Something to smile about

In his book, Mister Rogers Parenting Book, Fred Rogers wrote “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,’” It is during these uncertain times that helpers are needed most. The world looks to them for wisdom, kind words, inspiration, and a sense of safety and security. They are the doctors, nurses, and paramedics, working on the front lines of a pandemic. The police officers, firefighters, and first responders working to keep citizens safe. The cashiers, restaurant workers, and the delivery drivers working to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, there are also those who work behind the scenes, see the beauty in the little things, and want to share those little things with a city they love.

Residents of Atlanta may have noticed signs around town that bear words of encouragement. One such sign even bears the famous helpers quote by Rogers and is Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce president Miranda Johnson’s favorite sign. The signs were the idea of Johnson and the City Development Corporation, which held a meeting on March 31 to vote on making and placing the signs around Atlanta. Hoping to give people something to smile about, Johnson said of the signs, “We just hoped to build a sense of community and remind people that we’re all in this together. I hope someone is encouraged or made to smile by a sign they see!”

Indeed the signs have received many smiles and several laughs from residents. One sign states, “Throw kindness around like Lysol spray.” It is these words of inspiration, of kindness, sprinkled with a little humor, which can bring smiles and laughter during these uncertain times.