The past several weeks the news has been littered with overwhelming stories of heinous crimes. My heart was aching for a break. I needed something simple, some positive news.
The memories of Valentines Day were always simple in elementary school. We created handmade cards with ribbons, lace, construction paper and lots of edible glue. We put them in a decorated shoebox (you thought Hallmark was smart) and then we exchanged them with our classmates.
The poems and greetings, we read them for weeks. If we were lucky, we got some candy conversational hearts, chocolates or heart shaped cookies. Now it can be a day riddled in expensive ----roses, wine and dine.
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I sought out to reclaim that squirrely, girly, simple excitement by giving “free hugs.” Who doesn’t love Valentines Day! My morning exercise class always dresses up in holiday colors. We get a little crazy with outrageous headbands, cookies, candies and prizes. It was the perfect opportunity for me to be care free. When I entered the class in feathers and hearts my classmates laughed hysterically.
I have heard of people giving “free hugs.” I haven’t seen it done. I have always wanted to do it. It took the tragedy in Sandy Hooks, Conn., to remind me how precious life is. At Christmas I gave out hugs with the intention to get 26. There’s just no way to describe the rush, the emotion and joy that runs through you while hugging friends and strangers. In an instance you are no longer strangers.
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Trust me, I had to get out of my comfort zone, but it is something so simple, so rewarding and engaging. Be prepared to embrace the stories of loneliness, despair and heartaches. One lady said to me, “You have no idea how badly I need a hug. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer.” Someone else shared there 46 year old daughter just died of a heart attack. Another lady lost her husband.
I don’t ever want to become so jaded by the ill, wills in life not to take the time to be able to listen and love my neighbor. We just never know when a simple act of kindness can help make someone’s life a little easier. No act is insignificant, a warm greeting, a smile and of course a hug.
So, I ask you what a hug is truly worth. Before you know it, the whole world will be hugging with you.
