I wonder where all the joy has gone?
Yes I know not every day can be like you found a pile of $100 bills, but I get the feeling people don't try try and find some joy very often. Honestly we all have trouble at times, but we really should just keep trying. Its not THAT hard.
Yesterday, I was in a wonderful family's home and noticed the daughter had not been smiling. She seemed genuinely stressed about work and the things she had to do before she got there. She was short with her Mom at every question and didn't seem to want anything to do with anyone, let alone me. I tried to get a positive reaction from her, but failed miserably.
When she went upstairs, I asked Mom if her daughter was ok. She said yes, that's just how she was, very serious, very controlled, yet she seemed empty.
I HAD to do SOMETHING!
When she was finally getting ready to leave out, I asked her why she seemed unhappy. She replied, "Im going to work!"
How sad on so many levels.....
Since my attempts at drawing a smile had no affect, I asked if she needed a hug. I didn't even wait for an answer, as I told her it was for medicinal purposes only! No prescription required. As I got closer she broke into a big, wide, happy smile. She wasn't thinking of work, her to-do list, or her problems. She was in the moment and her arms wrapped around me so tight, I knew I made the right call. I could feel the joy rising from wherever it was hiding and it enveloped the both of us. It wasn't creepy, or obliging, but it made a difference. Two human beings that, for a moment, matter. It was a beautiful thing....
When she left, it felt like I had found a buried treasure, seeing that frown turned upside down.
Mom wasn't about to let THAT go, so she asked where HERS was! Of course I took that as a hint and gave her a bear-hug that made her laugh out loud. What a great feeling....
People who know me know hugs are part of who I am. Touch is one of the most important senses we have. There are some, for one reason or another, that say they HATE IT. I feel very very sorry for them. I wonder if they are TELLING THE TRUTH...
Being a single guy with no kids, the opportunity to really touch someone (without paying $50 for a half-hour in a dark alley with a lady named "Delicious"....) doesn't come along often enough!
Makes me wonder why we don't have a national hugging holiday!
Would it cure all the frowns? No.
Would it end all wars around the globe? No.
Will it cure our economic crisis? No.
Will it make someone feel happier if they felt a genuine, compassionate, hug? absolutely!
Give someone who looks a little down a hug and watch them have a better day....
....or report you to security....
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Glad you were able to turn her frown around. I might try that...do it without waiting for their answer. Very nice.
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