I've always been a hugger. Ask anyone that knows me, and they will tell you that I love to hug. Recently, during sensitivity training at work, my colleagues called me out as the team "hugger." Some of my friends say that I might have a tendency to over hug. But I don't believe you can over hug. This is my natural reaction. I think hugging someone is the most important thing you can do. Why? Well, because it shows people you care. It tells them you are listening to what they say, you sympathize with what they feel, and that you are hearing what they are not saying. It allows someone to be vulnerable and be comforted.

A hug let's someone know that they are your whole universe at that one moment in time.

A "hug" is a verb. It means to squeeze someone tightly in one's arms to express affection. But hugging is more than just an embrace. A hug let's someone know that they are you whole universe at that one moment in time. That they mean everything to you. That you get them. That you feel their pain and sorrow. That you feel their joy and happiness which radiates from their whole being. That you understand on a deeper level what they truly feel. A hug connects you to someone more than words will ever do.

I know that when I hug, I hug with my whole heart.

When I talk about the value of a hug, I'm not talking about the types of hugs and how to hug. Although, I should probably mention that there is the quick polite hug when you don't know what to do. Then there's the buddy hug which is a slightly longer version. Then we have the bear hug that sweeps you off your feet and holds you so tight that you don't know if you ever want to let go. There's the shoulder hug and the lingering hug where you continue to hold each other for a bit while you walk and talk. All hugs are important, and I'm not saying anyone is better than the other. I think each type of hug has it's proper time and place.

I know that when I hug, I hug with my whole heart. Because I know that I'm giving my energy to the person that needs it most and hopefully they are happy to receive it. I hug to show I cherish, that I appreciate, that I love, that I know you need comfort, which I know I need comfort. A hug can be romantic, possessive, protecting, bonding or a simple way of greeting someone. But ultimately, they all share one thing, when you hug you let the other person know that you are aware of them and their life energy.

A hug is more than the comforting words you speak to someone. A hug is the energy you project. A hug shows the inner energy or affectionate you may have that you can't or don't vocalize. I consider myself lucky because as a child I was hugged by my family and friends often. Now that I'm older and I've been made aware of my natural energy I embrace it. I'm happy to be a part of someone's world when they need human touch and a different level of understanding.

Have you ever had someone randomly, on the street, that you don't know, approach you and tell you that you are beautiful or that they love your hair or outfit? Well, remember that feeling and give it back. Speak up when you feel something for someone.Hug them when you feel they need it. In this world we live in that is often plagued by so much uncertainty and pain, why not hug someone and turn their day around.

I think you will find that if you hug more, but not for the sake of just hugging. You will find that you bring positive energy to yourself and those people who are in need of it most.

I look at life as a few brief moments of true joy. It is the memories you make in a lifetime in which you are surrounded by those you love and those that love you most that defines your life journey. I can only promise you one thing: You always remember how someone makes you feel. You might not remember what they said, but you will remember the emotion behind how they said it.

So hug more! Don't be afraid to let others know that they are your whole universe.