Free Hugs in NYC
About a month ago I was having a really tough time after a traumatic event in my life. I became overwhelmed and started to cry on the subway train. A stranger next to me saw my struggle and said simply, "It’s going to be okay," while handing me a tissue. That unsolicited gesture changed my day and I felt compelled to do the same for others as often as possible. I’m a hugger and so it seemed fitting to offer hugs to anyone who happened to need them on any given day. At first, I thought I would pop up randomly at different locations but then I just started carrying a “Free Hugs” sign everywhere I went. My heart is so warmed by the genuine gratitude I receive, by the skeptics that end up hugging me anyway, and by the people that say that the moment we shared was the best part of their day. There is no greater way to cultivate love than to give it freely. I brought my children along with me today and now they want to do it with me regularly! My hope is that more and more people are inspired to do the same.
