The Unconditional Hug

A fantastic afternoon spent with my good friend Callie Cozzolino and therapy pups Rocko and Ash at the Canine Therapy Corps' new site! I believe it imperative to surround yourself with those who believe in you, and have demonstrated success in endeavors to which you aspire. Callie was kind enough to offer her insight into helping me develop The Unconditional Hug into a fully-functioning, impactful non-profit organization. Canine Therapy Corps is an organization that focuses on the healing aspect of the human/canine interaction, and strives to provide services to those who may benefit around Chicago. A truly kind and selfless mission.

A few highlights from yesterday's Arms Around Chicago in celebration of National Hugging Day! The city never fails to inspire. I started with several commuter hugs and kind conversation at Union Station, then moved on to City Hall and Daley Plaza. The Thompson Center followed, where I connected with a very kind CPD officer, then onto Pioneer Court and the Starbucks Roastery Reserve. The fine staff at the Roastery shall get their own special, separate shout-out, as the only thing that exceeded the warmth of their java was their reception. I finished the day at Lurie's Childrens Hospital and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Everywhere I went elicited a new opportunity to reach out, respect, converse, connect, interact, reassure, heal, listen, empathize, understand, embrace, inspire, inquire, share, and love. Chicago yields her heart if you simply take time to execute a simple kindness to all that make her move. I know she moves me. I hugged hundreds, but just one would've made the event successful. National Hugging Day is but one of 365 that we can be mindful of each other. Ensure that you take the time to do so everyday.

National Hugging Day is almost upon us!!! As promised, here are the places at which I'll be sharing hugs tomorrow for the ARMS AROUND CHICAGO event. I plan on walking from location to location weather-permitting, so these times are a rough estimate, but I plan on spending about an hour at each site.

8:00-9:00- Chicago Union Station-18 W. Monroe St.
9:00-10:00-City Hall-121 N. LaSalle St.
10:00-11:00-Thompson Center-100 W. Randolph St.
11:00-12:00-Pioneer Court-401 N. Michigan Ave.
1:00-2:00-Starbucks Reserve Roastery-646 N. Michigan Ave.
2:00-3:00-Water Tower-835 N. Michigan Ave.
3:00-4:00-Museum of Contemporary Art-220 E. Chicago Ave.
4:00-5:00-Lincoln Park Zoo-2001 N. Clark St.

I don't know how this will go, but based on our previous successful "embrace events", I anticipate a very positive and warm response. I invite you to come find me to collect your very own official National Hugging Day Hug provided by The Unconditional Hug, say hello, and bask in the genuine compassion and kindness found in the embrace of others. A very special thank you to Rev. Kevin Zaborney who founded this day back in 1986 for his kind words and support! I hope do do this day proud!! Hug you very much!!

An amazing live in-studio experience with Sally Schulze and Mark Strehl of FOX32 Chicago! Both are true professionals, and conducted a fantastic interview early Sunday morning. I'm proud that The Unconditional Hug continues to grow its impact and visibility in the city, and I'm truly looking forward to building upon this very beautiful movement. My sincere appreciation to them, producer Nancy Yousef, and the rest of the FOX32 crew for taking the time and interest. I'll provide the full interview link, as well as additional photos from the interview shortly!