What always makes me feel better?
When I was a kid, a strong two-armed hug from my mother always did the trick. I still remember how her embrace felt on my smaller body in elementary school. It felt like home.
Today, there are a couple of things that always boost my spirits. In keeping with what worked as a kid, my husband is now my favorite go-to hugger. (Sorry Mom!) Our frames fit perfectly and his arms are hella big. Whether we’ve been apart for a while or it’s just been a terrible day, I always love a hug from him.
A hug from 1997:
Second, I love a surprise phone call/text message/email/snail mail from someone who knows I’m down. Sometimes it’s just a quick “I’m thinking of you” and other times it’s a full-on Hallmark card with spot-on sentiments. When life cannot be made right, or the weight of it all feels too heavy, that one unexpected person-to-person contact clears the clouds almost immediately. It’s a reminder that I’m not completely alone.
Coincidentally, I try to be that sort of person for others. Since I know an unexpected note of encouragement can do wonders, I attempt to be a reminder to friends and family that none of us go through this messy life on our own. Thank goodness, right?