Among many things, Mister Rogers believed that we never stop learning. That being curious was one of the best things you could be. Without this curiosity, there would also be no Adventure.

With the release of Won't You Be My Neighbor? fans of Mister Rogers are looking back on the many childhood afternoons they spent with this be-cardiganed gentleman that always spoke softly and with respect, directly to them. We may not have even realized it at the time, but Mister Rogers was probably one of our first teachers. 

Here are some of our favorite Life Lessons from the World's Favorite Neighbor, Fred Rogers.

1. Always look for the helpers
"When I was a child and would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

2. Always lift others up
"I got into television because I saw people throwing pies in each other's faces, and that's such demeaning behavior. And if there's anything that bothers me, it's one person demeaning another."

3. Always be kind
"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."

4. Always listen
“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” 

5. Always follow your passions
"The thing I remember best about the truly successful people I’ve met is their obvious delight in what they do. Such honest, enthusiastic living of our lives — no matter what our talents may be — can deeply affect others."  

6. Always forgive
"One of my wise teachers, Dr. Orr, told me, 'There is only one thing evil cannot stand, and that is forgiveness.'"

7. Always be yourself
"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self"
"I like you, just the way you are."

Two of the main components of Adventure are exploration and discovery.  In school we're given plenty of opportunities for this, but out in Adult Land, if we have a thirst for knowledge or a general curiosity for life, we often have to explore and discover on our own.

NaNoWriMo (aka National Novel Writing Month) is the perfect way to stretch yourself by diving into a writing project.  NaNoWriMo OG is very specific when it comes to setting a goal.  Decide what novel you're going to write (any genre), declare it to the world, then write 50,000 words in 30 days to be declared a winner.  Yay!  They even have fun badges you can earn along the way like Word Sprinter or Wrimo Spirit for various achievements.

A NaNo alternative, and the reason why we're so excited about it today, is Camp NaNoWriMo.  Described simultaneously as a "virtual writer's retreat designed for maximum creativity" and an "idyllic writers retreat smack-dab in the middle of your crazy life", Camp NaNoWriMo is a more laid back challenge.  You can write a novel, a screenplay, a short story, or a poem and set a word goal from 30 words to a million words!  What makes Camp extra fun is that you get to join a cabin with up to 19 other campers who will share their experiences, field questions, and provide practical and moral support and encouragement.  You even get a camp counselor!

The NaNoWriMo method of 50,000 words in 30 days can be incredibly motivating.  Many participants find that the competition aspect leaves little time for fussing, second-guessing, or over-working.  If you're going to reach the end, you just have to keep writing.  No stopping, no over-thinking, no procrastinating.  You write for 30 days and, at  the end, you have a raw, unadulterated novel to call your very own.  What you choose to do with it after that is up to you, but whatever you choose to do, you will hold the title of NaNoWriMo Winner forever and evermore.

Check out Camp NaNoWriMo here: www.campnanowrimo.org
Sessions are FREE and run April 1-30 and July 1-31

The Official National Novel Writing Month takes place every November
www.nanowrimo.org

Human beings have an inherent desire to know where they come from. We want to know what makes us who we are. We hope that by delving into ours pasts we will be given some insight into our present and future. There are dozens of sites like Ancestry.com and 23andme dedicated to tracing our ancestry and geneaology.

A.J. Jacobs wrote in his book, It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree, “We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.”   Then he embarked on a journey to create the world's largest family reunion.

At Disneyland, tucked away in a quiet corner of Fantasyland, was a shop called Castle Heraldry that, for decades, offered a connection to the past by way of family crests and coats of arms. You simply gave your name and were shown the symbols that made up your family's ancient history.

Who Do You Think You Are? and Finding Your Roots are popular shows dedicated to finding out more about your family line. In art classes around the world, kids design family trees. Cherished recipes are passed down from one generation to the next every day.

Today, consider your past. Consider the history of your family. How much do you really know? Take the time to get know where you come from and see what you learn. You might end up with a few stories, a piece of art to hang on the wall, or even a long-lost family member!