Lessons from Mister Rogers

 

“It’s you I like, It’s not the things you wear, It’s not the way you do your hair– But it’s you I like The way you are right now . . .” This is the song that Mister Rogers sang to the five-year-old boy in the electric wheelchair.   Remember? Lisa and I went to see the Mister Rogers movie.  Using old footage and current interviews, the movie portrays a life well lived by a quiet and patient man, a man of music and of puppets, of curiosity and kindness. One word that could be used to describe Mister Rogers and his neighborhood is  “simple”.  They were as sweet and simple as the young children Mister Rogers was trying to reach.  It takes an enormous amount of work to create such a simple space.  My life is becoming more and more simple these days.  My writing has become more simple.  The things that are important to me have become more simple.   I don’t hurry anymore. Seeing the Mister Rogers movie made me feel better about this shift. To address these changes only with frustration would leave behind the important lessons that Mister Rogers worked so hard to teach us: Listen. Be kind. Make believe. Sing. Go slow.     Value everyone regardless of their age or what they do.  Remain curious about the world and what is right in front of you. Accept yourself and others just the way you are.   Remember that we all feel sad or angry sometimes. Won’t you be my neighbor?