What Happens When a Muppet Asks How You Are?
Bless Elmo: I bet he didn’t expect such a trauma dump
Sometimes, all we need is a friend to ask us how we are.
Even if that “friend” is a three-and-a-half-year-old red Muppet famous for his role in the kid's TV show Sesame Street.
So, how exactly did a puppet designed to entertain toddlers also manage to tap into the adult psyche?
It’s very simple.
He asked an open question and gave space to everyone who answered. And boy, did they answer.
On 29th January, Elmo took to the internet (with the help of his father) and sent a message out into the world.
With over 204 million views and 18 thousand replies, even catching the attention of the President of America, Elmo certainly struck a chord.
Elmo’s emotional temperature check shows just how much people are suffering and struggling.
The top replies to Elmo’s message include.
“I’m at my lowest. Thanks for asking.”
and
“Every morning, I cannot wait to go back to sleep. Every Monday, I cannot wait for Friday to come. Every single day and every single week for life.”
In what has been described by some as a trauma dump and an outpouring of anxt by others, Elmo’s nine words certainly invoked some deep feelings.
But something else is happening here for so many people to open up.
Trust.
Elmo is known and loved around the globe. His goofy and funny manner is both endearing and reassuring. His wholesome innocence helps us feel safe to share our most vulnerable thoughts.
We trust Elmo.
Sure, logically, we know we are sending our words out to a non-sentient puppet. But emotionally, we feel comforted and seen.
Many of us grew up with Elmo on our screens. He’s an old, trusted friend.
So when Elmo asks us how we are, it’s the equivalent of a loved one looking deep into our eyes, seeing our soul, and somehow getting us to confide our greatest fears.
And you know what they say: a problem shared is a problem halved. So I hope 18 thousand people feel slightly better about life now.
There are lessons to be learned here.
Elmo was invited onto the TODAY show, under the careful guidance of Louis, his father, to discuss the importance of emotional health.
During his interview, Elmo was asked what he does when feeling “overwhelmed” and “dealing with a lot.”
The little heart-stealing puppet’s answer is wise beyond his three and half years.
“It’s important to remember that we all have a lot of feelings, and that’s ok. It’s good to know what feeling you’re having. And if you’re feeling sad or worried, or confused that you can talk to someone that you know and trust. And it’s good to talk about it.”
Oh, bless his little red soul.
Elmo validates every one of us and encourages us to open up and talk.
He has already set a shining example of how to listen. He doesn’t move to fix anyone’s problems. He doesn’t minimise feelings. Rather, he encourages us to sit with our feelings without feeling ashamed of them.
This little fluffy red guy has helped many of us feel less alone. Because life is hard, and he knows this. What a smart little puppet.
Sometimes, all we need is for someone to ask us how we are and then take the time to listen to our answers. No judgment, no attempts to fix, and no belittling. That’s how we build trust.
If you have the emotional capacity, can you ask someone how they are today and hold space for their answer?
How would you have answered Elmo’s question? I told him I was glad to be at the end of January.
Thank you for your big heart, Elmo; you are the epitome of kindness, positivity and happiness, which is exactly what we are about at Spread the Ripple.
Wouldn’t the world be brighter if we all channelled our inner Elmo?
Come and write with us at Spread the Ripple.
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