"Manquer un train n'est douloureux que si vous courez après."

The core idea here is that missing out on something is only upsetting if you're actively pursuing it. If you don't chase after the train, then missing it won't bother you. It's the effort and desire that create the sense of loss.

Think about it. This idea taps into our emotions and reactions. When you invest time and energy into something, not getting it can feel like a punch in the gut. But if you never wanted it in the first place, does it really matter? It's our attachment and efforts that bring pain.

Let's paint a picture with a real-life scenario. Imagine you’ve been eyeing a promotion at work. You’ve worked late nights, taken on extra projects, and even missed out on some weekend fun with friends. The day comes, and your boss announces that someone else got promoted. Ouch, right? You feel like you've been hit by a ton of bricks. Now, imagine if you hadn’t been gunning for that promotion. Maybe you were content with your role, enjoying your weekends and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If someone else gets promoted, you might actually be genuinely happy for them—there's no sting because there was no chase.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? First, it's important to identify what you're genuinely passionate about and what’s worth your time and effort. Don't just chase after things because society says you should or because everyone else is doing it. Find your own path. This means sometimes taking a step back and asking yourself—does this really matter to me? If your heart’s not in it, don’t run after it. It’s okay to let some trains pass. Doing so can save you from a lot of unnecessary heartache.

Here’s a relatable story: Picture Jennifer, who’s been in a stable job for years. She's good at it, but what she really loves is baking. Her friends encourage her to open a bakery, but she hesitates. One day, she hears that a new bakery is opening in her neighborhood. If she had been chasing the dream of owning a bakery herself, this news might be devastating. But she hadn’t been pursuing it actively—she was happy baking for friends and family. The new bakery’s success doesn’t take away from her joy. She might even become a regular customer.

Life is full of trains—opportunities, paths, dreams. Some are worth running after, and some aren’t. The key is knowing the difference. So next time you find yourself feeling the hurt of a missed opportunity, ask yourself: Was I really running after that train? If the answer is no, give yourself permission to let it go without regret.

In the end, it's about selective pursuit. Run after the trains that truly matter to you, and don't waste your energy on those that don't. This way, missing a train won't be painful at all.