MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 11

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

"Thanks for driving us, Mom. The movie should be over around 11:30. Bye," says Leti as she and Jill get out of the car and walk towards the mall.

"Leti, do you think that the guys will really be there?"

"Jill, Robbie and Elijah said that they were coming. They should be there. I hope that they keep to their word."

"You're really hoping Elijah is there, aren't you, Leti?!"

"Well, maybe just a little," Leti replies as the two giggling girls walk into the mall.

A few minutes later, they are at the theatre and Robbie and Elijah are waiting outside.

"Hey, Jill. Hi, Leti. Do you ladies want to take a quick smoke break before the show?"

"I'm in, Robbie," says Jill almost immediately. "Are you coming, Leti?"

Then Elijah chimes in: "Yeah, Leti. Come on. It'll be nice to have a couple minutes outside to share a smoke and get to know each other a little more."

What should I do now? My parents have always told me that smoking is wrong and really dangerous. On the other hand, they're not here and Elijah is. Plus, he looks so cute today. It probably wouldn't kill me just to have one cigarette. I'm sure I won't get hooked or anything.

Then I think of what my Aunt Claudia used to say, "If you want to be respected, you must first respect yourself."

Yes, I do want Elijah to like me, but not if that means doing something I don't want to do. I don't want to change who I am. I need to be honest with myself and honest with Elijah. If he's going to like me (and I hope so!), he's going to like the real me! I want him to respect me, so I better respect myself first.

"Actually, Elijah, smoking's not really my thing. Why don't we use the time before the movie to go check out the CD store instead? I've been thinking of buying the latest Creed CD and I'd love to get your opinion on it."

I do hope that Elijah decides to go with me instead, but, even if he doesn't, I'm not going to smoke. I have too much respect for myself and for my body. I just hope Elijah has respect for me as well.

This week's maxim is "If you want to be respected, you must first respect yourself."

Teacher Information

Maxim

• "If you want to be respected, you must first respect yourself."
  Spanish proverb

Featured character trait

• Respect — I make choices that have positive consequences because I know my innate value.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

• Self-discipline — I am in control of myself and my choices. I am true to myself and my ideals.
• Responsibility — I live out my values and avoid making bad choices. I know what is expected of me by myself and others and I honor that.
• Honesty — I am true to myself and allow others to know who I really am.
• Trustworthiness — I understand that others believe in me and I try not to let them down.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

• Why do some teens choose to smoke? Which are most common? How reasonable is each one?
• Why is it so hard to say no when you are pressured by friends? What are some ways to avoid and/or overcome peer pressure?
• What are some strategies for being a positive influence on those around you?
• What are reasons that others choose to say no to smoking? Which ones seem most compelling?
• Do you agree that people have to respect themselves before others will respect them? Why or why not?
• What are some benefits of having self-respect?
• What are some potential problems caused by lack of self-respect?
• Are self-respect and self-esteem the same? How are they similar? In what ways are they different?
• Leti decided that she had to say no in order to be true to herself. Why is it so important to be truthful with yourself? How does the ability to be honest with yourself affect your relationships?