In honor of National Rabbit Day, here are five lessons from the classic Velveteen Rabbit, written by Margery Williams and published in 1922.
1. Appearances Don’t Matter
Nowadays, we think being youthful, thin, and having a perfect standard of beauty is important. Velveteen Rabbit teaches us how unimportant appearance is. The Rabbit becomes worn out and old over time. However, the Boy loves him regardless. Having a heart is more important.
IMAGE VIA AMAZON
2. Hardships are Normal
The Rabbit went through several trials during his transformation from stuffed to real. Mechanical toys shunned him because he was a stuffed animal. Overtime he became weary and was left aside. But eventually, in the end, things get better. Although hardships may be the start of the journey, there will be a better outcome later. Hardships pass.
3. Authenticity is Key
Society today can create the illusion of the perfect life. However, you don’t need approval from anyone else to feel secure about your life. In Velveteen Rabbit, the Rabbit doesn’t need the Boy or other toys to tell him he’s real. Even before the transformation, the Rabbit believes in his realness. This authentic self confidences is essential.
4. Love Hurts
We have this idea that love is always the perfect happy ending. False! In Velveteen Rabbit, you can learn realistically, love is painful and requires commitment and hard work. Never regret the experiences you learn from loving someone. You can learn more about yourself and grow from it.
IMAGE VIA BUSINESS INSIDER
5. Never Forget where You’re From
Even though the stuffed rabbit becomes real, has friends, and achieves his wish; he still remembers the boy. The Rabbit goes and visits the boy in the garden. Velveteen Rabbit shows the importance of reflecting on your past.
I hope these five lessons can help impact your way of thinking and create a positive mindset.