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." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.
-Fred Rogers
I think at least a few of us would agree that the world around us can leave us feeling unsettled at times. I can hardly jump on social media without being barraged by frightening news stories and polarizing arguments over political views. It can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Now, I believe that it is important to be informed. I have watched my fair share of televised political debates and digested more than enough Huffington Post and local news this Spring to remain at least a bit informed.
But I am shifting what I now choose to consume. I believe that by filling my life with positive information and with general hope and confidence in humanity, I reduce some of the stress and at times darkness I feel. Positivity and light breeds more positivity and light. It is a beautiful cycle.
I choose to believe that there are far more helpers than one can count. So, I am choosing to actively look for helpers--within my family, in my community, on the news, on the internet.
So far I can better recognize what my husband does for me and how helpful a little 4-year-old can be. I have found countless crusaders in my community, each championing special causes. I see loving parents as I shop or even just look out my kitchen window. I look up to these individuals. I see regular, everyday people making impacts, both big and small, on others' lives as I choose to reflect on their contributions in my media consumption. I am constantly buoyed up by these helpers and feel inspired to make my own contributions at home and in my itty-bitty circle of influence.
I believe that we can find helpers almost everywhere we look. We just have to have our eyes prepared to see them. And in situations where we cannot find a helper, we can step up and become one.
Our world is not improved only by legislators, celebrities, religious leaders, and wealthy individuals. Our world is most significantly impacted each day when all of us collectively choose to be helpers--in our homes, in our families, in our communities. Small, everyday acts of both service and courage are what make the world a better, brighter place.
(picture via http://jesusdaily.com/10-mister-rogers-quotes/)
