Someone invited me today to stand on the corner of Wisconsin and Water Streets (Milwaukee) during lunch hour, holding a sign that read “free hugs” and administer to anyone that wanted them. This is certainly challenging for me as I don’t usually put myself out there like that but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and try. Honestly this reminded me of something Leo Buscaglia (author of such books as Love, Born for Love and Living Loving Learning) would have advocated.
It was fairly predictable what happened. Some were eager to get a hug, some were shy but happy I was there and about half walked by without acknowledgment. I think more than anything it was just rewarding to see people walk away happy and know that it was a meaningful part of their day. That left me with a good feeling.
It’s nice to see that there is random kindness in the world and reassuring that random kindness is appreciated. In total there were about 5 of us at the intersection (6 if you count the one guys dog) and we all probably made over 100 people very happy in that one hour. I’m being very conservative with the number 100 but that’s a wonderful idea anyway. I just wonder what impact 100 people in good moods had in the hours after?