1 Life Lesson I Wish I Would’ve Listened to as a Child
Introduction
I try to live without regrets, but I often wonder how different my path would’ve been if I'd followed all the critical “life lessons” I was taught. Although I absorbed quite a bit as a child (and teenager), here is one lesson I would pay more attention to if given a round two.
Hug everyone.
Wedding Officiant Wisdom: As I mention this lesson, I now fear that my neighbors will think I’ll chase them down the block for a hug. Why not? Everyone deserves a hug! I’m not sure every stranger would welcome my open arms. A hug isn’t always welcomed, and I’m mindful of that. Nevertheless, I know that the root of being is interaction, and hugging is an emotional manifestation of this philosophy.
Although I’ve always realized the importance of physical interaction, I’ve been guilty of isolating myself at times. Call it insecurity or a simple way of protecting myself. It minimized my intimacy with people in all types of relationships-friendships, romantic relationships, family relationships, etc. Should I blame myself? My family didn’t hug much (although the love was apparent), and I didn’t see many examples of this affection growing up (known to me as “Eastern European Love”: a stoic emotional expression of love, but present in its own way).
Words of love are enough, right? Not sure anymore. Something is missing: Vulnerability. The alternative to hugging —lying on our backs like a dog —isn’t the socially acceptable expression of this intention for humans. Hugs are the next best thing. It is a statement of: “I trust you,” “I’m letting down my guard,” and “I accept you”… and who doesn’t want that love? My verbal language of love was functional but not complete for many years. My new hugs truly represent a new level of comfort with the people I love or don’t know very much, and my life is enriched as a result. I'm not a perfect hugger, and I still draw the line on hugs with strangers, people who don't show signs of being interested in hugs, or hugs that extend beyond a minute (and, yes, I did say that). It's a work in progress, and I look forward to reaching new (and longer) hugging heights in the next decade!
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
