I LIKE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

I heard an interview on National Public Radio that aired March 11, 2016 [StoryCore.org] with Francois Clemmons.  Clemmons had been on "Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood" for many years and he was the first African American to have a recurring role on a children's TV show.  He shared that one day after hearing Mr. Roger's say something that he said at the end of each of his TV shows, "You make every day a special day just by being you, and I like you just the way you are;"  Mr. Clemmons asked Mr. Roger's if he was saying that to him.  Mr. Rogers’ replied "I've been saying that to you for years, today was the first day that you heard me." I was moved to tears hearing this as I realized that Mr. Roger's was able to say something that he believed and wanted to share, over and over again, hoping that he would be heard.  Mr. Roger's kept being himself and I believe knew that being heard by others was up to them and not up to him.  His job was to be himself and express what he believed without judging others...even if they took a long time to hear him.

So, how does this relate to the rest of us?  Well, I believe that we all have the same job as Mr. Rogers’ if we want to live happy and fulfilling lives.  To live every day true to ourselves and choosing to like others "Just the way they are;" we might then feel a connection to others and be happier with our own lives. These other people might even choose to hear us and feel our caring and then care more about themselves. Apparently being liked just the way we are makes it easier for each of us to accept ourselves and then choose to make healthy changes in the way we live our lives.  So, according to Mr. Roger's, it is important for all of us to like ourselves and others just the way we and they are.

And I thought "Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood" was only for kids.