Accommodating Life

Why should we rely on others to keep us comfortable? When we could accommodate for ourselves. No one knows our needs better than we do. As I hopped on the bus mid afternoon, I spotted an open seat all the way in the back. The center seat was calling me. There were other seats available, but I would be sandwiched between grown men who take up more than they need to. Over flowing into the seats next to them. Choosing those spots would put me in a physically uncomfortable position. So, I decided to sit in the back where the noise of the electric bus drowns out everything around you. During busy times the bus can be packed tight. Everyone is just hoping to go to their next destination. People look left and right, watching like a hawk, in hopes they could find a comfortable spot to sit. While I took my seat and got comfortable, I noticed an older gentleman trail in through the front. He had a reusable shopping bag with an all over print with prominent green and blue colors. As he sits he takes a navy blue seat cushion out of his bag and puts it underneath him. I thought, ‘how smart, just thin enough to roll up on his bag and take it around with him.’ Your average bus rider would probably not have space to carry a cushion in their bag. It reminded me of an item I found at the Japanese dollar and up store, Daiso. It was a single person seat barrier. The picture on the tag showed a person sitting on the grass with the barrier pad underneath. I almost purchased it because I thought it was handy, but normally I don’t plan my outings in advance enough to decide to use it. So, I didn't think it would be useful for me. I feel Japanese find importance in being clean and preferring items that are compact and easy to carry in your bag. 

Also while I was at the park I noticed a mail carrier making use of some shade that a large tree was casting. It certainly was a hot day today and everyone was making use of the beautiful weather. Many people walked their dogs sharing the moment with their little pooch. People either enjoy the sun or try to find refuge under a tall tree. The mail carrier was sitting on a small stool, just small enough to fit in his carrier bag he had on him. I could tell he was exhausted and needed a break from his deliveries. Breaks are important, even small ones, and he was able to accommodate himself from the summer heat. Not that there aren't benches at the park but the ones that are underneath shade are numbered. Making it hard to find a good resting spot. You would probably have to walk around the park multiple times till someone moves, then you can sit. Just like a car trying to find parking on a busy weekend.

This made me think about the little accommodations in my own life. My work consists of being all around the city, and sometimes weather can change drastically depending on the location. So in my little sling bag I bring items like sunglasses, sun gloves for when I don’t want to burn my arms and it's too hot for a light sweater. As well as a hat or a clip, for those days the wind gets rough, and all your hair blows around your head like a tornado. Helps me from getting a mouth full of hair as I walk down the street. There are many other things I think would be important to carry with me during my walks, but I only have so much bag space. I try to make sure everything I have is small and compact. Even if I decided to bring with me everything I’ve ever needed, I would have a backpack full of various small items. So, for me packing the essentials is important. On those days I know I need extra space from something else, I will switch out my bag for a larger one. Even my friends start expecting me to carry certain things.

You can argue that the city needs more resting spots or that buses should have more comfortable and clean seats. In the end even if we were provided with more accessibility and comfortability, It might not be what we expected. Life is difficult at times, so why not make it more comfortable for yourself as you live through life.

---

How do you make your life more comfortable? I've recently started reading again and it has sparked a small flame of writing. The more I read the more I want to write but sometimes sleep wins.

Important dates:

September 1st: Comic Post

September 3rd: Blog post

September 10th: Blog post

Links

Art Shop

Depop

Instagram

TikTok