On the train, you got to fight every day

One of the things I like most about riding the train is the fact that you have to fight to get a seat every day. There are no guarantees.

The nerves always jump as the train pulls up. Some people will get off opening up a few seats. You can almost always count on the middle seats being available. This seat is no different than one on airline; you’re squeezed with limited elbow space.

Standing is always an option too but most days you just want to sit and and relax. The goal of the any train ride is to just be as comfortable as possible.

Riding the train, finding a seat or the most optimal one, is a reminder that life is a Darwinian struggle. Each day provides unique scenarios that force you to adapt, get smarter or more accepting of the way things are.

The uncertainty of a train commute is so unnecessarily stressful it makes you stronger, builds anticipatory muscle. That lesson may be worth the price of the monthly ticket.