"Hi, How Are You ?" Day

We’ve all wondered what we can do in the face of another’s pain. 

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Maybe your wife lost her job, or your friend’s kid is sick. You watched as the holiday season amplified another’s loss and grief. 

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Hi, How Are You is a non-profit organization that believes “One simple question, asked with intention, can make a huge difference.” Inspired by the life and work of Daniel Johnston, a celebrated songwriter and visual artist who battled mental illness throughout his life, the non-profit aims to educate young people worldwide about the importance of mental health and well-being through creative content, events, and community-building programs. 

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Hi, How Are You day coincides with Daniel Johnston’s birthday each year.

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Although he struggled with mental health issues for much of his adult life, Daniel channeled his illness into a prolific output of art and songs admired and covered by Tom Waits, Wilco, Bright Eyes, Lana Del Rey, and many others. He inspired countless fans, artists, and songwriters with his central message that no matter how dark the day, “true love will find you in the end.”

But don’t give up until

True love will find you in the end

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This is a promise with a catch

Only if you're looking can it find you

‘Cause true love is searching too

But how can it recognize you

Unless you step out into the light, the light

[True Love Will Find You in the End]

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We too believe that making the first step out into the light creates the love that’s looking for you, and we can’t wait to see how our new feature helps you expand your impact in the world.

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Since HILU launched, we’ve been a one-to-one communication method for sending people their flowers while they’re here. “I see you, I hear you, I love you.” “I want you to keep this.” 

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But we’ve often been asked for a way to gather together many people who care about someone who might need a pick-me-up. We’ll draw on Daniel’s life once more to explain this feature – the now-retro and endearing way he got exposure when he moved to Austin, TX was by handing out cassette tapes with his music from his day job at McDonald’s. Creating a group HiLU is like recording a digital mixtape with many friends’ voices as a playlist to a friend. People can contribute recordings from anywhere, at any time, into a single shareable mixtape. Your recipient can play and re-play little love notes as much as they need to. 

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Daniel also had a way about just showing up – whether it was bravery or audacity, he found out about MTV being in town to record a segment, and despite not being invited to play, he showed up anyway and play he did. There is a beauty to the way his sincerity and authenticity compelled people to listen to his message.

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And that’s exactly what we’ve aimed for with our new HiLU feature: the ability to create something that’s bigger than just one voice, one message, one gesture. Gathering many voices, offering a chorus of support for someone in need.

Group HiLUs are the modern-day mixtape, a collection of heartfelt messages and affirmations from friends, family, or anyone who cares.

HiLU exists to empower connection with our voices. All it takes is a simple “Hi, How Are You,” a small voice note, to help someone receive the love that’s always been there.

Send a Group HiLU now and gather messages of support for someone who needs it. While you’re at it, follow Hi, How Are You and get involved in their mission to promote mental health and well-being. The connection you make today could be the one someone needs the most.

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