I Like You Just the Way You Are
|
|
Some movies are meant to be seen alone. At least for me. I wasn’t expecting the ugly cry when I sat down in the very comfortable recliner seating at a local movie theatre to see Tom Hank’s impeccable performance of Fred Rogers in
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
.
I have very few memories of watching
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
on TV. The show began in 1968 when I was 5; but I was first generation daycare and I guess we didn’t watch TV at the home-based center. However, watching the movie, and learning about Fred’s educational background, he did a phenomenal job teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Yes, I googled during the movie … but I promise there were only two other people in the audience and I was sitting behind them!
“The program was critically acclaimed for focusing on children's emotional and physical concerns.”
Wikipedia
“His singular focus was on helping children understand their
intrinsic sacred value
. He looked into the camera and imagined a single child to whom he was speaking.
He did all he could to help that child face the challenges of our broken world
, discussing such difficult subjects as death, divorce, and war. Across three decades, his mission was to convey to children everywhere the fact that
God loves them just as they are
.”
(Emphasis mine.)
Denison Forum
Isn’t that what we do through the
CBSG Program
? Let’s look at the
I AM
message:
I AM likeable, capable, unique and valued.
In SEL language this is where we focus on self-awareness, specifically, self-perception/identity/value. "
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
emphasized young children's social and emotional needs while focusing on the child's developing psyche and feelings and sense of moral and ethical reasoning."
Revisiting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: Essays on Lessons about Self and Community
This, of course, is just one example of how the
CBSG Program
and SEL complement each other. He was a true Renaissance man with a heart of gold.
In my
CBSG Program®
Trainings, and when I have an opportunity to work directly with children and youth, I take the occasion to make a statement,
“There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone just like you. You are placed on this earth at this specific time because of who you are. You have been created with unique gifts and talents.”
I believe there is a place in each of us that needs to hear these words. It’s what struck me as most poignant in the movie. Fred Rogers said on numerous occasions,
“I like you just the way you are.”
He’s talking about intrinsic worth and value. You (and me) aren’t valued because of what you do or what you have but WHO YOU ARE. This struck a deep cord in me and it made me weep. Yep, that ugly kind of crying I mentioned before. The kind where you go to sleep with puffy eyes and when you wake up in the morning, they are even puffier.
The movie is primarily about the relationship between Fred and an
Esquire
reporter, Tom Junod. It’s Tom’s story to tell, not mine … so go see the movie! Before I saw the movie, I read an article I receive each morning in my inbox. The article highlighted this movie and the benefits of emulating Fred Rogers. It’s a unique perspective from a great writer. I knew I wanted to see the movie after I read it and I knew a newsletter article would be the result.
Here it is
if you’d like to check it out.
So, you may be wondering why this part of the movie made me cry. I’m going to be brutally honest here. I’ve yearned throughout my life to hear the words,
“I like you just the way you are.”
It stems from my childhood. And I guess because of other issues I’ve faced and relationships I’ve had throughout my life, I still yearn to hear these words. I’m not telling you this so you feel sorry for me or pity me or for you to tell me you like me just the way I am. I’m sharing because I know I’m not the only one. There are people all around us yearning. Some young. Some old. Some snarky. Some funny. Some smart. Some silly. Mr. Roger’s provides words of wisdom.
|
|
Let’s not waste an opportunity to share this nugget, especially during the holiday season that can be rough on so many. Even if it feels awkward, when you feel that nudge, say it!
“I like you just the way you are.”
The ones, who need to hear it, will hear it.
Fred stated,
“The three secrets of happiness are: Be kind, be kind, be kind.”
That’s what we are talking about here. Connection. Relationship. Kindness. Love. Remember, it takes just one person to make a positive impact in a life. Your presence is often times the greatest present! And, just in case you need to hear this,
“I like you just the way you are!”
On behalf of our
Trans4m Center
Family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Until 2020,
Kathy Daley
Manager
of
The Trans4m Center
|
|
Variations for Sunshine & Cloud
Want some fresh ideas for your Group's Sunshine and Cloud? We've created a new Activity for our CBSG Program Trained Facilitators entitled,
Variations for Opening Ritual - Sunshine and Cloud
. Click the following links for the new
Activity
and Handouts (
English
or
Spanish
). And be sure to
email us
to let us know what you decide to use. Will you continue to use your old favorite or try something new?
|
|
Have you ever exclaimed to the heavens with arms outstretched, "I need more!" or, sighed under your breath as your head hung low, "Just a few more, just a few...please?" You spoke, we listened!!
Before the end of the calendar year, you will have the opportunity to purchase a
YOUTH CONNECTION
ADDENDUM
! "Huh??" "Excuse me, what?" Yep, an Addendum ...
ad·den·dum
(ə-dĕn′dəm)
n. Something added or to be added, especially a supplement to a book.
The
Youth Connection Addendum
is an addition to the existing
Youth Connection
Facilitator Manual and is intended for use by those previously trained in the
CBSG® Program, Youth Connection
. It is not intended as a stand-alone and is only for use by those previously trained.
How does more than 80 NEW
Youth Connection
Activities sound? Considering there are about 65 activities in the existing
Youth Connection
, it should sound phenomenal!
We've been working diligently to bring these new and exciting activities your way. Keep on the lookout for pricing and shipping information!
|
|
CBSG Program Facilitator Training
Kids’ Connection, Youth Connection,
and
Kids’ Connection, Too
(collectively known as the
CBSG
®
Program
) are unique, interactive, multi-cultural curriculum-based prevention interventions that teach high-risk children and youth ages 4-17 a set of essential life skills: skills to help them learn how to cope with difficult family situations (which include Adverse Childhood Experiences), resist negative peer pressure, set and achieve goals, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
This training is designed to fully prepare schools, community-based organizations, churches, juvenile justice divisions, volunteers, and other youth service professionals to fully implement the
CBSG Program
with fidelity.
Those completing this training will receive their choice one of the
CBSG Program
Facilitator manuals:
- Kids’ Connection for ages 4-12 in Schools and Communities
- Youth Connection for ages 10-17 in Schools and Communities
- Kids’ Connection, Too for Ages 4-15 in Homeless & Domestic Violence Shelters, Group Homes & Other Transitional Living Environments
COST to attend a scheduled training in Dallas:
$250
per person, one manual included
COST to contract us to come to YOU:
$3500
for up to 15 people, plus travel costs
|
|
We Want to Hear from YOU!
|
Have you been facilitating the
CBSG Program
with children and/or youth and have some success stories you would be willing to share?
We would love to hear your stories of the lives you are changing for the better!!
Please email
Sandi McFarland
and you might see your story in a future
Trans4ming News
newsletter!
Please remember to not share specific details or names. A Permission to Print form will be sent to individuals whose stories have been chosen.
|
|
|
The Trans4m Center | 214.887.0726 | trans4mcenter.org
|
|
STAY CONNECTED
@trans4mcenter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
