Today, walking through the city, I stumbled upon quite the spectacle.
A woman, holding a massive sign above her head that read, “FREE HUGS,” was hugging anybody who wanted an embrace.
In the heat of the moment, I passed on the opportunity.
Why?
Perhaps, being a grown man, I was nervous about how the hug would be perceived by potential stalkers of mine. Those who may have steered clear of me otherwise, intimidated by my “no-nonsense” strut, would have instantly sensed my vulnerability. Such an embrace would leave me wide-open to attack.
No.
Even when the opportunity arises to be comforted by strangers simply looking to make the world a better place, I must remember that this is reality, not a fairy tale. Any display of weakness on my part could leave me in jeopardy.
Unfortunately, I need to keep my guard up at all times.
Even a 5-second gap in the extreme concentration I have on my surroundings could result in my demise.
They say, “heavy lies the crown.” That’s true.
What they don’t say is that the crowns rest upon the heads of those who just want hugs but can’t have them, because it’d put them at risk of attack via poison darts (or worse).
Until next time,
Michael J. Erickson, CEO & Co-Founder
