“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.” ~ Mister Rogers
I have thought of these words quite a few times over the past week, as we, as a country, have had to endure so many images of fellow human beings being injured or having their lives taken as a result of violence. These images tend to bring about a sense of disappointment in humanity as they are heartbreaking and maddening.
Yet, if we look closer, there is more to see. During these tragic events, there are helpers. There are people showing love and kindness even when they, themselves, are in immediate danger. Most recently, during the shootings in Dallas, an image caught on camera shows a group of people, black and white, all surrounding and protecting a baby in a stroller to protect it from the gunfire. Despite all of the anger and chaos, goodness prevailed.
This is what we need to focus on with our children. If children in your life have somehow seen some of this recent news coverage, it’s important for them to know that even in darkness, goodness shines through. It’s also important for us adults. When we are surrounded by negativity, be it face to face interactions, through media coverage, on social media, etc. it can envelope us as negativity begets negativity. But, if we can shield ourselves from this the best we can, and do positive and kind things for ourselves and for others, we are better equipped to spread joy. Joy and positivity are contagious, just as negativity is. We get what we put out. We also spread what it is we’re focused on through the sheer power of energy.
As long as we can keep our focus, we can help people to see that even in darkness, goodness shines through.
