What a delight. Epiphany Jordan, author of Somebody Hold Me, reached out unexpectedly that she was in Los Angeles. This was the first time I’d be meeting Epiphany in person. It felt special!

We organized a morning beach walk and geeked out together on guess what? The importance of touch. Our conversation focused on how to communicate with the world about the benefits of soothing human touch in a way that sidesteps stigma. There is so much opportunity for so many populations of people to feel better.

Including me.

We sat on a bench at the end of a wooden pathway leading to the beach. Overlooking the ocean, I asked Epiphany if I could put my hand on her upper back. She said yes and soon we were in a sweet little side hug. In re-reading what I wrote, the scene might sound romantic. But it wasn’t. It was simply kind.

Epiphany remarked that there are those who would be amazed at what we were doing: A beach embrace – just for the enjoyment of it – between platonic friends.

And that’s when I felt it very strongly: Taking a walk and sharing moments of human contact with a pal. This is the stuff of a good life.