I recently saw the movie ‘It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood” and was profoundly impacted by the story and Tom Hank’s poignant portrayal of Fred Rogers. Though I watched the show as a child, as did my children, I didn’t recall it’s impact on the audience’s emotional well-being. Mr. Roger’s message of empathy and compassion, his kind and calm presence all definitely a pre-cursor to the necessary work we are now doing in education around social emotional learning, mindfulness and mental health. I started writing down some of his quotes during the movie and shed my usual tear or two (ok, many more) throughout. The following messages stood out to me that night and have taken on an even greater meaning as I navigate life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
#1 Being neighbourly
"All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbours--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver."
For the last number of years, I have moved multiple times, yet have not known my neighbours. Aside from the odd hello while out for an evening walk or dashing from the car to the house, people living around me have tended to keep to themselves. Yet, this quote broadens the meaning of being neighbourly, and is evident in the way we need each other right now as local and global neighbours. Stories of acts of kindness are everywhere; messages of hope and humour in social media, people checking in on each other, shovelling drive-ways, delivering groceries. It’s nothing less than awe-inspiring how society has pulled together despite our physical distancing.
I particularly love the hearts in windows around town and messages on sidewalks. What a wonderful idea! The act of staying home and helping flatten the curve is in itself a powerful way to give. Governments, scientists, medical professionals and citizens from around the world are sharing their strategies and stories to help others stay safe. All of these neighbourly acts help alleviate feelings of helplessness and gives us comfort while the virus continues to spread.
#2 Family, Gratitude
“Take a minute and think about all the people who have loved you into being”
There’s nothing like a global crisis to make us all stop and think carefully about what’s most important; our loved ones, our friends, our school communities; those whose love for us has shaped us and given us a sense of belonging. It’s made me yearn for my lost loved ones even more, especially my late husband, and despite early social distancing messages, run towards my children, not isolate from them. I have this great big loving family and though we are scattered all over, we are finding ways to connect, support and bless each other. The same is true for friends and colleagues. I am so grateful for you all!
#3 Handling Stress
"In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers."
What a powerful statement! The importance of listening and honouring our need to be heard, to question and seek understanding during this time of uncertainty and anxiety cannot be overlooked. One area of concern is providing learning and social emotional support to our students and school families in light of suspension of in-person classes. The message for parents to maintain calm and manage stress and anxiety while home with their children has been wonderfully addressed by our Director of Instruction with a letter filled with helpful strategies and links to resources. Thank you Carleen! So too is the feeling of care and concern shown to educators from all education partners in this province, and from our Superintendent and District Staff as we begin to design plans to address our new reality. As stated, though we are apart, “Together We Learn!”.
#4 Look for the Helpers
"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.' "
Finally, there’s no better place to look for inspiration and comfort than to those that are helping. We are all doing our part, but those on the front lines deserve our unwavering appreciation and support. Thank you!
I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon Mr. Rogers’s timeless advice and moving story. It has brought me comfort during this scary time and reminded me of the importance of calmness, kindness, family, gratitude and “being a good neighbour” not just in times of crisis, but in everyday (non-pandemic) life.
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