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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 35

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 35

May 26, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Ethical Value: 
Embarrassment
Ethical Value: 
Courage
Ethical Value: 
Excellence
Ethical Value: 
Humility
Ethical Value: 
Forgiveness
Ethical Value: 
Peace
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

Opening night is finally here. We're going to be great, I tell myself as I walk onstage.

I'm busy trying to psyche myself up for the play, so I don't see the cord taped to the floor. My foot gets caught and I wipe out. I feel like a total idiot and I have to go out there and face everyone.

I do my best to get back into character. I'm still embarrassed, but I make it through the scene anyway.

When I get offstage, Mrs. Costello tells me that I'm doing great. When I think of what a mess I've made of things, tears well up in my eyes. "But I fell," I say softly.

"Chris, 'What is done is done.' Everyone makes mistakes. It's what you do afterwards that matters. You should be proud. It took a lot of courage to stay out there and go on with the show. Remember this: 'What is done is done.' You can only control what you do from now on. Break a leg!"

Somehow her words make me feel better. Sure, thinking about my big splat makes me embarrassed all over again. But I can't focus on that. I have to accept that "What is done is done" and, instead of being upset with myself for one mistake, concentrate on doing great from here on out.

When the play finally ends, I feel proud of the job I've done onstage. And I'm also proud that I was able to realize that "What is done is done" and that I had the courage to continue even after I messed up.

This week's maxim is "What is done is done."

Maxim

  • "What is done is done."
    William Shakespeare

Character points

  • Peace - I am at peace with myself; I deal with troubles with patience, grace, and resolve.
  • Humility - I am aware that I am imperfect; I work to improve myself, but I do so with patience and a sense of humor.
  • Forgiveness - I am able to be understanding about imperfections in others and in myself.
  • Courage - I do what is right, even if it is difficult.
  • Resiliency - Even when things go wrong, I get back up and continue to try.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • Chris really wants the show to go well. What's good about having such high expectations? How can it be a problem? How can you find a balance between wanting to do well and realizing that things don't usually go exactly as planned?
  • Some people would say that this week's story and maxim aren't really about character. Why is Chris an example of a person with strong character?
  • Often, we think of courage means that you aren't afraid. Do you think that Chris's decision to go onstage and go on with the show is an example act of courage? Why?
  • How can this week's maxim help you to be a person of strong character?
  • One of the most important lessons from this week's story and this week's maxim is that our reaction to a problem can be even more important than the problem itself. Do you think that's true? How can that lesson help you in other situations in life?
  • Imagine that you were at the play and saw everything happen. What could you do to help and support Chris?
  • Chris learns to "let go" of the embarrassing moment. Why is that an important lesson to learn?
  • Are there certain mistakes that you shouldn't let go of? List some mistakes and problems that shouldn't just let slide.
  • How can you tell the difference between a mistake that you should accept and one that you shouldn't?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • Be willing to admit your mistakes. Be a good example by being humble, patient with yourself, and maintaining a good sense of humor.
  • Be willing to be open with your children about the things you find difficult to accept about yourself.
  • hare a story about how a trying or embarrassing time in your life has helped you become stronger, kinder, more thoughtful, etc.
  • As in this story, life does not exactly go according to plans. Have each family member tell the story of a time that things ended up differently than you'd imagined, but actually were even better.
  • Discuss the idea of the courage it takes to accept your faults and have humility. Have each family member tell the story of a time that he/she was courageous in the way Chris is.

Discussion starters

  • Chris gets very upset when he makes an embarrassing mistake. How do you deal with times when you make a mistake and are embarrassed?
  • How can having a sense of perspective help you to deal with the times that you mess up?
  • One lesson that Chris learns is the importance of being able to keep trying after you've made a mistake. Why do you think that is such a hard thing to do?
  • If you're able to keeping trying even after you make a mistake, you can often rise above embarrassing moments. Still, it can be hard to look to the future rather than dwelling on the mistakes of the past. Why do you think that is?
  • Is it easier to forgive the honest mistakes of others or to forgive yourself for the mistakes you make?
  • Is it hard to "let go" of the mistakes you make? What helps you do that?
  • Mrs. Costello says that your reaction to a mistake is often more important than the mistake itself. Do you think that's true?
  • What helps you to keep trying even when you face challenges?

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

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