Pokemon gets people out

OPINION: These last few weeks have been amazing. I’ve lost almost a kilo or so walking for miles looking at murals, buildings and art works I never knew existed. I’ve spoken to more people than I have for ages finding out some really interesting local history in some quirky places; and all thanks to Pokemon.

I have to admit I was sceptical and initially joined the brigade of people pooh-pooing the game saying what a waste of time it is to see people walking around staring at a phone. But as I looked around and thought about it, I really saw hundreds of young kids and notso-young-kids out walking, exploring the city, the parks and beaches. Out enjoying fresh air getting exercise and finding out about their city.

With a generation of kids that’s growing up with obesity and type two diabetes as the norm, I reckon anything that gets them up and exercising is a great thing. It’s no different to marbles and skipping, hopscotch or knucklebones when an ungiven signal marked the start of the season. The results are the same, smiling faces and plenty of exercise.

I’ve talked with people all brought together with a smile and common purpose walking, biking, using skateboards and mobility scooters all getting excited and chatting with each other. They’re showing what the power of a strong community’s all about when you think of it being supportive and engaged

That’s why I can’t understand the sustained complaining of those who have the innate ability to create a problem for every solution.

It’s like the Harry Potter books where some people derided the nuances of the book despite the fact that it got millions of kids learning to read; as did Tolkien and ‘The Hobbit’.

Life’s not about judging but considering aspects of life that continually change, many times for the better if only we could recognise that.

If we consider every viewpoint and go for the one that offers the best advantage to the community we belong to whether it Poke´ mon or the more serious matters we face as a community then we’ve made the best of the hand we are given.