I almost never hugged my parents growing up, only if I was leaving home for a long time or during a special occasion.
During a workshop I attended, we were challenged to give the people we lived with warm, gentle hugs for no reason.
I lived with my parents, so when I went home that night, I (very hesitantly) asked my mom & dad if I could hug them.
Yes, this was overwhelmingly intimidating, but I definitely didn't want to lose the challenge.
To my surprise, they said "OF COURSE!" and hugged back, never commenting on or questioning the act as I had anticipated.
As I greeted my parents the next day, I couldn't help but want to hug them again. There was a pull as if they had waited for years to finally receive my love.
After the first few hugs, it no longer felt awkward. In fact, it quickly turned into a radiant, energizing highlight of each day.
My dad would stand there with a huge grin and arms outstretched, waiting for me to deliver my bear hug.
Once, I was sitting at the kitchen table when my mom gave me a warm embrace from behind, putting her head on my shoulder. I don't think I'll ever forget how it felt.
Over a year and a half, our physical embraces brought us closer without a single spoken word.
If you're living at home, I challenge you to hug your parents today, for no reason at all.
Just do it. Do it before it's too late.
