- I came across something on social media recently called the train theory.

Has anyone heard of the train theory?

Anybody?

No?

Well, the idea is simple.

You are the train.

People climb aboard at different stops throughout your life.

Some ride with you for years, other are only there for a brief moment in time.

Some leave before you're ready, and sometimes people even leave without saying goodbye.

I think most of us think it's our job to keep everyone on board at all times in life, but according to the train theory, our job is to keep moving, keep living.

Relationships do end, friendships do fade.

People you thought would be on your train for the long haul end up getting off early, for whatever reason.

Obviously that stuff hurts and we've all experienced it.

(clears throat) But instead of asking, why did they leave?

I think we should ask, what did they leave with me?

A lesson, (upbeat music) a few cherished memories perhaps, a different perspective.

I used to think it was the length of the ride that matters.

I don't anymore.

I think it's about what we give each other while our paths do overlap.

The more I sat with this, the more I realized this applies to communities as well.

Some of us were born here.

Some came here for school.

Some came here for a job.

Some of us will spend the rest of our lives here.

Others are just passing through.

So, here's my take.

Don't spend so much time grieving the people who stepped off, that you forget to appreciate the time they were on the ride in the first place.

(upbeat music) Listen, I'll be the first to admit, I've lost a lot of time wondering why I lost some passengers along the way.

But this train theory thing, it helped me look at it from a different perspective.

Everyone's on their own journey.

We all are, so wish them well.

Try not to hold onto icky feelings.

And who knows, maybe somewhere farther down the track, your paths will cross again.

But even if they don't, be grateful they crossed it all.

That is my take.

Thank you for tuning in.

Ladies and gentlemen, it has most definitely been a vibe.

(upbeat music) (attendees cheer and clap)