Platforms of Life: Embracing the Journey Through Restlessness

Every time I step into a railway station, an odd wave of anxiety grips me. It doesn’t matter whether I’m there to board a train, drop someone off, or simply receive a loved one- the feeling remains stubbornly intact, like an unwelcome companion. The cacophony of hurried footsteps, the blaring announcements, the sight of people navigating their way through the maze of platforms- it all adds to the unease.

For the past six to seven months, I’ve travelled alone by train almost every month, yet the nervousness refuses to fade. The first time I embarked on a solo train journey, I assumed it was the unfamiliarity that caused the unease. I told myself that with time, I would adapt, that the repetitive process of booking tickets, checking seat numbers, and boarding would eventually dull the nervous edges. But as each month passes, I realise that nothing has changed.

It’s strange how a place brimming with movement and life can feel so overwhelming. The station is a hub of countless stories- tearful goodbyes, excited reunions, solitary departures, and weary travellers lost in their own worlds. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of emotions, I always find myself battling the same sensation- a persistent restlessness, a racing heart, a deep longing to escape the overwhelming environment.

Railway stations are more than just transit points; they are metaphors for life itself. Just like in a station, we navigate through the chaos, make choices, say our goodbyes, and embrace new beginnings, often with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The unease I feel while standing on a platform mirrors the uncertainty that comes with change, the fear of stepping into the unknown, and the bittersweet nature of moving forward. But just as every train has a destination, every phase in life leads somewhere. And perhaps, the key is not to resist the restlessness but to acknowledge it, trust the journey, and keep moving- because standing still was never an option.

Perhaps this unease is not just about the trains or the stations, it’s about the weight of transitions, the silent tug of movement, the inevitability of goodbyes and the uncertainty of arrivals. Maybe railway stations will always unsettle me because they are a reminder of how life never stands still, how we are constantly arriving and departing in ways beyond just travel. And yet, despite the anxiety, I keep showing up, stepping onto platforms, finding my seat, and embracing the journey - because, in the end, that’s what life is too. A series of departures and arrivals, all waiting to be lived.

Have you ever experienced a similar anxiety? Share with me in the comments below :)