I love people watching. The other day, I had to wait for a train and I got to stay a little over 45 minutes waiting at Victoria station in London. It was very early in the morning, but there were a few things I noticed. I made a note of them as I am sure there is something to be learned.
- Most people know where they are going. They are on a mission. Power walking. Straight focused look.
- Those people, despite the sun, are mainly dressed in black or dark colour. (I stand out as I am wearing red).
- Those people walk with a take away cup in their hands.
- Those people don’t talk.
- Those people don’t smile.
- There are a few people who are lost.
- There is a fair amount of young people with massive backpacks. (Adventures here they come!)
- To use the toilet you need to pay £0.50. The toilets are incredibly clean (is it because it’s early or because you pay £0.50?)
- Women use the toilet as their own bathroom. Applying make up and using the sink worktop to showcase their incredibly extensive collection of make up.
- Some women seem to be homeless and to be using the toilet to clean up before going to work. (I hope I am wrong and the woman is just refreshing as it was warm outside).
- Some station customer service assistants are very polite and friendly. It was a joy watching them in action.
- Not all of them are though. I shouldn’t judge. I don’t know what’s going on in their life. But OMG, some are really mean and rude to passengers who approach them.
I really love London, but does anyone take time to observe, cherish and make connections anymore? I know they were going to work or taking a train to the airport, but does anyone just stop and take it all in?
I appreciate not everyone has time and that others might not enjoy people watching like I do, but what do you do to relax, connect with yourself and focus?
What did I learn?
Yes, I want to have a focused look. I want to walk tall and be driven my huge goals. I want to go and explore the world. I want to be polite, kind and friendly to people, regardless if I know them or not, if I need them or not or their sex, age, race or culture.
But I don’t want to be that focused, that I cannot stop, chat and smile. I don’t want to ever be disrespectful, rude or mean to anyone just because I am having a bad day. They might be worse off than me.
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