"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind." - Fred Rogers
In honor of World Kindness Day, Mr. Fred Rogers quickly comes to mind. An American icon, writer, producer, musician, and minister, he was an unforgettably loving and comforting presence to children everywhere. Few childhood figures are as synonymous with love as Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Beyond the comforting routine of watching him feed his fish, whisk us off to The Land of Make Believe, and trade his coat and loafers for a house sweater and sneakers, a visit with Mr. Rogers was 30 minutes of being assured that you were loved and appreciated, exactly as you are.
Rogers was the ultimate model of kindness, teaching children all over the world how to love and accept others, properly manage strong emotions, and work hard to make the world a better place. In a society that seems increasingly divided and struggles with profound acts of unkindness, it’s no wonder that, even 50 years after its original airdate, the message of love preached in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood is more relevant and necessary now more than ever.
"Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like “struggle.” To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now." - Fred Rogers
Between the release of the 2018 documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? as well as the forthcoming film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, we are being reminded of all the ways that we can be better neighbors, in all the many-layered meanings of that phrase.
In honor of Mr. Rogers, and everything he stood for, we invite you to spread the message of LOVE to your neighbors, to your family, and your community. Use and share code: SPREADLOVE for 20% off gifts of LOVE for everyone!
Comments
Jeannie Wallace said:
This is a wonderful piece, and reminds me so much of the lessons that I learned from Mr. Rogers so long ago. He is the ultimate spokesperson for exactly what this world needs now. If everyone stopped for just a few moments, and practiced at least one act of the kindness he always spoke of, we could change the entire world in that one moment. It would be a blessing from God, and everyone could see just how different they felt in that moment, and how change like this could become a reality.
July 24, 2020
Noelle Files said:
I absolutely love this piece on Mr. Rogers. Keep doing what you are doing! It is a blessing!!<3
February 10, 2020
Adam Quirk said:
Great article. Looking forward to seeing Tom Hank’s upcoming movie about this legend.
November 13, 2019