Sometimes we're just too serious

I travel to work every day by train these days. It's an odd thing that as commuters, the same bunch of people see each other every morning and evening and yet almost never speak. It's kind of frowned upon. Everyone wants their own space and doesn't want bothering by some total stranger trying to be friendly. It strikes me this is a bit of a shame. As adults we tend to remain in our bubbles, with our worries, our daydreams and our longings. Many seek refuge in their iPods and smart phones. It's amazing how normal it's become to spend the whole journey glued to your device. I'm typing this on the train, on my iPhone!

However, the other evening something magical happened. At a small station between Sheffield and Huddersfield a group of around twenty cub scouts got on, clearly on an outing. They would be around seven or eight years old and the noise was deafening! They were, every last one, so excited to be on a train. This caused a ripple of smiles amongst the usually serious passengers. People exchanged glances and grins without embarrassment. As we entered a tunnel, all the kids screamed instantly. As we left it, they all screamed again! We passed Emley Moor TV mast and they screamed and pointed. One stop later they all filed off the train, their eyes wide with excitement, chattering and laughing with each other as they went. The train moved off and normality returned. Sensible, serious and silent was the order of the day again. 

At that moment I couldn't help thinking, how wonderful would it be if we adults shared that same excitement every morning? All of us at once screaming with joy as we enter a tunnel! Pointing and shouting at local landmarks as we travel to our office jobs. Wouldn't that be something. Inside, deep down, I think we're all still kids. We just hide it well. Maybe, every now and again, we should let it out. It would do us good.