Free Hugs!

Walking around downtown, we came upon the nicest thing: people standing on the corners holding “free hugs” signs. So, I went right over there and got my free hug. Actually, I got about five hugs, from five different strangers with these signs in their hands. And they were real hugs too: big, tight, warm and complete with happy holiday wishes. Although the experience was enjoyable, I couldn't leave without asking one of them why they are doing this. So a woman holding a sign and a camera told me they come from Guadalajara, and they do this every so often so promote peace and sensibility among people. 

Me, gettin' my free hug!

We walk around like zombies most of the time, with so much on our minds that we could bump into someone and not even notice, we are unaware of our own physicality. We rarely look at others in the eye, much less smile or be truly polite to those we have contact with. We are completely immersed in our laptops, smartphones, tablets and totally disconnected from the real world, the here and now. Why is this a problem? All these gadgets facilitate our work, therefore improving our quality of life. I, as fellow user, totally agree. I can't imagine life without them. But, they are all for individuals. Being on a smartphone means you are alone and isolated. You are connecting with millions of others around the world via Internet, but you're missing out on what's going on around you. Be more sensible to your reality. Look up every now and then, see and feel what's taking place right within your grasp. Smile to strangers, they can't help but to smile back, and probably think you're high or something but keep smiling anyway. Don't just look at pictures on Facebook, go print out the pictures that tell the story of your life, all those important moments, so you can tell your grandkids all about how much better our generation was. You don't have to give out free hugs to strangers, but be sure to give hugs to those people in your life that really matter.