FREE HUG DAY!

Today is Free Hug Day, a social movement created in 2004 by Juan Mann from Sydney Australia, who offered free hugs to strangers. Free Hugs is the real life controversial story about Mann, whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives. Controversy or not, The Bliss Lady thinks hugs are pretty awesome and can lift your mood in a heartbeat!


With good reason, I write a lot about my dad. He was truly an inspiration to me and many others. He was the first person I knew to celebrate hugging! Talk about a giver! He wore a button on his suit coat that said, “Everyday is a hug day” and treated his employees with compassion, honesty and integrity. His team knew they could count on him for support, no matter what, and they knew they’d get a big hug when needed!

According to an article I found in his effects after he died, “Hugging is painless, unless you are hugged by Hulk Hogan." The article ran June 11, 1986 in The Way We Live section of The Detroit Free Press and was titled, “Get Ready for the Big Squeeze” celebrating the 3rd Huggers Holiday. “Since the skin is the largest organ, it works best when it is stimulated” says Jim Johnston, organizer of National Hug Day. What better way to get your mojo on than a friendly hug.

There are some pretty basic hug styles. Below is a list of the most common types:

• The A-Frame – Shoulders are barely touching. Mostly done by members of the opposite sex
• One Sided: Moving only slightly closer, the huggers have close contact at one shoulder
• Two-Sided: There is close contact with both shoulders, but both stand with lower torsos apart. Sometimes the huggers may even step back and kiss each cheek.
• The Full On: or complete: From shoulders to the tips of your toes and every place in between!
• The Group Hug: You get it! Someone in the group yells, “Group Hug” and everyone joins in a big hug!
• The Run-and-Jump: Ever watch reunions at the airport? Those are my favorite – when two people run and jump into each-others arms, with huge smiles on their faces – sometimes even tears!

You might want to let people know ahead of time that you are celebrating Free Hug Day. Click here now to watch a few great Free Hug Day videos!! Remember, it’s all about giving – giving of you to brighten someone’s life, even if a moment! A smile is the best way to welcome anyone. Start your hug campaign with a smile and share your blissful self today!

Bliss ON!