Day 34 in Review

(Yes, that's Ziggy. And not as in Zig Techs, but as in the original cartoon character of coffee mug fame. Gotta love, Ziggy.)


Prayer: Yes
Scripture: Yes
Silence: Yes (punctuated by a silent Halleluja! when the final door shut in carpool drop off line)

The Deed/The Day: Just as I was starting to panic that I had gone through half the day without deeding one person, I ran into someone I'd been hoping to see for a few weeks. She's experienced loss lately, the kind I know deeply. While I've been thinking so much about her, it was great to actually lay peeps on her and give her a hug. What about heartfelt hugs — deed worthy? I think so. Physical touch is important and meaningful. Sometimes the things you can't express with words are best shared with a hug, or a pat, or a gentle squeeze.

Words of encouragement/advice: I interviewed Blake Wilson Jr. today about his sister, McKenzie Wilson's foundation. It's just started this program called Random Acts of Kindness, where students are encouraged to do something nice for someone else. The program completes the circle because deeders are also asked to share a card with the "deeded" that explains who McKenzie was, what she stood for and why they should do the same for someone else. This young man (yes, I can say that now...I could be his MOTHER for crying out loud!!!) was such a well spoken high school senior. This boy, whose sister died last year unexpectedly, is keeping his sister's loving spirit alive by doing what she did — being nice to people and looking for ways he can help out. He said how in today's world, being kind to others makes a big difference. He says it evolves people.

Final words: Hug more. Check this out from the Happiness Project website:

"In her fascinating book The How of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses a study in which students were assigned to two groups. One group was the control; one group was assigned to give or receive at least five hugs each day for a month – a front-to-front, non-sexual hug, with both arms of both participants involved, and with the aim of hugging as many different people as possible. The huggers were happier.

Another study showed that women who got hugs several times a day from their husbands had lower blood pressure than those who didn’t get hugged as often.

Interesting fact: to be most effective at optimizing the flow of the chemicals oxytocin and serotonin – which boost mood and promote bonding – hold a hug for at least six seconds.

Along with hugging, playful and affectionate touching makes you feel closer to the people important to you. And touch is important even with strangers -- studies show that subliminal touching (touching so subtle that it’s not consciously perceived) dramatically increases a person’s sense of well-being and positive feelings toward you, the toucher. For example, research shows that when restaurant servers touch their customers, they increase their tips by more than 3 percent.

I haven’t come across any research that examines the effects of kissing, but I think it’s safe to venture that lots of kisses will make you happier.

Expressing affection (in whatever way you express it) makes a big difference in relationships. For instance, people are 47% more likely to feel close to family members who frequently express affection than to those who rarely do so.

But there’s another reason to express affection. One of my most important Personal Commandments is to Act the way I want to feel. We think we actbecause of the way we feel, but often, we feel because of the way we act. By acting in a loving way, you prompt loving feelings in yourself. It’s much harder to be angry or annoyed with someone when you’re kissing or hugging or touching."