This may sound really dumb but

[MuseRider]

I am feeling like I need to give each of you a big hug. Life is getting harder and more worrisome. I just think a group hug would help me a lot right now. If it would help you then hop on. All this time and I really "know" so few of you but we are often really close anyway. I just felt today a growing dread about what is ahead, a lot more than ever before. I think we will win but it is going to cost us a lot. The costs will come from all sides and will be terribly hard. We can do this but I need a hug, really. I would normally never write anything like this, my independent streak stops me usually but today I feel beat and tired. So, if the sentiment is enough to help any of you please join in. Just a hug unless you need more then go for it, I have lots to share I love hugs. We can toughen up soon but right now I need to feel warm and positive feelings.

[jls4561]

1. Done.

[MuseRider]

3. Thanks and right back to you.

Hugs are wonderful, they can get you through most any horrible situation. Thank you.

[ananda]

2. Definitely!

[MuseRider]

5. :-) Thanks!

[vapor2]

4. I also love DU and appreciate member comments and advice

I hope we can survive this shit too but keep fighting and call several republicans to voice your opinions

[MuseRider]

8. They have heard from me.

Some of them will not forget me and our successful LGBT rights group and our women's rights group. We LOVE here in Kansas, and expect all to be treated with dignity and care, at least the Democrats do. THANK YOU! Keep it going, we cannot afford to wear out .

[SheltieLover]

6. ...

[MuseRider]

10. Awwwwww

that is a nice, warm hug and I am sending one back to you. We've got this. Everything good is on our side. We just need to stay up and together. YAY

[SheltieLover]

25. Thx!

[MuseRider]

11. Thank you. We are on the best side, it is always the best over here.

[wendyb-NC]

7. Absolutely

[MuseRider]

13. Thank you!

[Karadeniz]

9. Include me in !!!! I share your feelings...make sure you look at the memes,

Cartoons and animal posts... A brief respite !!!

[MuseRider]

16. Always, it is such a nice place to go when it gets tough!

Thank you. Hang in there

[Buns_of_Fire]

12. No problem.

[MuseRider]

17. My kitty just gave me the biggest head bump

I will share it with you.

[malaise]

14. Here my friend

[MuseRider]

18. Thank you, love you lots.

[Scrivener7]

15. The only way out now is through, and we'll just have to go through together.

We will get through.
My warmest alliance is with you. Hang in there.

[MuseRider]

19. Ohhhh how true that is.

I have little doubt we can do whatever we have to do but is already so wearing on us. You should write that on a thread of your own, it is very powerful, simple and moving.

[Scrivener7]

21. Well, thank you. And yes, it is so wearing. I am finding myself hibernating from

it, concentrating very hard on my neighborhood garden and fiction books and (Democratic) family and biking and anything not to do with that thing.

[MuseRider]

77. Good evening!

Just got back on as I was taking care of my horses, cats and dogs. For me that is essential to my emotional health just like all those things you do. Nobody should or could give up their lives. Enjoy, I have seen you here often enough that I KNOW you are in the trenches often enough. Can you even imagine if you had nothing but politics right now? I think I would be spinning out of control somewhere around Mars. Big to your . Nobody around here is doing too little.

[alwaysinasnit]

20. Hugs for you, and all of our DU community.

[MuseRider]

85. Right back to you!

With every hug I feel more power.

[hamsterjill]

22. Wow! I think you just read my mind.

First of all - hugs to you. Yes, we all need to feel warm and positive feelings, and we don't seem to get to enjoy that as much since January!

I believe there is a collective sadness over all that we see happening, and going unchecked. We know it's not right, feel helpless, and don't see anyone in power doing very much. At least that is the way that I feel quite a bit of late.

Some of us just feel it more deeply. I have a strong sense that Mother Earth, nature, whatever you want to call it - is groaning right now. She's been neglected and beaten, and she's just had enough. We are all a part of that collective whether we want to be or not, whether we address it or not, and whether we accept it or not. I'm not trying to get all "nutty" over this. I simply very definitely believe that our minds and our bodies sense the impending doom, and are reacting to it.

Hugs are the antidote. Taking care of ourselves and those around us will help. Believing we are not helpless will help, and ultimately, in my opinion, the next "leader" will come forth, and we will finally have someone who can battle Trump and we can feel safe again. We just don't know how long that's going to take.

[KT2000]

23. Aren't we fortunate

to have DU. We understand each other during these trying times. Hugs

[H2O Man]

24. Recommended.

I am convinced that we will win. But there will be suffering and death.

Yet, as Martin Luther King, Jr., noted, "unearned suffering is redemptive." And as Spinoza wrote, "But all noble things are as difficult as they are rare."

There is a cost, but there will be a reward. We will get there.

[Quakerfriend]

56. Thank you for those quote! When I feel weak inside

I remind myself of the courage of the Ukrainian people despite all they’ve been through.

And yes, we will get there.

[Phoenix61]

26. Excellent idea!

[markodochartaigh]

27. Sure

[Walleye]

28. Me too I've been getting anxiety attacks every evening

I’m 76 years old and I live alone. I’ve always felt it was fine but I’m feeling more anxious lately. A hug would be nice. I wish we could all get together and sing folk songs or something.

[ReRe]

79. I knew it.

I knew you and I had something in common, Walleye. Same age, and might as well live alone. A song came across my mind yesterday: Mike Cross, "Lord Preserve us and protect us, We've been drinkin whisky for breakfast". We are so lucky, Walleye, to have this place called DU to come to when we feel huggable. All you have to do is ask!

[Walleye]

88. Thanks so much, it's really good to know. I'm not completely alone.

[3catwoman3]

29. Count me in.

[yellow dahlia]

30. If you're not feeling these feelings right now, you're not paying attention.

[Attilatheblond]

31. Count me in too! Today seems to be overflowing with bad juju

Only way to fix that is with group support and love.

Don't know any of you in 'real life' but here, where I pay attention and try to be a good neighbor, I find so many to admire, and maybe even love. It's nice, in old age when one has lost many loved ones, to find a place where weird new friendships manage to develop and grow.



Years ago, when I would lurk around here, there was a thread called (((((Ripples))))). It made an impact & I think of it often when some small act of kindness crosses my view. You people revive, restore, reassure, and it is a saving grace words cannot describe.

[MLAA]

32. Here you go!

🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐

[LoisB]

33. A big group hug.

[LiberalLoner]

34. Thank you so much, back at you! 💙💙💙

[CrispyQ]

35. Don't forget to get outside some!!

It always helps me. 🌳🐦

It's been 10 years. He's exhausting & he's getting so much worse. Plan to do something on No King's Day, no matter how small.

[Rwheeler32]

36. Thank you

We all need support through this dreadful time.

[sprinkleeninow]

37. For you, for us...

💟

[senseandsensibility]

38. Nothing dumb about it

Remember, we're stronger together!

[canetoad]

39. Hug me

Hug my dog too!

[niyad]

40. Huggggggggggggs

[spanone]

41. Scary Times.....

[claudette]

42. 🤗

Hugs

[Figarosmom]

43. Me too

I've been spending so much time in my garden because that world makes sense.

[OddMom20]

44. Hugs are NEVER dumb

We’re all in this together, and that means we bolster each other up when needed. Hugs to you, MuseRider and to all members of the DU community (if you like hugs 😊

[stillcool]

45. move over....let me in

[radical noodle]

46. I always have extra hugs to give

and I'm also in need of a few. Thanks MuseRider.

[JMCKUSICK]

47. I agree

[SallyHemmings]

48. Hugs

[TygrBright]

49. Back atcha. We gotta be here for each other. Stay connected! n/t

[Hope22]

50. Hugs and love to you.

💗🙏🏼💐💗

[AKwannabe]

51. ...

[KitFox]

52. I love that you posted this! Thank you for the hugs and sharing your feelings. Big bear hug

and lots of gentle hugs coming back to you. I find myself breaking down in tears when seeing the accounts of such extreme cruelty. You know the feeling you get when you go to a rally or protest and you are surrounded by so many people who feel as you do. The DU family gives us that any time of the day or night and how fortunate we are! When I was an elementary school teacher, my days were full of hugs. I appreciate you, MuseRider, for reminding us the importance of virtual hugs too. 😊🩷🩷🩷🩷

[dchill]

53. ((((((((((Here you go))))))))))

[wryter2000]

54. Here you go

[Solly Mack]

55. :)

Back at you, Muse.

[Grim Chieftain]

57. Much needed

[Evolve Dammit]

58. You got it. Hang tough.

[Srkdqltr]

59. (((((Hugs))))

[littlemissmartypants]

60. ❤️

Thank you.

[FemDemERA]

61. Hugs all around...

[Cirsium]

62. Not dumb at all

[marble falls]

63. Even being tough, we'd better be open to the possibilities: hugs back atcha!

[NH Ethylene]

64. *Hugs* - I needed that too.

We are all lucky to be here with each other during this tough time.

[Clouds Passing]

65. Hugs MuseRider

On top of all this dumpco garbage, I’m being confronted with major health challenges. More hugs

[wordstroken]

66. I hear you. Great idea, MuseRider. I need some hugs, too. No place better than from our DU family.

[ChazII]

67. Sending a group hug.

[ChazInAz]

96. Hey, Bro!

[CareyOn]

68. Your timing, MuseRider, is impeccable.

Sending my tightest hug and grateful for those coming back. This is so much more effective than the anxiety pills I just took.

[barbtries]

69. I woke up with dread this morning.

pure dread. hope felt distant.
life under krasnov is a roller coaster. I honestly believe that nearly half of the country (magats) have #MassSociopathy and the rest of us have PTSD.

Heather Cox Richardson did a live this evening. Her message is honest but never defeatist.
https://www.youtube.com/live/ku8Db6eQnAU?si=kV817gzwNKN481Zr

[bronxiteforever]

70. Hey you are a great human being.

Thank you.

[ChazInAz]

71. I feel the same.

Here's a long, lingering one from me.

And more from the rest of the crew!

[swimboy]

72. A big hug from this soon to be 20-year DUer

Hugs are vital and effective! Thank you for looking out for us. I give good hugs and one is yours!

[live love laugh]

73. ...

[judesedit]

74. ...

[MustLoveBeagles]

75. Done

And it doesn't sound dumb at all.

[Alice Kramden]

76. Big virtual hugs

[Kali]

78. I hear you and TOTALLY relay

[ultralite001]

80. When I think "hug"... this image always comes to mind...

Joe Biden hugging his son, Hunter...



Holding you, + all of DU, in our 🧡💛💙...

[babylonsister]

81. Not dumb at all; I feel how you feel.

Here's a hug, my friend.

[Bayard]

82. Hugs!

[ReRe]

83. Here's to you, MuseRider!

[cliffside]

84. Big Hug, we all needs hugs, more so doing this Stressful period ...

Joined DU in 2004 when times were tough

[Skittles]

86. I'm not one for touchy-feely stuff

but.....there are exceptions

[MuseRider]

87. I HAVE TO SLEEP you all are the best. THE best.

I have felt so much better since I started the thread. I was feeling scared and lost. I feel better but still have that scared feeling. I have to stop now but I will be back tomorrow to finish answering. ATM I can barely find my own keyboard but I always believe in answering people.

I feel boosted by all your power, thoughts and effort in SO many ways.

Back at it tomorrow to finish answering everyone. I feel SO much better just talking like this, sharing what life is about and how it should be and how perverted it is with this group in charge. I actually do feel we have a good chance to do this,make it right but is NOT going to be easy.

Back in the AM and thinking for the first time in a long time I will sleep well. Thank all of you for that, We have this,

We should always stop for the occasional HUG. As tired as I am I feel endlessly held up by all of you.

BIG HUGS AND SWEET DREAMS

[Delmette2.0]

89. Here is my hug for you

This is a wonderful idea. I am happy to know you MuseRider.



And consider this a snuggle from a little Yorkie named Suki.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

90. What a lovely post.

It means a lot, and makes a difference.

[usonian]

91. These are stressful times and will probably get worse, but people will DO THE RIGHT THING when the time comes.

And the entire Putin cadre of treasonous bastards will be enjoying the lovely Northern California weather ON ALCATRAZ. There be sharks in the waters of the bay 🦈 🦈 🦈 🦈 🦈 🦈 🦈

And batteries 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋 🔋!

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220295160

Call them out and band together.

[alittlelark]

92. ((((((Hugs)))))

[GigiLeigh]

93. Hugs back to you

[cate94]

94. A hug for you

And a hug for the group

[BadgerMom]

95. Consider this a hug back.

[HeartsCanHope]

97. Thanks for the hug!

Right back at ya!

[highplainsdem]

98. A hug for you, and everyone else who needs one.

I think we can all use a group hug right now.

[ybbor]

99. ❤️❤️❤️

The biggest bear hug in the world to you!!! I also love hugs!!!

[iluvtennis]

100. Virtual hug to ya.

[UpInArms]

101. (((((HUG)))))

Thank you so much, MuseRider, I, too, need a hug

[LetMyPeopleVote]

102. Hugs are good things

We all need some hugs

[BigMin28]

103. Feeling the same

[deminks]

104. Always get a ((hug))from me

[Bluestocking]

105. Yeah it sounds dumb

Just kidding. That is nice
Every day I still can’t get beyond the idea that it is back in the White House. WTF. I think it is affecting my mental health.

[Faux pas]

106. Here ya go MuseRider

plus tons of Peace, Love and Joy!!!

[elocs]

107. Pass. I don't do hugs, group or otherwise. And I avoid warm & positive feelings.

This is why I come to DU, for the bad news and sense of hopelessness I usually get here and to its credit, DU seldom disappoints on that.