Growing up my mom had a short, impactful, probably-not-unique-to-her phrase that could instantly shift the atmosphere: Sweeten Up. If we were being sassy, mean, self-centered, or just generally disagreeable, that phrase was her gentle, but firm, nudge back to reality. Most likely she’d been dealing with your attitude for a while now and she’d had enough. 
There was also a “look” that accompanied the phrase and began to speak for itself. Eyebrows raised, eyes locked on you, just waiting for either your humble acknowledgement or willful disobedience. My mom loved to give choices! Now as a mom myself, I find I use that same look and phrase on my three boys. And just like I eventually learned to understand its meaning, they’re also beginning to get the drift!
It struck me recently – Sweeten Up could be the perfect tagline for Tonja's Toffee because it works on a few different levels. It could just mean, “Try some of our tasty toffee to “sweeten up” your day!” Nothing wrong with that message! Or, it could serve as a reminder as my mom intended.
We live in a world that often feels overwhelmingly "salty” and not in a good way. For example, getting defensive when someone has a single idea that differs from us. Only offering help if it’s convenient, comfortable, and easy. Thinking more about our needs than the needs of those right in front of us. Have you witnessed anyone being sassy, mean, self-centered, or just generally disagreeable? I have, and unfortunately, sometimes - it’s me! That's where Sweeten Up comes in. It's a gentle, but firm reminder when we’re the ones being “salty.”
Now, I am going to add a part two to this tagline - Stay Sweet and Stay Sweet could just mean “Keep enjoying our delicious toffee!” To me though it’s about protecting the things in you that are good and right. It’s about walking through life with an unflappable bent towards love and service to others more than love and service to self. It’s about protecting your mind from all the yuck in the world. It’s about encouraging the good and right things you see in others.
So, the next time you find yourself being a little less than sweet, remember my mom's words: Sweeten Up. And as you encounter the trials and yuck of life remember to Stay Sweet - protecting your heart and mind from the bitterness trying to take root.
And if that is way too much hidden meaning behind your toffee then I hope you just hear “Sweeten everyday with the tender crunch of Tonja’s Toffee!” No matter what, a little sweetness can go a long way.
Take Care,
Aubrey
Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear how you're staying sweet! Share your tips in the comments, or phrases your mom used growing up, and don't forget to sweeten your day with Tonja's Toffee. Shop Now
