We often find inspiration is unobvious places. It could be a movie, song, picture, or a book. We could be sitting in a crowd full of people, or even sitting on the couch by ourselves. Inspiration for life is something that should be celebrated in a world full of things that can break your character. If you find something that inspires you for a second, minute, hour, or hopefully longer you should hold on to it. Find your joys and your happy, no matter how big or small it may be.
Tonight, a stuffed rabbit who’s only wish is to become real through the love of his owner was my inspiration. Yes, that sounds absolutely crazy. But let me take you back to 1922 with an excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.
He said, “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
So take this as you will. But I want to leave you with a few things to think about.
Think about our world today. We have a presidential election going on that seems more like an episode on a reality TV show. We have human lives being taken based on prejudices of religion, skin color, sexual orientation, and almost any difference in lifestyle that you can think of. Our country has faced one crisis after another, especially recently. Now take some time to think about your own life. You face your own battles day, after day. There are days you may feel unloved, ugly, or rejected by society. Now take a look back at the quote.
Figure out what makes you Real. Find the aspects in your life that disregard the madness and rough edges you may possess. See the world for what it is, but have the strength to continue to find the happiness and joy that each day holds. The Velveteen Rabbit may be children’s book. It may be outdated to most, and unknown by the majority of our generation but it rings a truth that a lot of us can understand.
Love is a driving force behind life, and whether you are fortunate enough to experience it throughout your life or you fight for it each day, accept it as it comes. If you can’t find love from someone else, love yourself. The world may never make sense, and we may never understand everyone around us but, understanding and love will lead to a Real life, so find yours and hold on tight.“You become, it takes a long time.”
