Trains played an essential role with us while living in Budapest.
With Sam working for KBR and living in Kaposvar, about 100 miles away, the girls and I were dependent on living close to the train station and bus stops to maneuver around the city.
We lived in Budapest because Julie was attending the International School.
Our son Sam was attending college in California.
The rail and bus systems were both safe and impeccably maintained.
It took a bit getting use to reading the departure and arrival signs as many were in Hungarian, German or French.
Fifteen years ago, there was no guarantee the rail ticket agents spoke English.
In the beginning, we had some missteps and last-minute saves when confirming our ticket information with those on the departure platform with us, and finding out the correct departure platform was 200 yards away.
Moments like that were not for the faint of heart.
The conductors weren’t checking tickets when passengers were boarding, the error would be revealed further down the track.
There was simply no room for error.
Being fully aware and taking precautions meant the difference between getting to your desired location or falling down a rabbit hole.
This cautionary story is valid regardless of where we live.
In our daily lives, checking and rechecking driving directions, installation instructions, recipe details or medicine labels assures us we are on the right track and not headed down a rabbit hole to an unwanted destination.
From a mental health perspective, we take emotionally unscheduled trips based unconsciously on the unchecked voice in our heads.
This conditioned voice messaging system comes from our childhood memories, unchecked beliefs, unresolved suffering, and fear of uncertainty of the future.
This messaging ticket agent speaks all languages and goes by the name Ego.
Its power is generated from fear that is left unchecked in us.
Its unchecked power is as primitive as our childhood fears of monsters lurking around our room at night.
Understand that consciously you have the personal choice of which thoughts oversee your emotional direction.
Check your thoughts to see if they are coming from a place of love or from a place of fear.
And recheck your thoughts often as you find yourself standing on a platform with others (your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community).
In other words, make certain your ticket includes the best seating available so you may enjoy the view on this incredible journey called life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
