The Hug Is Strong In This One.....

I don't know about all of you, but I love a hug.

Not just a quick arms around and then let go though. It has to be a proper ninja hug, without the bleeding and nunchucks obvs - maybe with a bit of a squeeze.

Something that says I love you, I care about you and I want you to be happy.

Something that makes you feel safe, wanted, part of something more, something special, something utterly unique.

A proper hug, one given with love, care, generosity of spirit and openness can change the feeling of a day. It can go from feeling like you are trying to wade through mud to feeling light and unburdened again. It is a way of telling someone that you have got them when you know they need it without even needing to open your mouth.

I am sure you're wondering what an earth I am babbling on about in my usual, slightly disjointed way. I shall tell you now my friends.

January 21st is International hug day. Yay! A whole day dedicated to hugs!

(insert caring emoji here)

Go figure. A day that actually celebrates hugging and the awesome power that they have.

The day came about in the States when a bunch of psychology and medical students joined forces to share the power of the hug with friends, family and complete strangers who probably thought they were all absolutely bonkers until they were being hugged and feeling the awesome power of it.

Even better, unlike most American holidays, this one is completely free and benefits you just as much as everyone else! (Happy dance)

I am a huge hugger.

Not everyone else feels this way, but for me, its not just the comfort that comes from a proper hug but also the intimacy of that brief interaction with whomever you are clinging on to.

A hug for me gives an overwhelming sense of security, especially when things are difficult. It instills calm and relaxation which for those of you who know me know well, are not emotions I experience often!

The rest of you just be grateful you don't have to sit in an office with me every day!

I am very lucky because the people I have around me are also huggers which means there is always a hug to be had from someone when its needed.

I stem from a family of huggers and my youngest loves a hug.

Honestly, I expected that all to stop as he became a teenager but he still hugs me and tells me he loves me every single day.

Those are the moments that truly are priceless.

I am however still working on my oldest. He doesn't really do the hugging thing but there is plenty of time for that. Maybe on my death bed eh!

I totally advocate a hug.

I know for me, with the mental health side of things, they truly can be lifechanging. For those of you who have been with me from the start, you will know some of the issues that I have experienced. I have found that sometimes, when my anxiety is high and I cannot settle, a hug can be the most incredible cure.

There is something about being in the arms of someone who loves you when you are spiralling out of control. Something that says, 'I've got you - you've got this. We will work through it together'.

Your heartbeat slows down, you begin to breathe again and suddenly, the world doesn't seem quite so frightening and overwhelming.

The support that comes from a hug is so much more than just physical. We are all one, all brothers and sisters sharing this spinning ball flying through space, and when your arms are wrapped around someone, you connect with them at an almost metaphysical level. Its a true blessing to be able to share that kind of intimacy with the people around you, and not something that should be taken lightly.

All I can say is make sure you hug the people you love everyday. Not just a cursory hug because you have to, but a long, strong embrace that communicates how important they are to you, and how grateful you are to have them in your lives.

Life is fleeting, and you never know when the last time will come that you get the chance to feel them in your arms.

My name is Rebecca. I believe in the power of the hug. I am a hugger. Join me and make the world a warmer, more loving place - one hug at a time!

Until next time............