Life's Journeys According to Mr. Rogers by Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers compilation of wisdom in Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way, is an excellent sequel to his earlier book, The World According to Fred Rogers. In the forward to this 2005 book, Fred's wife, Joanne Rogers begins with a note Fred sent her  on the back of a sunset photo taken while he was away on a trip. These words continue to offer comfort to Joanne and to readers of this book after Mr. Rogers death in 2003.

When the day turns to night

and your way beyond my sight

I think of you. 

The book is divided into three sections - Who You are Right Now, Loving and Being Loved, and Guided Drift.

Who You are Right Now: Fred wants us to understand our uniqueness in the world. When we play music no one else does it the same. He relays his childhood feelings when he was teased for being fat. The advice to act like it doesn't bother you doesn't work. We can begin understand that we control how we respond with the help of others who treat us with kindness. 

Loving and Being Love: It begins and ends with being kind to yourself and your neighbors. Mr. Rogers celebrates those who teach and share with others what they love. This reminded me of my entomology teacher at U of M Morris who had a boundless enthusiasm for insects. Her favorite phrase was "Good! Great! Go for it!"  I try to infuse the same love for discovery when teaching students about mycology. I am grateful when they respond with curiosity and take enjoyment in learning. 

Guided Drift needs a bit more explanation. There are times in our lives when we are in transition between jobs, friendships, and recovering from a loss. Its important to use this time for exploration as a side street can become a major path. However during this exploration it is also important not to be sidetracked by the trivial but to use our rudder to gently guide the journey.

He asks many questions: Will we be open to giving and receiving help during tough times? Will we recognize our own disabilities and use them to relate to others? Will we allow our playful nature to guide and give meaning to our work? How do we combine persistence that is needed to succeed with the wisdom to know when to take a break for nourishment and renewal?  How do we use our disappointment to discover new opportunities?

Nicolas Ma and Joanne Rogers on the New Mr. Rogers Movie - 12 min.