Wow, I have been remiss in blogging, so it seems only fitting to get back at it TODAY!

Happy Valentine's Day!

May your day be filled with laughter, love and an abundance of hugs!

Be sure to fill your Hug Rx and always exercise Proper Hug Etiquette.  Review my previous posts for a refresher, in case you have forgotten.

Hugs to you-
gr8hugr 

Calling all huggers!

In a previous blog I shared my guerrilla marketing tactic at the local outdoor market. I have a booth promoting my products and services.  At the isle I have an A-frame sign that reads "FREE HUGS", T-shirts $15.  Almost everyone smiles after they read the sign.  Many hug the person or people they are with.  It amazes me the number of folks who stop by regularly every week to collect their FREE hug.  I LOVE that I am a safe place for others to share a hug.

Periodically a group of tourists will come through.  It doesn't matter whether we speak the same language, if they understand "FREE HUGS" it is a human gesture.  Lucky me, its becomes a hugfest.  Then I feel like a celebrity with the paparazzi because they all want a photo to share with their loved ones back home of them sharing a free hug while visiting an outdoor market in the USA!

There are so many great huggers on the planet! And the world needs more hugs!  So here is my call to action to all you huggers out there.  BE the "Official Hugger" in your immediate environment.  Where ever and when you can. With family, friends, neighbors, associates, at church, clubs you attend, where it is appropriate and you feel comfortable.  By exercising proper hug etiquette you establish a safe place to share hugs.

Together let's make a difference one hug at a time!

For those of you up for a challenge order an Official Hugger Kit! 

Let the world know YOU'RE a Hugger, when you wear your Official Hugger t-shirt.   But that's not all!  (I've always wanted to say that!) You'll also receive an Official Hugger Card with the Daily Hug Prescription and Proper Hug Etiquette.  For order details contact me.

If you're a hugger, send me a hug with a comment below.  Share my blog with other huggers you know.  Join me in this endeavor and connect with me on Facebook.com/hugs4health.


Hugs to you,
gr8hugr

Exercise proper hug etiquette when sharing hugs.

 Proper Hug Etiquette

also known as

The Rules to Safe Hugging

1. Always respect another person's space. 

Not everyone is a hugger.  There are religious beliefs, cultural beliefs and life experiences that make some folks, what I refer to as "touch shy". Unfortunately you can't tell by looking at someone, what their background is, so being respectful is first and foremost in Proper Hug Etiquette.

 2. Always ask permission when sharing a hug.

 "Would you like a hug?"  "May I give you a hug?" My all time favorite question, "Have you had all your hugs today?"  You will be amazed how many people will welcome the hug.  Never take it personal if someone refuses a hug.  I like to respond with, "That' okay, I'll save you one for next time!" 

3. Know the difference between a warm, friendly hug and a passionate embrace and hug accordingly.

Be appropriate and you establish a safe place to share hugs.

4. A hug is a gentle embrace, not the Heimlich Manuever.

There is nothing worse than being hugged by someone who crushes you while they're giving you a  hug.  And though "patting" is good, slapping is definitely to be avoided.  If someone slaps you while sharing a hug, step back, as that is usually really loud body language that says, "I don't want to reject your hug, but I'm uncomfortable".

5. Be "in the hug", don't just go through the motion. 

To me there is nothing worse than being on the receiving end of an insincere hug.  You've been there, in the midst of a hug and the person's attention is already across the room - you feel it  and it doesn't feel good.   On the other hand, there is nothing more satisfying than sharing a hug, that simple gesture and feeling the deep and profound connection with another individual.  It's a wonderful experience.

Today we just can't be too be careful when it comes to "touching people".  There are so many rules and regulations all based on the belief that it will keep us "safe".  In my humble opinion all its done is instill fear and suspicion and we have become touch deprived. 

Keeping with my goal to increase hug abundance on the planet, I encourage all huggers to practice and exercise Proper Hug Etiquette also knows as the Rules to Safe Hugging.  Follow these guidelines and you will have no problem filling your daily hug prescription.

Hugs to you,

gr8hugr

Have you had your hugs today?

Psychologist, Virginia Satir originally promoted the Daily Hug Prescription, to fulfill the human need for physical contact.  

Daily Hug Rx

 

4 - Hugs for Survival

8 - Hugs for Maintenance

12 - Hugs for Growth 

I believe and have promoted this prescription for years as your minimum daily dosages adding the following - a minimum of 4-hugs for a fair day, add 8-hugs for a good and for a really GREAT day, get yourself an additional 12-hugs.

How is one to fill this prescription?  You've got to give them away!  As often as you can, share a hug with someone.  Every encounter you can, share a hug.  You'd be surprised how many people are receptive, once they know you're a hugger!

One word of caution be sure to practice Proper Hug Etiquette, which I will address in my next posting. 

Until then, hugs to you-

gr8hugr 

It's about putting smiles on faces and making a difference.

I LOVE putting smiles on faces. On the weekends I sell at a local outdoor market. I also LOVE  to hug.  So at my booth I have a sign that reads FREE HUGS.  Its fascinating the response that sign gets. Some people wonder, "what does that mean?" Quite often they are surprised, its simply me, sharing hugs. Many stop to get one because its free. Almost everyone who reads the sign smiles. Many are grateful to share a hug. For others, I am so happy I could be there because they really need one.

I know in that moment, with that simple gesture I make a difference, one hug at a time.

And that my friend has been a life long calling........

Hugs to you,
gr8hugr