WANTED: A Big Hug
I’m hungry for hugs. How about you? Especially if you live alone as I do.
Courtesy of Vonecia Carswell–Unsplash.com
I heard recently that if you don’t have anyone to hug, you can hug yourself. Your ‘self’ won’t know the difference. Cool! So I started hugging myself in the morning and before bed–and in-between when I feel the need.
But I have to admit I’d like an in-person hug, to feel the flesh of another, the fragrance of a loved one, the heartbeat of a living, breathing human being.
It’s interesting how much we appreciate a person or a thing when we don’t have it. Here are a few quotes that mean something to me when I feel hug-depleted.
“I don’t think I will take for granted the gift of a hug ever again.” (Rachel Marie Martin)
“I will not play tug o’ war. I’d rather play hug o’ war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.” (Shel Silverstein)
“God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.”
(Hildegard of Bingen OSB, also known as Saint Hildegard)
Love this, Karen. I will hug you RIGHT NOW if you need it. I need it too. love, Heidi
Got it, Heidi. Feels great. Love you, friend.
LOVE THIS. One of my friends sent me a devotional book for Women called “Hugs” and I read it each morning. It says that hugs come in many ways, the usual around the waist, across the back, a pat on the shoulder ETC. Hugs are good for us.They don’t cost a penny. A few years ago on a Sunday I was standing outside the church door talking with a lady whose husband had died. All at once I felt what I call one of my “God Nudges” and I said:”Christine you look like you need a hug”. She immediately put her arms around me and started to cry. We hugged and then she told me that was the first hug she had received since her husband died. WELL, the first thing I knew, on Sunday mornings one of the first things I would hear when I was going in the church was: “Here comes the hugging lady”! The widow women would practically line up as I would hug each one. My husband had died also so I enjoyed the hugs too. My daughter and I hug each other every night just before I go to bed. If there is no one with you to hug it really does feel good to just put your arms around yourself and ‘queeze’ !
Love, Margaret
What a lovely experience, Margaret. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I’m smiling thinking about you as the ‘hugging lady.’ By the way, I’m really enjoying reading your memoir and it was fun to see you included a reference to Charles.
Sending “virtual” hugs to you and yours my dear friend!!!
Thanks, Glenda. We’ll be able to hug in person on our cruise. Yay!
Karen, I think our whole country needs a physical hug. I loved your quotes.
Since you were my writing mentor you might like to know my sixth book is now on Amazon, etc. This time a collection of essays, poetry and short fillers. The title? “OUTTA MY MIND & INTO YOUR HEART”. It was quite a chore putting it all together (as you well know), but I felt “hugged” to accomplish it. A number of people who read my essays told me I should do it. The COVID-19 confinement made it possible.
I hope you’re doing well – aside from needing a hug.
Marie, you continue to inspire me with your writing and your attitude. Congratulations on your latest book. Sending a hug your way.
So true Karen. And we need hugs with skin on! I have a wonderful hugging hubby, but long for the hugs of family and friends as well. I pray that time will come soon. Meanwhile, consider yourself hugged virtually by both Don and me!
Thanks, Carol. Sending hugs back to you and dear Don. I miss you but so happy we can catch up through our blogs.
I’m sending you many virtual hugs! I also tried hugging myself, it feels good (for now)!
Roz, I love hearing from you. I certainly think of you often as I pass your house on my way out of the neighborhood. Hope you are well.
Sending a warm hug your way…🤗
The neat thing about giving hugs is how you receive them back immediately! Smiles, BRC
True! Thanks for your virtual hug. I receive it with gratitude! ❤️
Good Morning..couldn’t reply yesterday as my google was acting up on my phone. Until we are without the norm of our life we don’t realize how important something like a hug is. I am blessed to have a husband who is a huger.
I pray for those who are very much along and need a hug. Thank you Karen for that much needed message. Hugs to you
Hi Joan. Thanks for chiming in and for sending hugs my way.