“I tried to pay attention but attention paid me”

Simplified Meaning:

When someone says they "tried to pay attention but attention paid me," they mean that they were so focused on something that it ended up affecting or changing them in some way. Think about a student who really concentrates on their studies. They put in a lot of effort to understand the subjects, and as a result, they become knowledgeable and skilled. Their careful focus doesn't just help them learn; it also transforms them into a better student. This can happen in other parts of life, too. For example, if you focus a lot on improving your fitness by exercising every day, not only do you get stronger and healthier physically, but you also might feel happier and more confident. The act of paying close attention to your exercise changes you as a person. So, when you really pay attention to something, you often get something valuable back in return. It might be new skills, better health, or personal growth. This idea suggests that the energy you put into concentrating on something worthwhile will often reward you in surprising and beneficial ways.