Changing Lanes
The Shifting Speed of Life
It can useful to have a friend who’s more extreme than you are. They fish more, drink more or spend more. These reassuring people make us feel less guilty about our own compulsive habits. Well I’m not that bad, we say, he’s got ten pairs of Belgians.
This doesn’t have to be self-serving. Sometimes a person inspires us in their commitment to do good work or think creatively. A Japanese friend’s company is doing so well that it’s exciting to see reminds you that it’s good to be courageous. I know people who travel a lot, I’m sure you do too. This has the curious effect of making me think I don’t travel that much. Honestly, at this point, I can’t really tell any more.
In any case, I’m friends with people who are on the road a lot. Photographers, travel writers, Hraneks. I ran into Matt at an antique market and he had come straight from an overnight flight. I would have been resting in the hotel room, jet lag be damned. He has so much energy that it’s inspiring. Over time I realized I couldn’t keep up with some friends, and it occurred to me that I shouldn’t really try.
