Did You know…
Boredom can lead to madness in parrots. When caged by themselves and neglected for long periods of time, these intelligent, sociable birds can easily become mentally ill. Many inflict wounds upon themselves, develop strange tics, and rip out their own feathers. The birds need constant interaction, affection, and mental stimulation; some bird authorities have determined that some parrot breeds have the mental abilities of a 5-year-old human child. Should a neglected parrot go mad, there is little that can be done to restore it to normalcy. In England, there are “mental institutions” for such unfortunate creatures.
Interestingly enough, I can relate to this. I don’t cause personal injury to myself or pull out my hair, but I know what it feels like to be neglected. At least as it relates interaction, affection and mental stimulation. I don’t talk personally to as many people as I wish I did in a day. I don’t get enough positive physical touch throughout the day. I am not often faced with challenges in terms of brain power. So, what keeps me from going mad too? Other than the fact that I am not a parrot?
There is a spiritual, physical, mental and emotional need for nuturing in everything that lives. Humans because we’re wired for it but unlike cats or dogs, we don’t ask for it. Instead, if we don’t get it, we act out. In girls, it’s usually sexually. Getting affection and love from wherever it seems they can find it. In guys it’s abusive power. It’s a sad reality, but people who lead troubled lives rarely get enough positive touch and affirmation. They are wounded by others but also themselves.
Look around you. Look in the mirror. You may know several people who need a hug today. Statistics say that at least 75 percent of people would accept an offer for a hug and most would even express genuine gratitude after if someone would just ask.
So, go hug someone. You can single-handed keep someone from going mad… and how great would that be?
In the last 24 hours:
- Who have you hugged?
- Who have you said “I love you” too?
- Who have you given your undivided attention to?
- Has anyone does the same for you? How are you?
In the last 24 hours:
1. Who have you hugged? Chris, Amy (a girl I work with), Michele (a girl I work with), Cyndi (a girl I work with), I think that’s it.
2. Who have you said “I love you” too? Chris (in a romantic way), our IT director Shane (in an IT director kind of way)
3. Who have you given your undivided attention to? (Chris, some intense emails, my cats)
4. Has anyone does the same for you? How are you? (Chris, Stacie who was the massage therapist from the massage I just got as a gift!)
I am jello.
[Reply]
Who have you hugged? my husband , my mom and my son
Who have you said “I love you” too? my husband , my mom , my sons, and God
Who have you given your undivided attention to? My friend Teresa at church last night .
4. Has anyone does the same for you? my mom always says she loves me, she used to be a really mean mom when i was a kid. but the Lord has changed her .
How are you? i am sad today, maybe it is the weather ?
[Reply]
1 Hugged my wife, my kids, a new friend and an old college friend who happened to be in town.
2. I said I love you to my wife, my kids, and fellow bloggers like yourself. I feel a blog coming on. There is just something about you guys that I love because of Christ. I want a massive road trip where I can just get to know you all. At any rate, I love you because of Christ. Just know that.
3. My wife, my kids, several co-workers and the guy I was tutoring this morning.
4. Yes, my family has said they loved me back. Yes, I have been given undivided attention. No one has initiated a hug.
[Reply]