Day #4 in A Year of Thanks:
I’m thankful for hugs.

Hugs are one of the most beautiful and essential forms of nonverbal human communication. This Forbes article quotes world-renowned family therapist Virginia Satir’s valuable insight on hugs: “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” This statistic fascinates me, and I love how the article discusses some of the health benefits of hugs:

1. Hugs strengthen our immune systems and balance our bodies in various ways.
2. Hugs reinforce our feeling of safety and make us feel like we’re genuinely not alone.
3. Hugs increase our sense of belonging and make us feel like we matter.
4. Hugs boost our self-esteem and self-love, and they make us feel seen, heard, and understood.

As you’ve read on Day 1 of this gratitude challenge, touch is one of my two love languages. I’m very sensual, and hugs are my favorite form of affection. While I have boundaries with everyone regarding the type of hug I give or accept, I’ll never turn down a request for a hug. Hugs seem like such a simple act of caring, but they’re rather potent. They come from one heart and soul to another with this powerful, undeniable message: “I see you, I hear you, I feel you, and I love you. You are not alone. I’m here for you, and I’m in your corner.” I could go on and on, but simply put, I love hugs!

Fun Fact: January 21 is National Hug Day. 😉

Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5
Year of Thanks