Who needs a hug?

Back home now after spending a few days on a mini-adventure with my family, exploring woods, castles, and just being outside in nature for a little while.

But on our journey I noticed something.

Two types of people.

The ones who will do everything possible to avoid making any sort of contact with you (yes, even eye contact).

And the ones who are quite happy to smile and say hello, and are basically trying to make the world a friendlier place.

Now, I'm not judging either type.

One is living in fear and anxiety. Afraid to touch anything, afraid to communicate and connect with anyone, enclosing themselves in their own bubble for their own safety, and possibly the safety of others. Not interacting with anyone, therefore not causing any risk.

The other is aware that the way they behave can, and will, affect others.

They have empathy for others.

They understand the situation, and are trying to keep that "human connection" that is very much needed at this time.

But at the same time they understand that not everyone is ready to connect.

A moment of assessment happens.

They say "Hello" or "Good morning", and await a response.

A nod, a reply, or a run and hide.

Most will reply by the way!

And then sometimes the simple "Hello" will develop into a conversation, and the two parties will realise that yes, we're in this together, and also they will get a different perspective, or angle, on it.

The connection miraculously makes them BOTH feel better, happier, stronger.

Now, the other type of person is sheltered in there own bubble, for their own safety and the safety of others, but... the lack of connection is making them sad, they long for a hug, they long for a break from their own thoughts, they long to start living a "human" life again.

And maybe it's our job to encourage them that human connection is ok, it's safe, and it does help.

There is nothing right or wrong with either type of person.

It depends on many things.

Where they are on their journey.

What is important to them.

Their personal beliefs.

etc...

It's just important to remember that some people are struggling a lot more than others, and a simple "Hello", with a smile, might just make their day.

You are free to choose what kind of human you are going to be.

I'll leave it up to you to decide what that means.

By the way, if you don't feel comfortable hugging a human at the moment, there's always trees...