WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE THAT “LONE NUT”

Dreading, Loving and Missing It..

Every day last week I would flinch ever so slightly as lunchtime drew near, because I had decided that to fulfil my personal to shake hands with the people I encountered on my lunch-time shopping expeditions! 

Returning from these adventures I always felt buoyed up because everyone I shook hands with smiled! 

Even a guy begging on the streets who looked utterly desolate when I first passed  him, lit up with a wry smile when I gave him some money, shook his hands and told him what I was about. I am happy to report that  when I met him again after the challenge, he remembered my face and told me with a glimmer of hope in his voice, that he would be starting work next week.

The homeless man I spoke to bore a sign like this:

The hand-shaking introduction also allowed me to learn the name of a woman I have often seen working in Tesco’s my the self-service tills. That smiling lady is called Monica!

Deputy Jerry Buttimer gave me one of the best handshakes-
I guess politicians are the professionals at this!

The best handshake I received was form Deputy Jerry Buttimer at the  launch of the Cork Coke Zero Bike Share Scheme. I am not sure if it was due to his political training or a sincere generosity of spirit, but that handshake felt like a very genuine expression of kindness. ( I am not affiliated to any political party but I knew Jerry Buttimer as a child.)

Of course some people insisted on hugs, which was lovely because to be honest the only thing I found hard about the challenge was that often handshaking seemed too formal! I probably should have plucked up the courage to offer the choice of a hug or a handshake every time.. 

However, this idea only occurred to me towards the end.

So… for all the people who have been nominated, that is what I recommend you do- give the recipient a choice and respect the fact that some people may be unable to participate for religious or other reasons.

Good hugs should be less like this: 

And more like this: 

But if you  are still wondering about the mechanics of hugging different types of people this article is invaluable: http://www.wikihow.com/Hug

Pity I only found it after my own botched attempts at hugging! L But hopefully I will get a chance to practice when all my nominees target me. J

Right now though, I feel like the “lone nut” in this video on How to Start a Movement. 

All I need is someone else to dance along and inspire some other more courageous people in the audience. Watch the video. It is short, inspiring and interesting!

To get involved go to: http://www.mycharity.ie/event/healing_hands_happy_hearts/

Or read the “How To Help” section of my previous blog post: http://thequesttobebetter.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-samaritans-helped-me.html

THANKS ALSO TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DONATED MONEY TO ME DIRECTLY IN RETURN FOR HUGS AND HANDSHAKES- 
Particularly Alex who sells veg. in the Cork City farmers market and his wife Adria who teaches the Rosen Method- a series of exercises designed to release tension all over the body. (It is like giving yourself a massage).

Thanks also to all the people who shook hands with me- it was an honour!

I really miss the contact now that my challenge is over… Watch this space for personal progress reports..