
manifest this you are capable of achieving greater milestones, just hold on to
your dreams / vision, have strong willpower, stay tuned with your inner voice
and keep taking guided actions.
Charuta Rajadhyaksha
Co-founder of Unicorn Insight
Let me introduce other motivational contents i.e home gym and other motivational contents that may be good for our community.
ReplyDeleteAwesome article! I could connect dots for some of my goals 🙂..
ReplyDeleteGreat going. Keep it up!