The man I met on the train.

It's not often that I get the train, until recently I've been traveling differently.

I haven't been on a train for over 10 years, I had forgotten how quiet and busy they can be, you'll be lucky to have a seat if you're going to London!

I was traveling back from Brighton, I had just started a new part time job and found a nice table for my ride back home after a long day. A nice old man came to join me on the table he was beaming with positive energy, he had grey fluffy hair and rosey red cheeks, just looking at him I couldn't but help and smile along with him.

He said to me "I've just received some amazing news!"

"I've just found out I'm free from my pancreatic cancer."

I was so happy for him "That's amazing news! you must be relieved"

The old man paused for a moment..

"Well...I also found out I now have another type of cancer..."

My mouth dropped and my heart sank for him. I didn't understand why he was beaming with joy, if he had just received good news then followed with bad?!

I wanted to reach over and give me a hug "I'm so sorry to hear that, that's crazy."

He chuckled and explained to me that in his lifetime he has had 3 types of cancer and a road accident which lead him having reconstructive surgery on his face. So this was nothing to him and that he was used to it.

I had to ask him how on earth he keeps so happy when he has suffered so much pain and trauma throughout his lifetime. He explained that life will never be easy, it will always throw curve balls at you from time to time. It's about how you deal with it is what matters, your attitude towards those curve balls.

We spoke for the whole journey of that train ride, he told me his secrets and what he had achieved in his life time. My final question to him was "What has been the most important thing you've learnt about life?" He didn't hesitate and knew exactly how to respond to my question.

He smiled and said

"You do you, if you want to do something do it. Don't worry about what other people think, all that matters is you. If you want to wear something then wear it, life is too short to worry about what other people will think of you."

We shook hands and I thanked him for sharing his wonderful life story with me, as I got off the train I waved him goodbye as the train left the platform. I left that journey with so much gratitude for my own life and how important it is to spend it wisely. I'll be lucky to reach Joel's age, we always assume we'll grow old but it always isn't guaranteed.

Our elders are the ones who know the importance of life the most, how quickly it goes and the lessons they repeat to us, such as "Life is short."

"Do what makes you happy, not what other people think will make you happy."

"I wish I had done more when I was younger."

Sound familiar? We need to listen and listen well, these are calls for us to start living the life we truly want to lead, so let's get living.