Some time ago, I set an intention to hug myself every morning. It was probably based on the suggestion of Dr. Kristin Neff, a mindful self-compassion expert.

Did I end up doing it? Not every morning—not even close to every morning. But what’s interesting is that the intention is now there in my mind—sometimes at the forefront, and other times, at the back. I would never have even considered hugging myself every morning some years ago.