But it's not about the train

One thing I have realized over the years, being impatiently impatient and wanting to get the results immediately after accomplishing a certain task, that no matter what you do, with how much dedication you put into it, you will see the results when they're meant to be seen. No other force in this world, nor you could take things under your control and make them happen. This realization didn’t come easy. I have, like most of us, found myself frustrated, questioning why my hard work didn’t yield instant outcomes. It felt as though the universe was ignoring my effort. But with time, I learned to see the bigger picture—that every action sets things in motion, but the outcomes align with a timeline greater than my own. It’s like planting a seed; no matter how much water or sunlight you provide, the seed will sprout only when it’s ready.

Well, this wasn't a thought that struck me over night. Perhaps, one of the ideas that gave birth to this realization was the fact that I always end up putting myself into situations where I was on the verge of giving up. Not for a slightest second did I think that I'd be writing about it someday!

 

One of the things that I have most commonly heard and seen from my peers/elders is the fact that it's not about the destination but the journey we take on. Life is like a train- fast paced, takes halt at various stations, sometimes slower than you expected it to be, sometimes uncomfortable, but you still travel in it anyway. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day is a step closer to the destination. No one reaches the destination without talking about the journey. 

The obstacles we face in catching the train are related to life’s unpredictable challenges. Missing a cab, rushing to the station, or finding the right platform—these moments teach us resilience and problem-solving. Once on the train, finding your seat and settling in reflects the process of adapting to change and embracing the present moment. It’s only after this initial turbulence that you begin to truly enjoy the journey, noticing the scenery outside, connecting with fellow passengers, and appreciating the ride.

The train’s speed, too, is a reminder of life’s ebb and flow. Sometimes it races ahead, and you struggle to keep up; other times, it slows down, offering moments to catch your breath and take stock. Regardless of the pace, the train moves forward, carrying you closer to your destination. Sometimes reaching your destination seems way too hectic because of the jolts you feel on the train, or sometimes, you just want to go back home. But you can’t turn back; the train only moves forward. And as it does, you begin to realize that every jolt, every delay, and every unexpected detour shapes your experience. The discomfort teaches you resilience, the longing for home reminds you of where you started, and the journey itself helps you grow. 

I’ve also realized that rushing towards the destination can sometimes lead to us falling. When you’re too focused on the reaching point, you miss something or the other—the moment to say goodbye, your phone, or maybe your travel ticket. This makes us realize that while we have time, why don't we start early, why don't we prepare ourselves and everything that we're going to need on the journey instead of panicking, getting frustrated and thinking about the times when we had time, and we didn't make enough use of it? 

As the train approaches its final destination, the gentle hum of the engine begins to quiet, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks slowing down. The journey is nearing its end, but if we’ve paid attention, we’ve already gathered so much along the way. We’ve watched the landscapes change, met new faces, and experienced quiet moments of reflection, all of which have made this ride more meaningful than just the final stop.

The train may soon reach the station, but the true value lies in what we've seen and felt during the journey. Every turn of the tracks, every brief pause at a station, has been an opportunity—an invitation to savor life’s small details. Now, as the train comes to a halt and the doors open, we step off with more than just a ticket to a destination. We carry with us the memories, the insights, and the calmness that comes from having truly embraced the ride.

And so, as we step off the train, we remember that every journey is a lesson in how to live in the present—how to prepare, appreciate, and enjoy the moments, no matter how fleeting they may seem. The journey may be over, but the reflections, the growth, and the peace we’ve found along the way stay with us, carrying us forward into the next adventure.

Oh! And just so you know, it's not about the train by the way....💁🏽‍♀️