I am getting just a bit tired of all those people – and I include officials in this – with gardens and lovely views who harp on about how no-one should be driving to beauty spots/ country / seaside / parks and woods more than a short drive away for their daily exercise.
EVER
Why do I feel like this?
Because there are tens of thousands of people in small flats, many without even a balcony and whose local park is closed. They, their children, their dogs would just like to walk somewhere other than on a pavement, even just once a week, whilst this lockdown goes on.
Where should we walk?
It is perfectly possible to maintain social distancing whilst walking across a beach, moorland and in the wide open space of the larger public parks. Perhaps keeping dogs on long leads so they have a bit of freedom but preventing issues with livestock, other people etc.
But have you tried social distancing on pavements when children and teens are on bicycles, scooters, roller blades and you’re with your toddler, baby in the buggy and across the road someone is walking their two dogs on lead and has stopped to responsibly poop pick, and there’s a wheelchair coming up behind you?
Just reflect on how you’d feel if that was the sum of your existence for who knows how long.
And remember, a lot of those people are the poorly paid workers who are doing such a wonderful job driving lorries full of food, stocking shelves in supermarkets, collecting rubbish, cleaning hospitals, delivering mail and parcels, answering phones in helpline call centres and more.
Where should we walk?
We should of course aim to #stayhome But I fail to see the harm in the occasional good walk in the fresh air with a different view and with due regard for #socialdistancing Surely it is better for mental, emotional and physical health?
As I write this we have no idea how long this lockdown will continue. If we are to get through we need to work together, which means considering others as we would ourselves like to be considered and treated. My feeling is that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated and that is how I am living. I will not judge others without the full facts. And I will always remember that I am fortunate enought to have a private garden.
Being human isn’t enough, we also need to be humane.
