Where I Live...

Do you ever think about where you live? About your neighbours? Does where you live reflect who you are as a person? I don't know if my neighbourhood reflects who I am but I was struck by a few things earlier as I was putting the boys to bed.

I was looking out of the window ealier and just took in everything for a few minutes.

On one side next doors little boy shouting about going to bed accompanied by banging.

A siren wailing through the town to tend an emergency.

Several dogs bark out a conversation.

The Mum next door yelling at her kids not to effing swear.

The woman opposite leaning out her bedroom window having a crafty smoke.

A couple walking up the street in his and hers matching jackets having a heated discussion.

The guy down the road having a smoke out the front. Feeling the cold, flicks the end into his neighbours garden before dashing back into the house.

A guy arrives home in his huge 4x4 pick up, sets the alarm and taps on the window of a seemingly empty house. Then the front door opens and he disappears inside.

Several gardens are covered in litter and abandoned toys.

Christmas lights glimmer and flash in the windows and gardens.

The lady opposite, still renovating her recently bought home.

The whole street has an unkempt feel with only the odd house and garden that is well cared for.
What does that say for the people that live here?
If I drove up this street what impression would I get of the people who lived here?

If I'm honest, it wouldn't be a good one. If I was looking to buy a house, this street or estate wouldn't even register as an option. Does that make me a bit of a snob? Maybe it does. Living here and getting to know some of the people has made me realise that I am not the only one. Many of the people are like me, just trying to make the best of what they have. We have no control over what others do. All we can do is the best for ourselves. I don't want people to walk past my house and think "Urgh, look at the state of that." I don't want people to think I dont care because I do. I want to live and bring my children up in a clean and caring environment. I want them to have respect for people and their belongings so where better to start than right here at home.
I try to teach them that maybe things aren't as they first seem. Maybe people have other problems that aren't obvious to outsiders. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. I have a strong feeling that we have a responsibility as people to each other. My immediate reaction when I see someone struggling is to help however I can. Not to mock or make the situation worse. I would hope that my children grow up with the same instinct.