Waiting to inhale

Last week, I wrote about the ‘staycation’ experience and how it can be just as effective as any other form of vacation during the upcoming school leave period. As such, I received feedback on many experiences that may negatively impact the outdoor experience. So, for Joy, Kim, Tonya, Sean and the others who contacted me, I hope this helps.

Many people utilise public transport, be it because of choice, or circumstance, whatever the case, the use of public transport should not result in a rise in commuters’ stress levels. When traveling in a public taxi that can hold up to five people including the driver, it is important to remember that each passenger would remit the same or similar amount to the next. As such, be courteous and try not to spread your legs to become an encumbrance on the passengers on either side of you. Remember you are in a tight space and people’s sense will be easily peaked by offensive odours.

Be mindful of this.

Many times, on my way to and from work, my ears are assailed by extremely loud sounds (supposed to be music) emanating from within the spaces of maxi taxis (mini buses/ vans) transporting young men and women to and from school. Please remember, not only is the sound of excessively loud music a distraction to others, but it also negatively impacts the younger passengers within the taxis. The possibility of noise-induced hearing-loss is a very real possibility.

Many of my indicators for these pieces emanate within airports and the surrounding environments.

And similarly, earlier this week, while awaiting a flight into Trinidad, a gentleman who had not successfully made it on a ‘standby’ flight, became extremely irate and began using the foulest of language.

Looking around me, I noticed several children of varied ages within earshot of this gentleman’s tirade. A few of the parents removed their children from the scenario; however, others seemed not that bothered. The point being, when we wonder about the various degrees of breakdown we are witnessing in our society, such stems from these scenarios where we simply have little to no respect for those around us. While it is completely understandable that sometimes outbursts may not be controllable, for goodness sake let us at least attempt to recognise we all have a responsibility to guard our children and what they are exposed to.

This also includes the matter of respecting the environment in our shared spaces. I am terribly affected by the smell of cigarette smoke. As a result, I try to avoid places where I am ‘trapped’ within the boundaries of second-hand smoke. Respecting the environment and those who many not wish to introduce secondhand smoke into their lungs, is certainly high on the list of public space etiquette. Many public spaces have identified areas for people to smoke in peace. However, in the absence of such an identified space, please have some consideration for those around you who may not wish to inhale your output.

I offer these thoughts for consideration, based on the numerous instances and examples I receive about the lack of consideration by a few. The point remains: we all live and operate in a small space, how about us attempting to ensure we take a few of these thoughts into consideration, simply because it’s the humane thing to do.