Two months ago, a friend of mine gave me a fist pump. Our fists connected, skin to skin, as we stood apart with our masks on. We’re in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and due to fears about catching the virus, people are no longer hugging.

If you grew up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home, you might have mixed feelings about physical contact. In a 2018 article in the Washington Post, many parents are still physically disciplining their kids. And 1 out of 9 girls and 1 out of 53 boys have been sexually assaulted at the hands of an adult.

Physical contact with another person might trigger painful memories.

However, studies have shown that hugs can have a healing power as hugging someone releases oxytocin into our bodies and helps us feel that “warm fuzzy feeling” when we trust and are close with someone.

I do love to hug and have fond memories of my mother and grandmother both hugging as a kid. Hugs were a way to help heal over the difficult parts of my childhood. They helped heal me and created a bond with the women in my family.

On the other hand, the men in my family didn’t give many hugs. Maybe a quick pat on the pack and a super strong handshake.

If you feel comfortable giving a hug (and it’s safe to do so if you’re reading this during the coronavirus pandemic), I invite you to go up to someone you love, and give them a warm embrace.

Hold them close for a good 30 seconds and let your guard down.

We can create new and healthy memories surrounding physical contact, and we can control how much (or how little) we wish to participate in such hugs.

It’s up to you. You are in control of your own body.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.