Earlier this week, I got to spend some time with Mr. Rogers.

My local public television station asked me to volunteer some time for their live June fundraiser, and I was more than happy to oblige.  Especially considering the program they wanted me to help with was a documentary called, Mister Rogers and Me.

I’m a big supporter of public broadcasting.  We all deserve easy (and free) access to smart, fun, thoughtful, and inspiring content – and, in my opinion, public television and public radio are the best at offering this to everyone, everywhere, all of the time.

Also, Fred Rogers spoke some serious, ever-lasting, soul-nourishing truth.

He told generations of kids (of all ages) that:

I like you just the way you are.

Talk about acceptance.

No need for improvements, or judgments, or even aspirations.  Just the way you are.  To be seen, to be welcome, and even to be liked, required only to be.

That deep and simple message alluded me for awhile, but I’m so grateful to be connected to it again…because liking you just the way you are, helps me to like me, just the way I am.

And that is such a good feeling, a very good feeling.