Hugs

I think about hugs a lot.

That seems like a ridiculous statement, especially for a post-opener. My blog, my rules.

Hugs, real, live, in-person ones, can be so healing. They can fill you up a little bit (or a lot) if you’re feeling empty. They can reassure you, warm you up, and make you feel more loved in that moment than in all the other non-hugging moments of that entire day. Hugs are magical, especially the ones that linger just a couple of seconds longer than you expect.

Virtual comments on Facebook or texts that say “Hugs!”? Well, the jury is still out on those but I choose to believe that if the sentiment is really there, it’s the thought that counts. That said, I’ll take a real hug over a typed-out one any day. THAT said, sometimes virtual is your only choice so in that case, go forth and type out those hugs plus demonstrative emoticons!

I spoke with a friend last night and learned that her family was tossed a huge, tragic curve ball last week. Naturally, my mind immediately started churning about what I could possibly do to help. Right now, the answer is really nothing. I asked anyway.

“Is there ANYthing I can do? I mean, I know I can’t fix it but do you need anything??”

Her honest and simple answer surprised me and made me smile.

“To be honest, I could use a hug.”

I laughed and said, “Where are you tomorrow? I deliver!”

It was all I could do not to jump in the car at that very moment and chase her down at the meeting she was about to attend, just to try and make her feel better.

The truth is, whether you’re wrapping someone in your arms to say “hello,” “goodbye,” “I missed you,” “I love you,” “Congratulations,” or just “I’m here for you,” there’s no question that the healing powers of hugs can go all the way down to your soul if you let them.

Have you hugged your loved ones today? Just asking. (If not, what are you waiting for??)

Hugger button
Best hugger pin conference swag ever, made by Lizz P. (www.amiafunnygirl.com)

8 Comments

  • Leigh Ann

    I consider myself a hugger, but my husband is a MAJOR hugger. Like “gets all bent out of shape if I don’t hug him immediately upon his entering the house, I don’t care if you are up to your elbows in raw chicken juices, just hug me!” Which is good, because if it weren’t for him, I would probably forget to engage in human contact for days. 😉

  • Christina

    I’m a hugger with people I know and like. I won’t go around hugging everyone, but I do hug my family and friends often. It helps that my younger daughter is a big-time hugger, wanting several hugs throughout the day just to connect. It’s cute, and so different from her not-so-huggy sister.

  • Mollie Ottenhoff

    I used to be known for my hugs in college, but I haven’t thought about it much lately. Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes the little things are actually the big things.