I like you as you are

Having grown up in Belgium, I didn’t have the privilege of watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child. As an adult I came to learn that Fred Rogers was an ordained minister who tried to live his life’s purpose by teaching children that they are loved and that they are capable of loving.

It was his belief that the (then new) medium of television had an opportunity of building a community out of an entire country. He chose a weekly tv show on public television that ran from 1968 to 2001 to teach children that kindness, empathy, and love are the foundations of a life well lived.

To this day, Mister Rogers is considered not simply a cultural phenomenon, but an American institution and a trusted friend that many people have fond memories of growing up with.

Even writing about Mister Rogers makes my heart feel tender.

I believe that he understood the power of community and how human connection works. I believe that Fred Rogers understood that vulnerability, having an open heart, and showing compassion for oneself and our fellow beings are cornerstones for a beautiful life – no matter what is thrown our way.

Many of us have movies we like to watch and rewatch during this season. I recommend that you include Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a 2018 documentary, and/or A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood, a 2019 movie starring Tom Hanks – both about Fred Rogers – in your viewing.

This time of year seems to be dominated by messages of “not enough” wherever we look. The start of a new calendar year is held up as the time when everything in life will finally be “perfect” – if only we work hard enough at it.

Inevitably, when “perfect” does not happen, we are told that this is a result of personal failure …. of not being ____________ [fill in the blank] enough.

I am reminded of one of Fred Rogers’ famous songs: I Like You as You Are.

What if in this moment you knew that you were already perfect?

What if you started the new year with a desire to grow as a whole human being, not because you are broken, not because you are not good enough, not because your only value is the job title you hold?

Let me share the wishes that were shared with me as a meme. Unfortunately, I do not know who the author is, but the sentiments mirror my feelings for all of us exactly:

I deserve to enter this new year feeling whole, just as I am. 

I don’t need to change anything about myself in order to be enough.

I am loved and worthy, as I am right now.

As I move forward, I welcome opportunities to further learn and evolve.

I am growing each and every day.

I believe in myself and my ability to make positive changes.

I am open to the new adventures to come.

I choose to feel inspired and hopeful.

I love who I am and who I am becoming.

In this moment, I accept myself as a beautiful work in progress.

May these words make it into your intentions, wishes, and prayers.

Finally, from my heart to yours: may you know that you are loved and that you are loveable.

May you know that you are perfect just the way you are.

May you know that being loving, kind, and compassionate with yourself will expand the love, kindness, and compassion in the world.

May you be well.