Dear friend,
I almost never hugged my parents growing up. It only happened if I was leaving home for a long time or on a special occasion.
A workshop challenged me in 2018 to give the people I lived with warm, gentle hugs for no reason.
I lived with my parents, so when I went home that night, I (very hesitantly) asked my mom & dad if I could hug them. Here's what happened.
1. 🫂 Hugging My Parents Everyday
Yes, it felt like the most awkward thing I've ever done to ask my parents to hug them.
To my complete surprise, they said "OF COURSE!" and hugged back, never commenting on or questioning the act as I had anticipated.
As I greeted my parents the next day, I couldn't help but want to hug them again. There was a pull, as if they had waited for years to finally receive my love.
After the first few hugs, it no longer felt awkward. In fact, it quickly turned into a radiant, energizing highlight of each day.
My dad would stand there with a huge grin and arms outstretched, waiting for me to deliver my bear hug.
Once, I was sitting at the kitchen table when my mom gave me a warm embrace from behind, putting her head on my shoulder. I don't think I'll ever forget how it felt.
Over a year and a half, our physical embraces brought us closer without a single spoken word.
2. ❤️🔥 My Challenge To You
If you're living at home with your parents right now, I have a challenge for you: give your parents a big hug today, for no reason at all.
You're among the lucky ones if you can still do this.
If you aren't physically with your parents right now, please give them a big hug the next time you see them (safely, of course).
Just do it. Because once they're gone, you'll never find that kind of hug again.
3. 💬 Question of the Week (in 7 languages)
English:
What is something I do that makes you feel loved?
Simplified Chinese:
我做什么事会让你感受到被爱?
Wǒ zuò shénme shì huì ràng nǐ gǎnshòudào bèi ài?
Traditional Chinese:
我做什麼事會讓你感受到被愛?
Wǒ zuò shénme shì huì ràng nǐ gǎnshòudào bèi ài?
Vietnamese:
Điều gì con làm khiến ____ cảm thấy được yêu thương?
Spanish:
¿Qué es algo que yo hago que le hace sentirse querido/a? (Formal)
¿Qué es algo que yo hago que te hace sentirte querido/a? (Informal)
Korean:
제가 어떻게 행동할 때 사랑받는다고 느끼세요?
jega eotteoke haengdonghal ttae sarangbanneundago neukkiseyo?
Filipino/Tagalog:
Ano po ang ginagawa ko na nakakaramdam kayo ng pagmamahal?
Sending you a big, warm virtual hug. 🫂
With love,
Joseph
