Upland, CA — I have reached an age where I deeply appreciate the wisdom of the elders who came before me.
When I write or speak, I often find myself returning to the voices that shaped me, my paternal grandmother and Reverend E.V. Hill, my pastor when I first moved to Los Angeles. Their words have become my compass, guiding me through life’s crossroads with a clarity that only comes from lived experience. Recently, while talking with a dear friend about feeling stuck in life, I remembered one of Pastor Hill’s most powerful pieces of advice. When you are confused about where to go or what to do next, he would say, “Just get on the train.” Then he would add with that knowing smile, “Once you are on the train, you can always change to a different car.” His point was profound in its simplicity, you will be moving forward and making progress.
When we feel stuck, it’s easy to become completely immobile. We stand on the platform of indecision, watching train after train pull away while we wait for the “perfect” moment, the “right” opportunity, or the “complete” plan. But here is the truth: Eventually, we must make a move. Every new chapter, every new season begins with that first step, getting on the train and leaving the station. When we linger too long on the platform, we miss opportunities that are just waiting for us to claim them. We look at what other people are doing and wonder where we went wrong or why we are not further along; be careful because comparison is the thief of progress.
I love the train analogy because it captures something essential about life’s journeys, you never know who you will meet or what you will discover along the way. When I was a young girl, I took a train ride across Germany with my grandmother. I still remember the wonder of seeing different people, the rolling countryside, and even exploring the various cars, the sleeping car, the dining car, each offering new perspectives on what was possible. So how do you get on board? Find the closest station, buy your ticket, and let the journey begin.
There are countless destinations you can reach, but you have to get on board first. Here is the beautiful part; once you are on the train, if you realize you are heading in the wrong direction or you are in the wrong car, you can always get off at the next stop. You can board a different train or choose a different car. But you will never reach your intended destination unless you start. As we figure out our next moves, we must remember that in the beginning, movement is more important than getting everything just right. Progress beats perfection every time. And here is something equally important; you are not alone on this journey. Others are riding alongside you, figuring out their next steps just like you are. You have heard the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The people you need might be sitting right next to you, or in the car ahead of you or behind you. We can all learn from each other’s experiences, but only if we are brave enough to get on board.
As you consider your own journey, ask yourself these questions. What is keeping you stuck on the platform? What initial step can you take today to get on the train before it passes you by? Are you willing to do something different to get different results? If your answer to that last question is yes, then I urge you to get started today. No excuses, even if you do not know exactly where you will end up. Just keep moving, one day and one stop at a time. The train is at the station. The whistle is blowing. Your journey is waiting. Just get on the train.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on. Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is the Purpose Partner, a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, speaker, and community advocate.
