Archive for growth
Have You Hugged Someone Today?
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever read about David, “The Bubble Boy”? He spent all except the last 15 days of his 12 years of life in a sterile plastic bubble. His immune system did not function properly. The world loved this boy. He loved life. He was intelligent. Just before he died, he winked at his doctor.
To me, the most significant memory about David, was that it took 12 years before he was hugged or touched by his mother. Think about that for a moment. What would it be like to not have never had the human touch? How do you feel about hugging? When was the last time you were hugged? Who initiated it?
I believe everyone deserves at least four hugs a day. Do you know where to go now – this moment – to get your four hugs? Are you uncomfortable reading this message about hugging? Is it easy for you to hug members of your family? When was the last time you hugged them or they hugged you? What is the reason some people avoid hugging? Is it because they were not hugged? People can only hug based on their Self-Esteem.
Virginia Satir, a family therapist, says, everyone needs 12 hugs a day. Leo Buscaglia, author and speaker, hugs everyone who wants a hug. People stand in line after he speaks to receive his hug. Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, another well-known author and speaker is also known for his hugging.
Have you heard about the mad hugger? He speaks all over the United States about hugging. He is a very popular speaker.
Have you heard about the hugging squad? It consists of women who visit older people in their homes; six or eight women go in one car, they drive up to a home, stop, rush up to the older person and proceed to give him or her 12 hugs.
Sidney Simon who wrote the book, Caring, Feeling and Touching says “We are a skin hungry nation – we are starving to be touched. We all need a caring touch, a comforting touch, and a soothing touch. Touching, in a caring way, is therapeutic.”
What decision will you make because you read this message? Will you set up a hugging station in your home, office, church or neighborhood? Will you ask for your four hugs today? Will you hug four people today? Remember, David – The Bubble Boy. Then do it.
Hug and then, watch what happens!
Remember, whatever situation you find yourself in, is only temporary. You can get help. You can change your life for the better.
How Often Do You Read?
Posted by: | CommentsDo you watch the changes from Winter to Spring? Does the Spring season remind you of baseball and of getting outside to enjoy nature? Does it remind you of new beginnings? Does it remind you of Spring cleaning? How about letting it remind you of new, Lifelong Learning skills for your future success and happiness?
Once I spoke about communication and Self-Esteem to an automotive die casting company in Detroit, Michigan. Many of their employees attended this all day seminar to help them build better communication skills. At the end of the day, two young men approached me. One said, “I divorced my wife because she was learning more about herself by reading, playing cassette tapes, and attending seminars. What a mistake I made. I now know that she was personally growing. If only I had been more curious.” The second young man said, “I cannot read. All my life I have been filled with tension because I never learned to read.” “As of today,” he said, “I will learn to read.”
These are just two examples of the kinds of behavior I hear from people I meet every day. Research shows that approximately 80 million people, in the United States, are illiterate or have poor reading skills. They did not learn to read in school so now they settle for less in their relationships and career. Can you appreciate how difficult it would be to just get around a city if you could not read street signs? How can a person fill out a job application without reading? What impact does illiteracy have on parents when their children begin to read and ask for help?
Few people realize the damaging effects illiteracy has on their Self-Esteem. People who cannot read, often feel “less then.” They are often treated with less dignity and respect. People who are illiterate may want to learn how to read, however, they are often afraid to admit their ignorance. Reading allows people to expand their awareness and learn the knowledge necessary to obtain any skill desired.
Do you like to read? Do you read a book a week or a book a month? Is reading a part of your daily menu? Are you interested in developing your personal and professional skills? Is it possible that reading can serve you and others in acquiring these skills? Do you give books as gifts? Do you recommend books to others? Have you acquired your own library? Is there a library card in your wallet? Have you introduced children to the library? Do you read to children? Do you encourage children to read?
Now is the time to give yourself a Spring reading skills checkup and then, watch what happens!
