Let me start by saying that I don’t normally do these kind of posts however based on a comment said to me over the weekend in the wake of the London attack, I felt like it was something that I needed to address.
It was an innocent comment on Twitter: “London is not safe to travel to now” but it kind of made me react in a not so good way. Not that the person who said it knows this but I kind of took offence to the comment.
I thought about what made me react that way and I think that it annoyed me that it was assumed that I wouldn’t be going back to London because of the attacks this year. People’s first reaction in these situations is fear, which is not necessarily a bad thing but at the same time it shouldn’t dictate how you live your life.
If I let fear guide me then I would never travel again
- I would never go to the US in case I am shot in a random shooting
- I would never go to London again in case I am caught up in a random terrorist attack
- and I would certainly never go home to Christchurch again in case there is another earthquake
If the last few months have taught me anything, you never know what is going to happen. A very good friend of mine has been diagnosed with in incurable cancer. A former work colleague’s husband was killed doing something he loved. A terror attack happened in Manchester, at a concert.
So in the light of of this:
- I choose to travel
- I choose to live my life
- I choose to be cautious but not afraid
- I choose London
Hello World. It's Me, Sarah 
I was at a Depeche Mode concert in London when the events unfurled. About 3 miles away.
On Sunday morning, Londoners and tourists alike were out in force, soaking up some June sunshine with their families, lovers, friends.
We all deplore what happened. But we also deplore and reject a change to our lives as a result. It’s so overused, but we really do Keep Calm and Carry On.
A warm welcome awaits anyone who chooses to visit this incredible city.
Nigel.
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My response to the person was that anything can happen at any time anywhere. Yes I agree, it is completely deplorable & shouldn’t be happening. Unfortunately we do live in a world where it is happening, but how we choose to react to these things is what makes us. I definitely cannot wait to be back in London (November actually!) because it is such a great city and the people are awesome!
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This is a great post, Sarah, and I agree so much to all your points! Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for commenting! I know I’m not the only one who feels this way but it’s always nice to know there are other people who agree with me 🙂
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yes, fear shouldn’t overcome our lives!
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Exactly!! If it did, then we wouldn’t do anything!
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You said it, Sarah. People can be myopic at moments like these. Such statements do not and cannot do service to anyone.
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