October: Hugs!

I don’t consider myself to be a touchy-feely type person. That being said, I do appreciate a good hug. If you’re yet to find any good huggers in your life, search on. And when you find them, keep them in your life for as long as possible. A good hug can turn things around, lift your spirits and make everything better.

Research indicates that hugs are actually good for your health. They can increase happiness (thank you, oxytocin), reduce stress and make us healthier overall. When I think of good hugs, three people come to mind. One I’ve known nearly my whole life and see at least every week. One I see only once or twice a year and the other I haven’t seen or talked to in several years. This post is a shout out to them and all the great huggers out there. I hope when you read this you find the good hugger in yourself and share one with someone!

Michael- 

I’m sure I’m not the only one who would say that these hugs are some of the best. A hug from Michael is like sharing a giant smile. A Michael hug is like a secret handshake. It makes you feel as though you’re secretly his favorite person even though you know he has a deep caring for everyone he comes into contact with.

Eddie- 

Photo credit: Etherdox Photography

I may be a bit biased here as he is family but I think most would agree with me on this one. A hug from this guy says so much. He gives them out so freely and one might think it lessens the sincerity of the hug. That’s just not the case. A hug from my baby brother is like magic and always makes me feel better. He can always tell when I’m feeling down and his hugs are a heartfelt message saying he gets it, he’s there for me and I’m not alone. He has gotten me through some of my saddest days with those hugs.

Mychal- 

Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that we’re both the same size and hugs just fit but, they’re one of my favorite! A good Mychal hug can turn your whole day around. He hugs like he means it and, knowing Mychal, he wouldn’t do it if he didn’t mean it. A hug from him says “I’m so happy to see you! I appreciate you!” and that’s a really nice feeling. It’s nice to be recognized and valued just for being present and being yourself, and that’s what a hug from Mychal does.