Hey, life? Are you kidding me?

The Hug

Yesterday, I received the best gift....acceptance. I didn't ask for it and I had no idea I would receive it..nor did I understand how completely I needed it.
We were walking into a restaurant, and it was that awkward moment when you start to go in at the same time someone is coming out. A man with downs syndrome and I were face to face. I smiled and started to apologize for nearly running him over; and this wonderful young man gave me one of the best hugs I've ever had. His mother said, "You just made his day. He loves hugs." I told her it made my day!

That hug has stayed with me...I just keep thinking about it, and at first, I couldn't figure out why. So my analytical mind kept going over and over it. I realized during my morning walk, it wasn't the hug itself, it was his blind acceptance of me and him knowing what brings him joy.

This isn't to say we should all go around hugging strangers. But what if we accepted the good in others and felt joy in their gifts? Is it because we live in a world where the negative gains more attention? I don't know the answers. I know me personally I hang on to hurtful words way too long...I allow them to bring me down. I actively work to change that mindset.

All this is just to say, why judge people and situations on perceived wrongs or mistakes? Why let the negative blind us to the good, to their gifts? How much better would we all be if we publicized the happiness and goodness around us?

I hope you receive a hug of acceptance today, and I hope it inspires you to pass it on.