How I Came Up With “Hugs Heal”

I've had some people asking me how exactly I came up with Hugs Heal and why I choose to do this, so here's the deal.

I've always enjoyed hugs and thought that they were a very important part of anyone's life, but that thought was always kind of abstract; I didn't have anything specific to attribute it to. But not long ago I was reading an article on abc.com about a study that was done showing that hugs can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. I remember thinking “Wow, hugs really do heal.” I thought that was so incredible and a such very important find. It made me think of all the times in my life that a hug has made me feel better and all times I've hugged friends and family members when I thought they needed it. I realized that hugs have a far more profound effect on our lives than most people really appreciate. So, I came up with the "Hugs Heal" idea.

So far it's just a myspace and a blog, but people have been responding so wonderfully to my message that who knows where it will go. I've been getting all sorts of ideas about making this into a real organization, but it's a bit early to consider that too seriously. For now, I just want to get my message across and touch as many lives as possible in the process.

A Hug for a Brave Soldier

"This is Donna and Kevin. He is a soldier in the Army and currently overseas. This is one of the last hugs I received from him. He is greatly missed. He will be home soon. This and other hugs are not like any other. These are the intense 'please don't go, but beacuse you have to I will hug you tight so you dont forget what it feels like in my arms' hugs' "

- Shared by Donna

Photo Submitted by a Friend of Hugs Heal 4

This is my personal favorite of my children!

Shared by Liz from Coleman, Texas

Hugs Heal Story 4 - submitted by a friend of Hugs Heal

I currently have a soldier in Iraq, not too long ago I was crying alot. My brother and I stood in the living realizing we needed eachother. We hugged for a very long time. So long my neck hurt. That hug was needed. I hadn't cried in I dont know how long. It made me realize it's ok to break down, to lose control for that moment and there is always someone right there to hold you when you need them. This hug has helped me through the last three days. I am stronger because my brother and I fell apart together.

-Shared by Donna from Florida

A Princess Hug

"My four year old daughter and her friend were playing dress up one day and my daughter decided to give her friend a hug. Caitlyn is good at giving out hugs, she is a very loving child."

- Shannon of Colorado Creations Photography