Please note: An updated version of this was posted on April 15, 2017.
Mr. Rogers, famous for hosting Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood on PBS, tells of a time when, as a child, he was frightened by items in the news. His mother comforted him by saying that although there were, and will be, bad and scary things in the world, it was important to look for the helpers—there were always helpers. Her words calmed him at the time, and also helped form the foundation of his life’s work.
It’s true, there are always helpers. No matter how seemingly all-encompassing and horrible the situation, there are always helpers. In times of natural disasters, organizations such as the Red Cross immediately dispatch people and resources. Friends, neighbors, and strangers reach out helping hands. Also, in times of war, there are resistance networks fighting the oppressors and individual citizens, in their own quiet way, performing small acts of kindness.
The same is true for you as you travel the pathway to your dreams. You don’t have to do it all yourself; there are helpers along the way. These helpers will probably not be with you every single step on your pathway, but they will be there to help you negotiate a rough patch. And new helpers will appear the next time you come up against setback.
So, if you’re having trouble taking the next step, look for the helpers who can give you the boost that you need.
Your homework today is to look for the helpers on your path. Of course they can be people, but also look for books, classes, services available at your local library, other resources, and the like. The second part of your homework is to look around you and be a helper to someone else.
Go you! You can do it!
Post in the comments section what you did today to be a helper. Yay you!
I’m so proud of you!
Your Friend,
Lauren
PS Here is Mr. Rogers’ full quote and the source in which it’s found:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers–so many caring people in this world.” The World According to Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers
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