Stagnate in Life or Emancipate

Recently a cousin of mine, who met me after ages, asked me, "So what are you doing these days?" I casually replied, "same old stuff-fitness". And he said, "hmm!! no you keep changing no..thats why I asked." I said, "Since 1996, I am in same field of fitness. How many jobs have you changed since then". And I know, he has changed quite a number.

Now this may sound like a simple conversation. But on retrospect, I know, there was mockery, smirk, pasquinade hidden in his remark. Specially so, because whenever I have met him and his brother (which happens like once in say 2-3 years), they have asked me the same question in same manner.
As a kid, (who was unsure of herself), such remark would make me jittery. I would try and find fault in me.

But as a mature woman, who is now damn confident of herself, her work, her life, living on her own terms, this remark does not make me indulge in self assassination but makes me think, how foolish or a looser can the other person be.

I have been in the field of fitness since 1996. Yes, I have never let my work or my life be monotonous. I am proud to be multi facetted. I am not one bit ashamed of it. And no such remark would make me stagnate like a stale water. I work towards my growth. I have other passions in life which are not just fitness. I am a NIFT graduate. I love fashion. I am also a trained pilot. I have learnt Japanese. I love dancing (various forms- Kathak, Odissi, salsa, jive, merengue, cha cha, bachata, Zouk, tango, swing, Lindy Hop, waltz, rock and roll), I am an ardent follower of Art of Living. I write fitness articles for various magazines and newspapers, I do TV shows on various channels for fitness, I sell fitness equipment, I write this blog, I party hard core. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend.

As far as the fitness qualifications go, I am not just limited to one form. I am trained and qualified to teach aerobics, step aerobics, kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ramping up, Bosu, Swiss Ball, Medicine ball, gym stick, Bhangra aerobics, Dancercise, boot camp, weight training, gym training, aqua aerobics, calisthenics, power walk, Shiatsu. I have done certifications from US, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, India. I even run fitness certification programs for aspiring fitness trainers. I do corporate fitness training. I do overall personality grooming.

Every year, I set a target for myself and try to learn something new. This year, I will do professional photography course. I am waiting for it to start. I will go to Argentina to polish my Tango.

And if some looser comes and makes me feel apologetic about it, no way. It is not happening buddy.
I am full of energy and am constantly on the move. In search of new dimensions. Wanting to enhance myself, learn new things. I have a craving to improve and improvise. So next time, do not say,"you keep changing" in that derogatory term, as if you want to make me feel or look unstable.

It is strange, that some people do not grow themselves, and are also critical of others growth. They do not know the meaning of emerge and evolve.

Time and again, I have stated my philosophy and way of life- I never ever care/bother what other people do, the way they lead their life, what they eat/wear/think/behave etc etc. It is not my business and I do not have time and energy to judge anyone. But if someone/anyone, tries to judge/rule/ remark my life, I am utmost protective about it. I come out on war footing.

What is your take on this?