Hugs

A few weeks ago I attended a breakfast fundraiser at the local YMCA along with some "mom friends" of mine.  While we were mingling, one of my friends came over and hugged me "hello." At  that moment a light bulb went off!  Iit had been so long since I had been hugged (by someone other than my kids or husband) that I actually felt a boost of happiness~a feeling that remained with me all day as I thought about how the simple act of a hug can change a person's attitude for the positive. 

I'm no stranger to hugs. Many years before that I created a bulletin board on the topic of hugs. Did you know there are a variety of hugging styles?  There's the "bear hug," the "A-frame hug," the "side hug," and so on.  I also read once that if you want to live longer you should have 4 hugs/day!  Hmmm.... is there a science to all this hugging?

I like hugs.  I hug my kids a bazillion times a day and would hug them even more if they'd let me!  But I don't seem to "offer" hugs up to friends as much as I would like.  I think it's mostly due to a fear of social boundaries and wondering how the hug would be accepted. I have certain friends that I always hug but most friends I do not unless a special occasion warrants.  And yet... every time I see my "mom friends" and their child(ren), I always encourage my kids to "hug" goodbye or hello with the other kids. Why do parents encourage hugging among kids? It seems like good etiquette, a nice thing to do. Yet I'm still reflecting on how it is possible that for almost 3 years now, I've been asking my kids to participate in a behavior (hugging their friends) that I myself have I've not been role modeling!

Parents need hugs too...not just from their kids but from other parents.  There is something special about making a connection with another who understands, without words, what you go through on a daily basis.    Sometimes that squeeze is enough to remind you that you are human!  Sometimes I find myself on auto pilot going through the same routines day after day...it is easy to forget about how it feels to be hugged, appreciated, noticed.  Parents who give their all often find they are operating on fumes & feel like they just don't have anything left to give, not to anyone. While the parent is giving their best to impact the lives of their children they can lose themselves, lose their energy in the process.  Our life's energy makes us who we are and it can be nourished through hugging!

 So, to my friends...consider yourself warned! If you see me, you just might get a hug!