So much yes! Thank you Jason. It is about the seemingly simple things, they have a ripple effect so much deeper than we realize. This is why for 10 years I've carried a Free Hugs sign and use it as a gateway to connection, conversation, to seeing and hearing those who often feel invisible or unloved. A homeless woman sitting on the streets of NYC with her shopping cart whispered to me as we hugged, "thank you, I ain't been touched in 20 years." That changes you. Jeremy used to see us offering Free Hugs in Union Square he asked if hugged people "like him" I didnt understand until he stepped closer and said "homeless." My response , the truth, "I hug everyone who wants one." That moment with Jeremy lm ed to Jeremy asking if he could share hugs. I gave him pen and paper, he made his own sign. He joined us and hugged the other homeless people in the park. He also joined every Saturday for months. A while later he told me he wasn't homeless anymore. We've no idea how a small act of kindness and connection might impact another's life. Because of Jeremy my life changed too. I sought out homeless people and offered hugs and when I had extra money, at times sharing meals to give space to listen; to hear them, see them and hopefully share dignity too. Please share kindness and connection, this is changing the world one person at a time.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
So much yes! Thank you Jason. It is about the seemingly simple things, they have a ripple effect so much deeper than we realize. This is why for 10 years I've carried a Free Hugs sign and use it as a gateway to connection, conversation, to seeing and hearing those who often feel invisible or unloved. A homeless woman sitting on the streets of NYC with her shopping cart whispered to me as we hugged, "thank you, I ain't been touched in 20 years." That changes you. Jeremy used to see us offering Free Hugs in Union Square he asked if hugged people "like him" I didnt understand until he stepped closer and said "homeless." My response , the truth, "I hug everyone who wants one." That moment with Jeremy lm ed to Jeremy asking if he could share hugs. I gave him pen and paper, he made his own sign. He joined us and hugged the other homeless people in the park. He also joined every Saturday for months. A while later he told me he wasn't homeless anymore. We've no idea how a small act of kindness and connection might impact another's life. Because of Jeremy my life changed too. I sought out homeless people and offered hugs and when I had extra money, at times sharing meals to give space to listen; to hear them, see them and hopefully share dignity too. Please share kindness and connection, this is changing the world one person at a time.