Dreams rarely unfold in a straight line.
They often begin as a small whisper, a quiet nudge you can’t ignore.
For me, that whisper turned into Global Hugs. In January 2008, I decided to step way outside my comfort zone and offer free hugs in Chicago. I wasn’t sure how people would respond, but I wasn’t alone. Friends came to support me, and together we stood on street corners, offering a simple yet powerful gesture. We saw the real hunger for connection as the weeks turned into months. Strangers smiled, laughed, cried, and thanked us for something so simple yet deeply needed.
Over the months, I heard those words repeatedly: “I needed that hug.” Sometimes, it was shared through tears, and other times, it was in laughter, but always with an emotional weight that stayed with me. Something profound was happening with the connection, the rawness, the simple act of showing up. I realized this wasn’t just about offering a hug; it was about providing a moment of humanity in a world that sometimes forgets how essential those moments are.
Seeing the impact firsthand, I felt called to do more. That fall of 2008, after a few months of planning, inviting, and hoping people would join, I launched the first global hug event. Since then, each year has been filled with frustration due to a lack of sign-ups, and then pure joy when a new huggers comes on board. I often question whether all the time and energy I pour into this event is worth it. Yet repeatedly, I am reminded of people’s deep appreciation: “I needed that hug.” It has also impacted me personally.
Over time, Global Hugs grew to have participants on all seven continents, across 47 countries, and 37 U.S. states — including the incredible honor of Archbishop Desmond Tutu joining twice. It hasn’t been a smooth or predictable journey. There have been moments of joy, frustration, uncertainty, and deep gratitude. But every step, even the wobbly ones, has been worth it.
While I cherish every hug I’ve been part of, comfort hugs hold a special place in my heart—those moments when someone who is hurting allows me to bear witness to their pain and offer a small piece of comfort through a simple embrace.
As we head into another Global Hug Weekend, I’m reminded that following your dream isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about listening to that first whisper and being willing to act. And if you’re feeling inspired, there’s still time to sign up and join us in spreading kindness and connection this weekend. SIGN UP HERE.
Moving forward, I encourage you to:
Trust your beginnings, even if they feel small or scary.
One action, risk, and heartfelt moment can open doors you can’t yet see.
Let discomfort guide you, not stop you.
Stepping out of your comfort zone might feel shaky, but it’s often the first step toward something extraordinary.
Celebrate every connection along the way.
Whether it’s one person or a thousand, every real moment of impact matters more than you realize.
Stay close to your why when the journey feels long.
Reconnect with the heart of what inspired you. That passion will fuel you through the challenges.
Dreams are less about perfection and more about participation. They’re about showing up, again and again, with love and heart.
This weekend, I’ll celebrate a dream that started with one hug, shared with friends, in one city, and grew into a ripple of kindness worldwide. Sending you the biggest virtual hug to heighten your celebrations or lessen your struggles and sorrows.
Affirmation:
I lead with courage and heart.
Words to Love By:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. — Eleanor Roosevelt
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. — Langston Hughes
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. — C.S. Lewis
Sounds for Your Soul:
