Fred Rogers, a PBS television actor who mentored children in lifeskill development, has some valuable “life lessons” that may help us move forward in our emotional well-being in the coming year:
Make responsibility and routine part of each day: Mister Rogers’regular routine of entering the TVstudio, adding a sweater to his shirt, and singing a supportive song while feeding the fish engaged children/ parents to establish a supportive and trusting relationship between actor and TV viewers. Routines comfort us all, particularly when our actions show responsibility for caring for others.
Look for the land of “make believe”: We know meditation and mindfulness allow us to grow spiritually, decrease stress, and use our imagination to improve the world around us.
Make something even if you are not good at it: My husband, a retired engineer, has recently begun drawing in retirement. For some timehe denied he could produce adequatedrawings. I encouraged him to meet with a local sketch artist and how he “wows” me with his sketches. He notes it feels good to make something of value to himself and others.
Put on your sneakers at the end of the day: Put on your “play clothes” after a work day to signal you to relax, put the day to rest andlook forward to the coming day ofpossibilities.
Look for the helpers: In this world of challenges and often uncertainty, each of us needs to identify the helpers who exist in our lives to listen to our stories, meet our needs and savor our friendship. Identifying ways we can become “helpers” to others allows us to feel good by using our wisdom and skills to create good in our world.
Act like a good neighbor: Work to clarify misunderstandings and hurt feelings of others to improve the quality of your life. Mister Rogers noted showing empathy and grace are the most important aspects of being a good neighbor.
Reference: Stern, S.T. (2018, June 28). PBS Press Room: What can we still learn from Mister Rogers as an adult? Retrieved July 12, 2018 from http:www.nextavenue.org/learn- from-mister-rogers-as adults.