Mr. Rogers

Growing up, one of my favorite shows was Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. I know that for many he was not the most exciting man, and the show might not have been the most cutting edge, but the simplicity and authenticity of the show, and him as a man, have always spoken to me. He was a simple, quiet man, who truly displayed a kindness of heart too rarely found in today’s world.

What I loved most about him was the fact that everything he did spoke of the love and care he had for others. Even in his “neighborhood visits”, he showed the need and role each person had, and the importance of each person’s contribution to society. In this, he encouraged each person to not only care for others, but to work to make an impact on the world around them. Each day, he asked us to show care for the “neighbors” we met every day, and work to touch each life in a positive way.

Mr. Rogers put it this way, “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like, if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person…sometimes, all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person. Think of the ripple effect that can be created when we nourish someone. One kind, empathetic word, has a wonderful way of turning into many.”

Today, we are surrounded by a society that at times seems to thrive on tearing others down. The “burn” is what gets the laughs, and the smart put down receives all the attention. There is more effort put into calling names (even by our leaders), and in caring for others and working reach out to those surrounding us. The person who “nourishes” another or works to show caring and kindness is overlooked. I must admit that at times, I become more concerned with myself and my business and forget to think of those around me. I forget the importance of reaching out and building another up, or just offering a kind word. Complaints are easy to voice, and often quicker to our lips. Imagine if the same were true of kindness and caring.

Just as Mr. Rogers said, I encourage you to consider, what your little neck of the woods would be like if you put his challenge into practice. Imagine what it would do, not just for you, but also for those who surround you. That one word or act of kindness could quickly multiply, and the impact would ripple out and touch many others. We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can impact our little neighborhood, which is what Mr. Rogers was trying to teach us all along.