I was recently asked to teach the 4 year olds at church. To be honest, I was a bit bummed thinking I could do a whole lot more with my talents than teach little kids even though they are so sweet and I love them to pieces. I decided to be opened minded and see how it went. When I first went to teach my new class, the kids were so excited to see me they could hardly stand it. They were basically fighting over who got to sit in my lap, stroking my hair, announcing to the other classes how much they loved me etc. I felt like I was in a room full of little puppy dogs who were all trying to love on me at the same time. It actually felt pretty good. I chuckled to myself and said a prayer of gratitude for all the love that was coming my way.

A few weeks into teaching one of the little girls walked into class looking a bit sad. She walked up to me and said, “I just need a hug.” I gave her a big squeeze and expected her to then tell me what was wrong or what had upset her and then continue to keep cheering her up. To my surprise, I hugged her and she immediately felt great. No talking or further action needed. I thought about how awesome it was that she considered what she needed, asked for it, got it and went her merry way. How awesome it would be for adults to do that too. I know I’ve been guilty of wishing for a hug but not asking and then feeling bad it was not offered. That’s crazy. People can’t read my mind. They don’t know what I want or need. I have to speak up.

Then, I thought of a time I did speak up. I have the best, best friend in the whole wide world Kelli Russell. She is a hugger which is awesome because I love hugs! Plus, back before my balanced days, I needed extra hugs. I was a wreck on the inside. Kelli teaches yoga and one day after her class I was leaving and wanted to say bye and give her a hug but she was busy talking with other students. I gave her a wave from across the room and left. I walked out and sat in my car feeling sad and wishing for a hug. Why didn’t I just go sneak a hug while she was chatting or wait for her to finish talking if I wanted a hug? Then I told myself to grow up and I could survive without a hug. Tough love! But I wanted a hug! I could go back into the yoga class and see if she was still their but that would be awkward. I decided to just leave after sitting in my car arguing with myself for 10 minutes. As I was driving, I looked in my rear view mirror and she was in her car behind me. I called her and told her my silly story. She asked if I still wanted a hug and I said yes! She told me to turn left at the light we were at and to pull over at the park that would be coming up on my left. We both jumped out of our cars and she gave me a big bear hug. I felt totally weird and embarrassed but extremely loved and blessed. I could have saved myself the sad then weird and embarrassed feelings and 10 minutes of arguing with myself in my car if I would have just listened to my needs and spoken up.

Why don’t we speak our needs? Sometimes we’ve been taught to not even listen to our needs, to suppress them, trying to be a certain way that is not even us. Maybe we have limiting beliefs that keep us thinking we don’t deserve what we want. My challenge for you this week is to ask yourself what you are feeling and speak up for your needs. If you say I feel like I need a hug, no one is going to get upset with that. But if you say, why don’t you ever hug me! That probably won’t go over as well. Speak your needs. And, I hope you are blessed with a “Kelli” in your lives.