I don’t know how the conversation started, but somehow, as we were wrapping up our faculty meeting today, our assistant principal, Jame’el, passed on some wisdom he learned from the principal at his “other” school. He’s so lucky to work at two schools and have two principals. I know how lucky he is because his “other” principal just so happens to be the person I have viewed as a role model my entire career…Tracey (Hopefully she’ll be back and slicing with us again in March!).
Back to the wisdom, Jame’el said that Tracey told him that hugging for 20 seconds a day is good for your health. I could totally picture this coming from Tracey. There were four years that we shared a room as reading teachers. During that time she was always letting me know of something else I should consume daily. I imagine Tracey starting every day with lemons, tomatoes, cherries, and a piece of dark chocolate. Just as I tried to tell Jame’el, Dawn, and Ashley that there was a time I made Arnauld hug me for 20 seconds a day, Dawn had pushed her way into my arms, all five foot 2 inches and her bulky winter jacket. I couldn’t even finish my story, I was laughing so hard, I fell into the wall and Dawn came with me, her head, sporting her signature winter cap, resting on my shoulder. It was about that time that she began counting, “1…2…3…”
I didn’t get any of my data entered in the appropriate places this afternoon. But I did learn (and experience) the value of a 20 second hug.
Where There Is Joy 
I can’t wait to try! Thanks for the advice!
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Too funny!
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You did send this to Tracey, right?
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Yes!
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Hugs before Data for sure!!!
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Healthy hugs – all day long!
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Love your physical description of that ambush hug,
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Jessica,
I was thinking about how healing hugging is a few days ago. My brother lives w/us, but we don’t hug often. I was thinking about how I need to hug him more so he has that experience you describe. Even as I sub these days there are kids who want to hug me. I go w/ the side hug, but wish we didn’t have to be so cautious w/ those who need more of those 20 second moments
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Hugs are why I teach in an elementary school. I get and give a lot throughout my day! Who knew it was helping all our immune systems! Great news!
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Oh my gosh!!! I am writing a story about this right now. Coincidence??? Don’t believe in ’em! 🙂
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Hilarious and wonderful. Good colleagues really are everything, aren’t they?
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So hugging might be better for me than the Elderberry I’m taking daily? Hmmm… It’s worth a try! I’m always up for an immunity boost.
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