What Mr. Rogers might say…
Mr. Rogers? Fred Rogers?? Any chance you’re in the neighborhood? I could use your guidance…
You see, I have this conundrum. Pretty pedestrian, really, but it’s a human conundrum from which many of us suffer.
Oh, wow, I guess you’ve heard plenty about our human conundrums during your many years hanging out in the ‘hood? Right? Even better! It’s always nice not to feel alone in this being human thing. Such a difficult balancing act, you know?
Oh, you don’t know? You’re wondering to which balancing act I’m referring? Yeah, I admit there are so many precarious tightrope walks in negotiating this human condition. All the seesaw swings we experience - right to wrong and then, heavens, back from wrong to right! It can be breathtaking and so….confusing. We’re so imperfect….
Any words of wisdom, Mr. Rogers, for this conundrum of our imperfect collective human journey?
Oh, you do have some thoughts! Yay!
“Sometimes people are good,
And they do just what they should.
But the very same people who are good sometimes,
Are the very same people who are bad sometimes.
It’s funny, but it’s true.
It’s the same for me…
Isn’t it the same for you?”
Oh my, I can relax! Sacred permission to be a fallible human being from Mr. Rogers. A get-out-of-jail-card for my imperfections. Oh, but wait, must I garner a note of absolution from you, Mr. Rogers, each time I’m less than perfect? That’s going to be difficult. Your current domicile (heaven) is a bit distant from me.
Oh wow, I hadn’t considered this particular wrinkle, that Fred Rogers is not around to offer me his kindness and absolution from my human imperfections. What to do? What to do…..
Begin again.
Huh?
When experiencing a less-than-perfect moment, begin again, perhaps with a side dish of self-compassion. Take each experience of imperfection, or human frailty, as an opportunity to begin anew. Permission given because, well, I’m still an evolving imperfect human being and Mr. Fred Rogers said be nice to myself. Of course, I suspect the suggested accompanying side dish of self-compassion is bigger than I think, so grab a fork and join me. Let’s just pass that dish around.