Everyone Needs a Hug

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
by MollyM5

Everybody needs a hug every once in a while. Starting in 2004, one man decided to recognize that. This man, who is known by the pseudonym “Juan Mann,” created this annual holiday named Free Hugs Day. Juan Mann, a high-spirited Australian with nothing to lose invented this day after returning from a trip to London. This day was created as a harmless act of kindness. He believes that even a moment of smiles can brighten up a day. Juan Mann had a vision about how simple acts of kindness could transform the world. The thought that something as basic as a hug can alter somebody’s mood positively makes me wonder why people do not express kindness more often. Free Hugs Day’s purpose is simple; to lift a person’s spirits and potentially lighten their current problem. If this holiday was to spread globally, I believe it could potentially alter the mood of people all over the world in a positive manner.

Many people set personal goals to achieve in different aspects of life. For example, some people try to improve themselves academically or athletically. I think people should try to achieve the smaller goals, like being happy. I recently heard about this concept called “paying it forward.” This concept is most commonly known from the movie “Pay it Forward” starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. Pay it Forward is about a young boy who is given an assignment from his teacher to try to change the world. He comes up with an idea to do a good deed for one person, and ask that person only to pass the good deed on. This idea allows a person to do something helpful for someone else, yet receiving nothing, but happiness in return. “Paying it forward” means that you do a good deed for another person, and all you ask for in return is that they do the same for someone else. If a large majority of the population participated in this concept, the world would be a happier, and less stressful place. Not only does “paying it forward” benefit another person, you get the satisfaction of helping someone. “Paying it forward” is another example of the great benefits that events such as Free Hugs Day have to offer.

Free Hugs Day, in my opinion, is one of the bravest concepts I have ever heard of. Participating in this day requires a person to admit they are upset in front of a total stranger. Happiness is caused by chain reactions. Seeing that another person is happy, causes you to smile, and momentarily forget about your bad day. Also, having the security of knowing that someone cares enough to listen to your problems can be incredibly helpful. Free Hugs Day proves to anyone that there is someone out there that cares about your problems. An Australian band named the Sick Puppies was actually so inspired by Juan Mann’s attempt at world happiness that they created an entire music video out of his work. This video is just one example of the millions of people who have or could be inspired by Juan Mann’s accomplishments.

When this day just began, there were few people participating. Many people viewed Free Hugs Day as an odd idea. Although the immediate concept is a little strange, the outcome can actually be very effective. Free Hugs day is just one way to achieve happiness. Even just the little things, like complimenting another person can help you become a little happier.

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