I had an interesting experience Wednesday that made me think about the impact we have on those around us, whether we mean to or not. I had a board meeting in Baton Rouge. When I entered the room, I saw a friend who worked with this organization. I hadn’t seen her in a few years and I walked quickly toward her, arms open wide for a hug. I remember thinking, “Wow!  She looks great!”  

When I got two steps out I realized that it was not my friend. I had never seen this woman before in my life. Complete stranger.  

I had a split second to make the decision — should I follow through with the full hug or should I try (as gracefully as possible) to morph the hug into a socially acceptable handshake. Heck with it I thought — in for a penny, in for a pound! I hugged.  

I have to give the woman credit, she didn’t skip a beat.  Just returned my hug and then introduced herself to me. Turns out she was the newest member of this board, a publisher at several Louisiana newspapers.

The meeting lasted for several hours, and I sat by her and filled her in on the idiosyncrasies and dynamics of the group. Then, when the meeting was over, something happened that floored me. She said, “I was so nervous to be joining this group for the first time. Your warm welcome made all of the difference for me.”

Something that I had done, by accident and totally out of character for me, actually made someone’s day a bit easier. And I have a new friend. I smiled all the way back to New Iberia.

I remember a quote, “One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all of your broken pieces will stick together.” No clue who wrote it but I believe it is true and I am going to make hugging a bigger part of my life.

I will have ample opportunity to practice my new skill at the second annual “20 Under 40” celebration! If you haven’t had a chance to make your nominations there is still time!  The process is simple — just send an email to Christina.pierce@daily-iberian.com with the nominee’s name, email and daytime phone number. We will follow up with the nominee to request a resume and   some additional details.  hat way we ensure we get the most detailed and accurate information for each nominee. Our selection committee will then choose 20  men and women to be honored at a special reception late in March.  Deadline for nominations is Feb. 2.

There is so much to celebrate in my little corner of the world. From organizing a celebration to honor 20 of the area’s best and brightest young professionals to hugging a complete stranger and gaining a little wisdom in the process!

CHRISTINA PIERCE is publisher of The Daily Iberian.