It’s so very true, especially in my industry, that there is a blown up line between the “have’s” and “have not’s”. Everyone knows when you go clubbing, you’re either in the regular line, or the line for the guest list. Then someone struts in front of you from off the street who doesn’t have to wait in line, then that person may later get jealous because the person in VIP who paid for all the bottles is sitting with like 6 girls because he’s spending tons of money. All the while the entire group of club goers seems inferior to the select elite few who are being paid tons more just to show up for a few minutes and take pictures. It’s a simple concept that translates into all aspects of life… certain people have things, others “have not”.
The book “Where Children Sleep” reinforces one of the things I try to always keep in mind, which is that no matter what side of the fence you may think your on, its important to be aware of other people situation, and understand things from their side. The book features a portrait and a short story of different young people from all around the world, and their living situations and explores the concept that there is always someone more or less fortunate than you are. A friend of mine once said “Happiness isn’t about getting what you want, its about enjoying what you have. So the next time you go to sleep in your own bed, just appreciate that you have one.
Fifteen-year-old Risa lives in a teahouse in Kyoto, Japan
This unnamed four-year-old boy lives on the outskirts of Rome, Italy. He and his family all sleep on the mattress in the photograph
Eight-year-old Harrison lives in a mansion in New Jersey, USA
Fourteen-year-old Rhiannon lives in Darvel, Scotland
Seventeen-year-old, 'X' lives in a 'favela' in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Four-year-old Jivan lives in a skyscraper in Brooklyn, New York, USA
Four-year-old Kaya lives in an apartment in Tokyo, Japan
The book “Where Children Sleep” by James Mollison will be published by Chris Boot in November, and available on Amazon.com and other retailers.
