MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 7

Story

I don't know why I even bother, I think as I look at my English test marked with the large, red 68 at the top. I should focus on Math instead. English isn't even worth the effort.

Ms. Espie calls me up to her desk and asks me to help tutor Mark in Math. I know how it feels to need help, so I agree immediately. As I wait for him to arrive, I look at all the quotes Ms. Espie has hung up around the room. I really like one: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Mark looks worn out. When I ask him what's wrong, he says, "It's this chapter. I just don't get this stuff. I'm never going to understand it. Why even bother trying?"

I'm about to tell him that cool quote when I realize that his words sound oddly familiar. He sounds exactly like I did this morning after I got my English test back. As much as I hate to admit it, that 68 on my English test was an improvement. If I keep working at it, maybe I'll get C or even a B next time. I've gotta keep at it because "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

This week's maxim is "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."  

Maxim

• "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
  Confucius

Character points

• Perseverance - Despite setbacks, I stay focused on the goal and continue to work towards achieving it.
• Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in effort to improve myself.
• Optimism - I continue to see goodness in myself and have faith that I will continue to improve.
• Aspiration - I have goals and ideals which I work towards achieving-even if it is difficult.
• Patience - I am willing to pace myself; I have enough perspective to look at the long term, rather than the short run.

Homeroom Discussion Information

• Is it more difficult to work towards a new goal or to stick with a situation that is frustrating?
• How are those two situations similar? What makes them different?
• What kinds of things frustrate you?
• How can you tell when you are starting to get frustrated?
• What do you do to avoid getting more overwhelmed?
• How do you deal with frustration?
• When you feel like giving up, what makes you continue to try?
• Think of a time that you wanted to give up, but didn't. How did you feel after that experience?
• Think of a time that you did give up. How did that make you feel?
• It is often said that we most value the things that we have to struggle for. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

• Take this opportunity to ask your children about the stresses they face. Ask them what an average day is like for them and what sorts of challenges they encounter.
• Brainstorm healthy ways to deal with stress and frustration.
• Try to think of signals to help each other and yourselves be aware of your level of frustration.
• Think of examples of people who have struggled and then persevered. Tell your children about these "perseverance heroes" and encourage them to find their own.
• Talk about times that you have struggled and later persevered. Describe that experience and how it made you feel.

Discussion starters

• Are there certain people you turn to or activities that help you cope with the feeling of being overwhelmed?
• How do you handle times when you feel out of control?
• What makes you feel like you have a better handle on stress?
• What can we do to help when you are feeling frustrated?
• Sometimes frustration has to be dealt with by an individual on his/her own. How can we know when you would like us to step in and help?
• How can we know when you need more space?
• What feels worse: giving up or failing? Explain your choice.
  Is there a difference between giving up and walking away?
• Are there ever times that it is right to walk away?
• How do you know when it is the right time to walk away?

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

Related Links

• Confucius
  http://www.crystalinks.com/confucius.html
• Confucianism
  http://www.religioustolerance.org/confuciu.htm