by MissAngel

Created on: May 24, 2007

About 3 days ago I received an e-mail from a co-worker. Inside was an attachment of a video on the "Free Hugs" campaign. (http://www.freehugscampaign.org/) After watching it, several times, I began to think about the things I value in life. Of course it's nice to have expensive things, but is it really fulfilling? Does driving a luxurious vehicle continue to make you smile everyday? What about coming home to the biggest house on the street? For me, having nice things would mean nothing to me if I didn't have people I cared about to share them with.

The best things in life truly are free. You cannot put a price on the feeling you get when a complete stranger tells you how beautiful you are, and there is no price tag on a hug from a loved one. The look in the eyes of your partner the first time you've seen each other in weeks, watching your best friend step off a plane from Iraq, a simple "I love you" all of these things, completely priceless. Memories; they're constantly running through our minds. What many fail to realize though, is that when we leave this earth the fancy cars, big houses and toys, the money none of that goes with us. We leave completely empty handed, literally. The memories are the only things we're able to carry.

So cherish the times you're stuck in the rain. Take the time to run and feel the wind on your face. Lose yourself in the eyes of the one you love and memorize the feeling of their skin on your fingertips. Tell people what they mean to you, and hug a stranger. You never know what kind of impact you may have on the life of someone else, or the kind of impact someone may have on you. Remember that the best things in life are free; no payment plans or repossessions. And above all, remember to smile and laugh. You never know when you won't have the chance to again.

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