7 Reasons To Give Someone A Hug

Are you a hugger? I know I am. There is something powerful, even electric when someone gives you a hug. I do notice a huge difference between giving a hug and getting a hug. I have to say that between the two, I like giving the hug. Have you ever noticed how two friends who have not seen each other in a long time embrace? The look on their faces? It's a gesture that reconnects their two spirits. I know it sounds weird, but it's true. You know I'm right. I am sure you have experienced the feeling at least once. If you haven't, here are seven reasons you should hug someone:

• Hugs can relieve stress - ever feel stressed out and then someone gives you a big hug? For the few moments of embrace, everything in the world seems to be right. A calm sets in.
• Hugs let you know someone cares - if the person giving the hug did not care, believe me there would be no hug. They are giving something of themselves. 
• Hugs can heal - have you ever seen a child or even an adult who is in pain or crying? The first thing the children look for is their mother or father, and when they are lifted from the ground and embraced, the pain and tears quickly subside. For an adult, there is an assurance that they are not alone.
• Hugs bond - when I see one of my male friends, we first shake hands and then hug. Sometimes it's the hand and shoulder bump, but most times it's a big hug. 
• Hugs connect - there is an undeniable connection between two people who hug. They are as one.
• Hugs make you feel special - the warmth and feeling of care that emanates from one person to another makes you feel incredibly special and loved.
• Hugs are powerful - whatever you are going through, whether it is bad or good, a huge hug is such a powerful gesture that cannot be ignored.

I am not a doctor, but if you hug someone at least twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening, believe me, it's good medicine. Go ahead, give two hugs and call me in the morning.

x

A Good Deed

On my way into my favorite coffee shop, before I got to the front door a man of lean stature with a smile on his face not only opened the door for me, but waved me in like the doorman of a fine hotel.

I thanked him, and he then encouraged me to go before him in line. While I was paying for my coffee, something prodded me to pay for his coffee as well. After his initial surprise, and that of the Barista, he thanked me.

I then met him in the condiment line, and as I was putting my cream and sugar in my coffee, we spoke about the importance of doing something nice for someone else. It is especially important in a day and time when there is so much ugliness in the world. Little opportunities to serve and extend a courtesy to someone else can make a big difference in someone else's day and life.

The simple act of someone opening a door for me sure made a difference in my day! Pay it forward!

Do You Feel Invisible?

Have you ever been involved in a conversation with someone and they seemed to be looking past you?  I know I do it to my wife more than I care to admit.

Yesterday, I was speaking at an event and I was greeting a few of the attendees and I asked one of the women in attendance, “How are you?” and she replied, “I feel invisible.”

I was inspired by the comment to ask the rest of the attendees if there was ever a time when they felt invisible.  Only one hand went up and it was the hand of the woman who had made the statement earlier.  I then said to her, “I SEE YOU! I see your potential and I see your value.” She was on the verge of tears.  Someone acknowledged her.  I then asked the rest of the attendees once again, “Do you ever feel invisible?”  This time, half the people in the room raised their hands!

Pointing around the room, I exclaimed, “I SEE YOU!”

In this life, we come in contact with so many different people.  Some of these individuals can make you feel small and insignificant.  Have you ever been in a job interview and the person interviewing you looked at you as if you were not in the room . . . like you were invisible?

Well, it is important that we align ourselves with people who see us as valuable human beings, people who don’t look past us.  How powerful it is to hear the phrase I SEE YOU!

One last thing:if no one else see you, you need to see yourself!

Have you chosen your life or has life chosen you?

I recently had the opportunity to hear world renowned author, Richard Bolles, who wrote what I think is the greatest book on job hunting, “What Color Is Your Parachute.” During his talk, Mr. Bolles said that we need to choose our life’s work.

In today’s economy many people are having to settle for whatever job they can find just to put food on the table.  My mother says, “You do what you have to do to take care of your family.”  Although that is true and sometimes necessary, it begs the question, how long will I allow myself to stay where I have to settle?  How long will I allow life to choose me instead of choosing the life I want.

You may ask, “How do I choose the life I want?”  Well, what are you good at?  What makes your heart sing?  Most of us do not take the time to assess what it is that would give us our greatest joy.

You must find a way to do what you are really good at and love to do.  This will give you the confidence you need to pursue your life’s work.

Don’t let life choose you, choose the life you want and pursue it with passion!

I Remember Momma

I remember, Momma, when you carried me in your arms.

I remember, Momma, when you washed and clothed me.

I remember, Momma, when you walked me to school.

I remember, Momma, how you fed me the best burgers in the world!

I remember, Momma, when you spanked me (I deserved them all).

I remember, Momma, how you cared for me when I was sick.

I remember, Momma, how you encouraged me.

I remember, Momma, how you sacrificed your happiness for mine.

I remember, Momma, when you prayed for me.

Most of all I remember, Momma, how you LOVED ME!

Momma, you will always be in my mind and in my heart.  You are a pearl of great price! 

God blessed me with the BEST!

Do you have any fond memories of your Momma?  

Afraid?

Afraid to love?

Afraid to laugh?

Afraid To live?

Why? A loveless mother? An abusive father? Maybe.

Abuse, fear, hate, and a lack of self worth are the building blocks of who you have become.

You are afraid to step out and love for fear of being hurt.

You are afraid to laugh for fear it may not last.

You are afraid to live, for fear of death.

None of the pain and hurt you feel has to define who you are. You have been designed by God with infinite potential. You do not have to live in defeat and fear.  God's Love is Enough!

No matter what you have gone through or are going through, you do not have to swim in a pool of despair and hopelessness.  God's Love is Enough!

There is an ocean of love and opportunity just waiting for you.  Dive in! Do not be afraid!  God's Love is Enough!

It Is Good!

Genesis 1:31 (NIV)God saw all that he had made, and it was very good...

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

It is good to wake up to a brand new day full of opportunities to love and serve people.

It is good to be with  family and friends.

It is good to serve and love the people God has placed in our paths.

It is good to enjoy God's creation.

It is good to think on all of the blessings God has bestowed on us.

It is good to extend a hand in friendship with someone new.

It is good to Love in a Real and authentic way. 

It is good to experience the goodness of God.

It is good to forgive.