I absolutely love NYC, but ever since the smokers have been banned from EVERY establishment here, the sidewalks have become a colossal nightmare. I tend to move along at a rigorous pace, my sneakers smacking the pavement, body slightly angled forward (my Alexander teacher would have a fit!), breath moving in and out. And then BAMM! The person in front of me exhales this enormous smoke cloud and I am left wheezing in the soot.

Or the smoker in front of me who has completed his smoking ritual and ignores the fact that nearly 8 million people inhabit the 5 boroughs. He throws his STILL LIT butt across my path so that my side lunge is executed without any warm up to my inner thigh muscles. The lit butt lands in the tree bed where the poor tulips have to pretend the searing heat didn’t hurt their leaves.

I really don’t care if you smoke – believe me – I understand addictions. Even smoked as a dancer trying to ‘stay thin’ while working at the Blue Note Jazz Club here in NYC – before there was even such thing as a ‘smoking section!’ I get it. I really do. As I ask people to not judge my full figured friends and clients, know I do not judge smokers.

But please – I know NYC may not boast the healthiest of air – but would my dear smoking inhabitants consider a kinder and gentler smoking ritual?

We all may have our vices and addictions – some are done quietly, secretly, seductively. No matter you choice of vice, have some respect. First for yourself, then kindly for the rest of us sharing the world with you.

Breathe…;)