H is for Hugs

My Favourite Things: Hugs

I have been following the Free Hugs Campaign pretty much since its inception in 2004.  I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical at first, and I'm not sure how I would have reacted seeing a grown man approach me with a Free Hugs sign, but I'm hoping I would have behaved rationally and realized what it was all about.  Today, I think it is a marvelous idea and would like to see the concept put into place far more freely, especially amongst friends and family.

Where did it all start?  "Juan Mann"'s world came crashing down on him a number of years ago, and he had to leave London and return home to Sydney with pretty much only a carry on bag full of clothes.  At the airplane terminal, watching other family members and friends be greeted with hugs and kisses, and feeling at his lowest point, he made a sign that said, "Free Hugs".  Although it took quite a while for anyone to respond, a woman eventually did, and the tale was born.  Scientists have known about the recuperative powers of hugs for years, and even promote them as stress reducers.  Kids, of course, know about the power of hugs, or why else would parents have to hug and kiss "all booboos good-bye".

Take a look at the video from the Free Hugs Campaign:



When my kids were small, one of my friends gifted me with two books.  If I had known how often I would have to read these books, I may have hid them somewhere or donated them (LOL), but my kids absolutely loved them.  Today, I think they are rather cute again and think of them pretty fondly. (Now that I no longer have to read them, that is.)

These two books, along with an assortment of other books, shaped my kids early reading experience.  The books are warm and fuzzy, full of bright and cheery colours.  The concepts are very relatable and my kids loved them.  The best part, giving all those many hugs throughout the books.

Happy reading everyone!  I'm off to go dig out these books and see if I can find them.  It's time for another trip down memory lane and a whole bunch of hugs.