Those Who Do The Work…

Those Who Do the Work, Find Those Who Do the Work

There is a phrase that keeps coming back to me:

Those who do the work, find those who do the work.

What do I mean by that?

Whatever we consistently invest into ourselves tends to shape the people, experiences, and opportunities that surround us. We often find ourselves moving through life with others who are traveling a similar path. Not because everyone is identical, but because there is often a shared understanding, a familiar frequency, or a common intention.

It is a little like riding a train.

As the train moves along its route, passengers get on and off at different stations. Some stay for a short time. Others travel with us for years. Yet often, many of the people sitting nearby are headed toward similar destinations, experiencing similar landscapes, and navigating similar challenges.

So what does your train look like?

Is it filled with optimism, compassion, kindness, curiosity, and love?

Or does it feel heavy with gossip, judgment, resentment, separation, and blame?

Are the people around you encouraging growth and possibility? Or are they constantly focused on what is wrong, what is missing, and why things cannot change?

Neither train is inherently right or wrong. They simply lead to different destinations.

For much of my life, I traveled on a train surrounded by athletes and highly competitive men. Some would simply call us jocks. There was plenty of drive, competition, humor, banter, and playfulness. There were many valuable lessons on that train.

But there were also limitations.

The pace was fast. Emotional intelligence was not always a priority. Vulnerability often sat quietly in the corner. Success was measured by performance, achievement, and endurance. The train rarely slowed down long enough to ask how anyone was actually feeling.

Over time, my own train car began to show signs of wear.

Parts became rusted. The gears strained. The constant push forward eventually led to breakdowns. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I realized that simply burning more fuel was not the answer.

Something needed to change.

Today, my train looks different.

It includes attempts to meet the sunrise and sunset appreciation practices. Quiet moments. Reflection. Breath. Nature. Purpose. Truth. Grace. Compassion.

It is not a perfect train, but it is one that feels aligned.

Learning to live with greater awareness and intention opened doors I never knew existed. It improved my health, strengthened communication, deepened relationships, and created a stronger connection to myself and others.

What I discovered along the way is that when we begin doing our own inner work, we naturally encounter others who are doing theirs.

People who value growth often find one another.

People who seek authenticity often recognize authenticity in others.

People who practice kindness tend to attract kindness.

The work itself becomes a meeting place.

This does not mean everyone agrees on everything. It does not mean life becomes easy. It simply means there is often a shared commitment to becoming more aware, more present, and more honest.

And that changes everything.

Happiness and joy are not destinations waiting at the end of the line. They are cultivated from within. When we engage in activities that light us up, when we connect with what matters most, and when we live in alignment with our values, we move through our days with greater purpose.

Purpose has a way of softening sadness.

Purpose quiets aimlessness.

Purpose reminds us why we are here.

When we become soul-driven rather than simply circumstance-driven, the journey begins to feel different. We stop chasing worthiness and start recognizing that it has been within us all along.

The beautiful thing is that once we begin traveling from that place, we often find ourselves surrounded by fellow travelers who value the same things.

People who like themselves.

People who genuinely like others.

People who are willing to grow.

People who are willing to love.

People who are willing to do the work.

And in my experience, that is a train worth riding.