The Six-Second Hug — Donna Hopkins

I cannot remember exactly where I read about the value of a six-second hug. I only remember that it was during the heart of the pandemic, and I was struggling.

Once I shared this finding with my husband, he was completely on board. He really tried to get in those six-second hugs with me.

Six-seconds feels like an eternity for me.

And while I’d be the first to admit that I want to be loved, I also recognize that one of my negative core beliefs about myself is that I am unworthy of such love. There is a push and pull between wanting those deep connections and not allowing myself to have them.

Somewhere deep inside, I have convinced myself that it is not okay for me to have needs. Not okay to express negative emotions. Not okay to show up as myself.

There is great vulnerability in acknowledging these beliefs, and it is incredibly sad.

But there is also great healing in learning to use my observations to change my thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

The work continues.