Does anyone else love the story of the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams?

At a young age, this book made an impression on my heart. When I was in a college literature class, we could present on any piece, and I chose this story. I always loved the part about being “real.” Somehow it resonated deeply in my heart even though I had little understanding of what “being real” meant.

Being Real doesn’t happen all at once.
You become. It takes a long time.
It’s something that happens to you.
Becoming Real hurts sometimes,
but once you’re Real–you don’t mind being hurt.

The little boy loved rabbit so much that he loved off all his whiskers… he began to lose his shape. To the boy he was always beautiful and that was all the little rabbit cared about. He didn’t mind how he looked to other people. Once you’re Real, you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand. Once you are Real, you can’t become UNreal again… it lasts for always.

At the end, rabbit asks the fairy, “Wasn’t I Real before?”

The fairy answered, “You were Real to the boy, because he loved you. Now you shall become Real to everyone.”

What does becoming Real mean to you? Do you feel yourself becoming Real? No one can tell another how to “become real.” I do believe love (in any form we feel it) helps us become Real. It’s happening in us, for us. Love and suffering transform us (if we let them). Both hurt. Both are teachers. We begin to see with new perspective and can appreciate the hurts along with the joys. We become more authentic-true to ourselves-more aligned with truth within. As these inner changes occur, things around us naturally change. We carry a different “vibe” and others feel this. This creates a magnificent ripple effect into the world.

How does the story speak directly to your own heart? What parts “jumped out” as you read the excerpts? The body never lies—what did you feel in your body about different portions? What aligned with experiences you’ve had? To be Real involves learning how to become more *deeply connected* on every level. Let your heart show you how your Real is coming alive! What a gift!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.