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Recently, I was browsing the internet and stumbled across a collaboration of beautiful users on Reddit that showed me yes, there is such thing as perfection… and that perfection is in this Trinity of Wholesome Television. Let me explain.
I think there’s something a lot of us can agree on: There’s a lot on television right now that makes us want to cringe… Whether it’s the news, a trashy reality show, or our favorite HBO drama, there’s very little on television that is simply pure and hits us with those wholesome good feelings. However, there are three individuals who are no longer with us that will forever serve as a beacon of influence to adults and children alike, and it’s time we revisit these three wonderful inspirations.
“It’s our insides that make us who we are, that allow us to dream and wonder and feel for others. That’s what’s essential. That’s what will always make the biggest difference in our world.” – Mr. Rogers
For many of us in this post-grad generation, visiting “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” still vividly lives within our childhood memories. Fred Rogers was a gentle and sweet man who talked about how to handle strong emotions, how to communicate with others, and how to work through internal conflict. In many ways, Mr. Rogers normalized the difficult parts of growing up so that we didn’t feel alone. He didn’t show us how to escape from difficulties – He showed us how to step into those situations to better manage them together. Mr. Rogers didn’t call us “pals” or “boys & girls” – He called us neighbors, and reminded us that being kind means responding to the needs of others.
“We don’t make mistakes. We just have happy accidents.” – Bob Ross
Bob Ross was not only someone who could absolutely rock a chambray shirt tucked in to jeans, but he was one of those funny and charming individuals who could instantly make someone feel comfortable, calm, included, and confident all through a television show. “The Joy of Painting,” was about so much more than just art, as his positivity is applicable to virtually any way of life. Even watching re-runs of his show, he’s able to make viewers feel that it’s important to be gentle with ourselves and that your world doesn’t have to be a pressurized one. Bob Ross would often chime in with so many invaluable statements, regardless if someone is practicing art or not. He’d remind his viewers & students of influential axioms such as, “The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it.”
“I have no fear of losing my life. If I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.” -Steve Irwin
There’s absolutely nobody I can think of that matches Steve Irwin’s enthusiasm and compassion one has for wildlife. A lot of us post-grads grew up knowing him as the “Crocodile Hunter” whose cartoonish reckless antics made him fit for irresistible television. But Steve Irwin worked to raise awareness for wildlife conservation and inspired everyone with a love of animals. Steve used 100 percent of his show proceeds to open up sanctuaries for animals and taught many of us the importance of conservation for all species. Even if you’re not a nature enthusiast like Steve, he taught us that we should be passionate about things we love and how it helps encourage an educational message.. After all, he died doing what he loved and his family continues to carry on his legacy.
There’s no denying that the world cried together as we lost these three incredible gems, but their legacy will forever live on in teaching us to be kind to ourselves (Bob Ross), others (Mr. Rogers), and animals (Steve Irwin)..
Image via Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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KatieCallaway
Katie is 27 and is from Nashville, TN but lives in Los Angeles, CA as an actress, comedian, writer, and marketing manager. Although some might disagree, she likely peaked when she had dinner with Randy Jackson and he called her “dude” a lot. You can see her active on the Twitterverse at @KECallaway or you can also follow her new Insta at @KatieCallaway even though she hates Instagram.
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Who needs Ambien when you have Bob Ross
Literally cried when steve irwin died
True story: I am a pediatric psychiatric nurse and the kids love watching Bob Ross, it is amazing how much of a calming effect he has on some very sick children
I highly recommend “Won’t you be my neighbor” Playing now on Amazon. Fred Rogers was such an amazing man.
I’m still not over the death of Steve Irwin and don’t think I ever will be. Seeing his wife and kids show similar passion and carry on his legacy is brilliant though.
R.I.P. to clean, wholesome television. There’s no hope for these demon children now.
No one watches television anymore.
As a kid I used to get so excited to tell everyone what I learned from the latest episode of the Crocodile Hunter. Visiting the Australia Zoo is still near the top of my bucket list.
If I ever had to do any sort of negotiations with the mafia, I’d find me a guy like Mr. Rogers. So polite and genuinely kind but you and I know that deep down, people like that are the real lunatics and the most hard. They’re like The Joker without the physical face paint, instead their peaceful expression is their face disguise lol