The Hug | Stories. Kindness. Love. And connection.

As we bring this year to a close, we wanted to reflect on human beings. Stories. Kindness. Love. And connection. And, more than anything, you. Our community.


Stories that allow us to see more of the goodness in each other, how we’re all human, doing the best we can. Stories that remind us all that people are good, they can be kind even to total strangers in ways we never imagined. And, today, to close out this long-strange trip of a year, we wanted to share some of these curating stories, specifically from a collection of community stories we love to call The Hug.


Each story shares a moment or experience where a little bit of kindness, a little bit of sweetness, and just maybe a little bit of lightness and laughter touched into the storyteller’s life, and reminded them how good people can be. I feel like we all need a little bit of that right now. So sit back and enjoy these stories. And, maybe, find a little space to rediscover your own tender heart along the way. End of the day, that’s really what it’s all about. See you in 2023.


You can find our storytellers at:

Marsha Shandur: Instagram | Website

Yvonne Ator: Website

IN-Q: Instagram | Website

Dan Stones: Wildfire note on Twitter

Jana Langford: Instagram | Website

Gabra Zackman: Instagram

Rick Charlie: Facebook

Susan Piver: Instagram

Erin Moon: Instagram | Website


Check out our offerings & partners: 

  • My New Book Sparked
  • My New Podcast SPARKED: We’re looking for special guest “wisdom-seekers” to share the moment you’re in, then pose questions to Jonathan and the Sparked Braintrust to be answered, “on air.” To submit your “moment & question” for consideration to be on the show go to sparketype.com/submit. 
  • Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • You Need a Budget: Your money doesn’t have to be messy. Get a handle on your personal finances by budgeting with YNAB—a proven method and budgeting app that gives you real results. Try You Need a Budget free for 34-days (no credit card required) at YNAB.com/GOODLIFE

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