Although my work clearly matters, although I have the support of my community, the essential part is lacking: the approval of my family.

You see, I am rather an expert at digging. I truly enjoy the cathartic action of using my paws in a practical way. Seeing my progress delights me and the smell of freshly dug earth reminds me where I came from and where it all leads (in a relaxing way, as in nothing is that stern, not in a morbid way. I am sorry for the possible confusion that image might have caused).

What I find most thrilling is the comparison at the end. When I first started with my construction, there was nothing. Everything was status quo. And then, by only employing my tiny paws and my overflowing dedication, there it was! By its mere appearance, a hole. In my vision, the product of my willpower.

Indeed, this is my calling, building tunnels. And they are so so versatile! The baby bunnies love them, making good use of them while playing hide and seek. The fluffle uses them as cozy burrows or nurseries. Right now, I am actually working with a team of incredible rabbits, as we want to create a whole underground tunnel system for fast transportation!

It is just so peculiar. Although my work clearly matters, although I have the support of my community, the essential part is lacking: the approval of my family. I do not mind that much the occasional human child thinking I am part of the present factory, misinformation is not a crime, they do not know better. The problem appears when the souls you are living, chewing on leafy greens and hibernating with, see the sparkle in your eyes when you are doing the thing you are supposed to do, yet still deny its essence.

I might be a little bit stubborn as well. I do not deny that. I have known myself to try too vehemently chewing on thorny grass. However, I just wish to understand why I was not made like my cousins, the hares. They come with no duty-bound baggage on this world. They get the privilege to decide for themselves, after exploring beforehand. No guilt, no pressure.

One of the questions I get asked a lot is why not do them both? as in get involved in the family business and also perform my “little hobby” (as dad likes to call it) on the side. My response to that is if you chase two rabbits, you will catch neither. That compromise would in fact feel like a sacrifice to me. It would feel like betraying myself, forcing myself into something I know, deep deep inside, has nothing to do with who I am.

So, although I appreciate the suggestion, I do not think I will follow it. I have also pondered the possibility of just not spending time anymore with those who disagree with my calling. But that is not who I am. My personality is in-hare-ntly (I just had to, I am truly sorry) social and warm. I crave connection – from creating it to keeping it alive.

 I enjoy digging holes so I dug myself into an emotional one

This is precisely why I define myself of stubborn nature. I cannot let go of those who do not support me, as I cannot let go of trying to chew on those plants that hurt me. I reckon it is not the smartest trait I embody, but I do not even think about “mediating” it. Who would I be without my soft and fluffy heart?

I do find it ironic, if I may be honest. I enjoy digging holes so I dug myself into an emotional one. How marvelous! My ruling needs intertwining into one: being accepting for who I am by the ones who will not, unless I change.

I do believe this is the point where I should be done with the “issue” section and start the “solution” one. And how I wish I could! Alas, solutions are easier when you understand your priorities. I for one understand the professional ones and the familial ones, but just as separate categories. Once I mix them together and need to choose the top priority, things tend to get quite messy.

I propose we try to think it out together. Let’s lay out the things I will not consider: giving up on my passion, giving up on my family, sacrificing my beliefs.  I do not want to wrap gifts with my front teeth, they are already quite sensitive. I do not want to break my back delivering them! I want to dig holes and … okay, I see it now. Was it this obvious the entire time? Was it really this intently staring me in the eye?

What if I abandon the talk and take up on real paw-to-paw action? Instead of trying to convince my family how wonderful my skill is, I will show them! Moreover, I will not just create a luxurious burrow for them or offer a tunnel straight to the most bunny-friendly vacation destination. They are not that kind of bunch, they only value their work and their supper. I will help them (while also helping myself in the process). The project is already planning itself between these pointy ears. Yes, it will take some time, patience and resources. And yes, I will sneakily have to extract some information about the destination points for those gifts. But all those details don’t matter, I have found the solution!