The power of a hug..

Sometimes we all just need a hug.

To ask for a hug can often times be a difficult thing. I know that seems weird to say because hugs just tend  to happen. However, Sometimes when we need that hug the most, no one knows.

Someone hugged me the other day just because, and it reminded me of the significance of human touch.

As I dare myself and  others to be more kind, I've been thinking a lot about the power of human touch. To be connected to another human is magical. A simple gesture such as lightly tapping someones arm, grabbing someone's hand in excitement and a gentle hug, can snap us back into presence and remind us that we should focus on sharing a moment with someone instead of sharing it with our thoughts.

 I've become aware that personally  I need some extra hugs these days. There has been a lot going on in my life.  I've also become aware that the best way to get more hugs is to give them.

So I'm daring myself to hug more, to reach out more, to be present in moments. If you know me and you catch me getting stuck in my head, snap me back in to reality. Remind me to live in the moment. Not only am I daring myself, I'm daring you. I triple dog dare you, to hug more, cuddle more, love more.

Some people get so wrapped up in thoughts and emotions that they never let anyone close. Never let any one hug them,never let any one console them,never let anyone love them.  I can't live like that. We can't live in a world were our whole existence is based on touch and nobody connects. It would just be unnatural, but I feel like more and more each day people are disconnecting from others more than they are connecting.

 If we ignore the basic need of being connected to others it eliminates the need for empathy, kindness, love and hope.

No one wants to live in a hopeless world.

Again, I dare you.. REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEBODY( just not in a creepy way!)

Also, I leave you with this wonderful video I came across 2 weeks ago, all about a kind soul who believes in the power of hugs and love.

It takes a little courage.. and little time.. but we have our first story!

Someone responded!

I must admit I was starting to wonder if all my efforts were really worth it and if anyone out there would really be brave enough to actually do something.

Then three things happened:

1. My mom has been very sick lately and spending a lot of time in and out of the hospital. She's part of the reason I started this mission in kindness, because even on her hardest days she still thinks about others. She makes sure I am adjusting to my new apartment well and that no matter what I have all the encouragement and love I need to be a successful woman. Thinking about her makes me want to always be compassionate, always make others understand their importance and never pass judgement on anyone.

So I went to visit my mother on Saturday in the cancer hospital, and because I was afraid and I knew others were probably feeling the same emotions I was, I placed a post-it note in the elevator that said "Never give up hope."

2. Yesterday I went to visit her again and found my note still placed in the elevator. Still there. I was so moved by this,because even though I left the note for others to find, it was there when I needed it. I shared this with my friends and family on Facebook.

My dad commented later that evening and said that someone left a note in the other elevator that said "Have faith."  Even though I don't know who left the note, we are now connected by our small acts of kindness.

3. Today I thought about not checking on my blog, but something inside me said " You check it everyday, you have to check it today, why would you not check it today?"

When I check on the blog I first go to the stats page, this shows me when someone has viewed the page. I was expecting to see the number 89. It's been 89 for 2 weeks now. It wasn't 89, It was 90. 90! Wait 90! Someone looked! I then immediately checked the email... Holy crap balls! Someone left a message!

I read it, and then I cried. Crying is kind of my thing, if you haven't figured that out already. It is worth it, everything I am doing, is worth every thought, every smile, every gift, every phone call, every joke, every hug. Everything is worth it.

It's always amazing to me how when you need something the most, when you're tired, scared,lonely or in pain from an ailment, it just pops up. Whatever you need just shows up and reminds you that we are all connected and we all need kindness, love and hope.

Without further ado, I share with you our first story!

I sent someone an encouraging note on Facebook.  I've met the fellow a couple of times in passing.  He's a pretty amazing character.  He walks on stilts with costumes and does things like visiting nursing homes and riding handicapped people around on a special bike he has.  They call him Stilted Saint and it's a fitting title.  Anyway I sent him a message letting him know that he's practically a super hero and that his work inspires others.  I also ask what motivated him.  He was kind enough to share his thoughts and invited me to hang out with him this fall when we'll be at the same event. 

:)

Who ever you are, Thank you for your bravery!