Six key Phrases

Most times when it comes to talking – less is more.

Wisdom can be acquired from sources we never thought would teach us a flipping thing. For instance, a stuffed animal belonging to my two daughters, named Mr. Bunny, has taught me a lot over the years.

Several years ago, Mr. .Bunny was created by my now twelve year old daughter, Sianna, at the Build-A-Bear Workshop.  It was there that she put a voice chip in it with six key phrases, mostly terms of affection that are short, but to the point.  Then a few years later in 2012 as a token of friendship, she gave it to her new sister, Lia, when we met her in China.  Since that time, Mr. Bunny has become a mainstay and source of connection.  Now, just about every night when I say goodnight to Lia I ask her to push the stuffed rabbit’s button for a key phrase. 

 So, I thought I would share the six key phrases Mr. Bunny speaks when you press his button.

 I love you-   These are the three most important words we should all speak and show to our loved ones.  This is especially important to kids when they are young, because love is something we all seek.  This is just my opinion, but there are many people who have lost their way because they have felt unloved in life.  However, it is a two way street and even if you are feeling unloved, you can display love and break the cycle.

Give me a hug-   To be physically affirmed for a child is a big deal.  A genuine “I got you” kind of hug speaks volumes. It has been said that during a tragedy often we can’t hear God speaking because He is silently wrapping His arms around us in a comforting embrace.  The thought is that actions speak louder than words because there are times that words just seem useless.  Showing you care seems to be the way to go because it is so much more tangible.

Let’s go home -   Most people want a place they can call home.  Not to mention, almost everyone wants to belong somewhere. Sadly some lose their way in life seeking to belong to a group they shouldn’t, simply because of a desire to be accepted.  Home is that one place that we all should be able to count on going to when the day is over.  Home sweet home is more than a nineteenth century song, it is a place that grants pleasure, security and relief when one returns to it.

I’m so happy, you’re my new best friend-   Another thing that many of us like to do is to make new friends.  The thing about a friend is you must be one to have one.  Better yet, like so many kids, we like to claim we have a best friend.  If you have had more than two or three best friends in your life you should consider yourself lucky, just because best friends are so hard to come by at any age.  Loyal, brave and true is what sums up a best friend and something everyone should have in their life.

Let’s play-  There is just something about play that gets the brain going and the blood flowing the way it should.  Just like the old proverb says, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.  Although, one can’t play all the time, if one can play well with others it is a huge attribute.  Not to mention, it speaks well of his character.  While on the other hand, “doesn’t play well with others “is a moniker we should try to avoid at all costs.

What’s your name? -  A name is important because this is how people identify you and know who you are.   Often how people say your name, first or last, tells you a lot about where you stand or what they think about you.   There was a time when a family name meant something.  It still should and it should be more important than just protecting the brand, which so many people seem obsessed with these days.

The truth be told, we should all seek to be using re-affirming words and actions more often and not leave it up to stuffed rabbits to do the important stuff.

Six key phrases of affection toward the ones we love should just be a warm up exercise for more to come.

Swavel