Juan Mann is the founder of the Free Hugs Campaign - as seen on YouTube in that video with the guy who walks around with a cardboard sign hugging complete strangers. Maybe you've seen it and it made you smile. The first time he saw it, he cried.
Right about now he's sitting in front of his computer wondering what to say about himself that doesn't read like a man trying to impress anyone, impart wisdom or seem as though he's qualified to do anything other than live the best life he possibly can.
How's this for a shot:
He first started offering Free Hugs at the tender age of 22 in an effort to make himself smile while feeling a little sad.
He was hugged by a lady who helped him realise that everyone suffers at some point and all it really takes is a little kindness and a whole lot of courage to get through those dark times.
Six years on and Juan now can sit back and smile at how much the Free Hugs Campaign has grown. From one sad guy on a Sydney street to hundreds, thousands of happy people offering Free Hugs all over the planet.
Life is what you make of it and he'd like to think he's made it a little happier, not just for himself, but for everyone.
Juan also likes reading books, writing words, painting lines on canvasses, pretending to fly like superman while pushing shopping trolleys through supermarkets, talking to people from all over the planet, sharing hugs, drinking chocolate and used to like cheeseburgers until he found a hair in one. Now he prefers pastrami sandwiches and learning how to cook middle eastern food like his Grandpa used to.
And video games. He likes video games. A Lot. But not so much that he ever misses Trivia Tuesdays at the CBD Hotel in Newcastle, where the bartender is workaholic superstar and the Trivia Guy used to be an Engineer. He never misses that. He also likes discovering new things, facing his fears and walking around the house in brown woollen boots and an odd green beret.
He has a cape that he never wears, some awards, trophies, medals and certificates from amazing individuals, organisations and even countries. He hides them in the cupboard that doubles as the "office."
When not looking at life as though he is a two metre tall child, Juan is a motivational speaker.
Just ask him!
Juan is, well, if you'll pardon the pun - "Juan" of a kind.
And so are you. You're awesome. Thanks for reading this far!