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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 18

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 18

February 25, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

"How can this be possible? Why is this so hard?" she thinks as she looks down at the number on the scale. "How come I'm having such a tough time with this? Usually I'm able to accomplish anything once I set my mind to it. I'm not used to feeling like a failure. But here I am. Another week and the numbers haven't changed!"

How did all this start, she wonders. Then she remembers how easy it was in the beginning. After Todd said she was heavy, she felt angry and hurt. She wanted to prove him wrong, to be thin, as light as a feather. So she started exercising and controlling her eating. When she wasn't able to keep to her strict regimen, she punished herself and her body; she exercised until she was ready to drop and went even longer without eating. Soon, her desire to prove Todd wrong, to make herself disappear, controlled her every thought and action.

And then Jeff came home. Jeff is her older brother who she admires and loves more than anyone else in the whole world. When he opened the door, he was shocked, terrified, even horrified at the sight of his sister. She had always been strong and athletic. But now she looked like a fragile and frightened child. She felt how gently he hugged her-as if she might break in two.

Jeff had the courage to confront her. He told her how much he loved her and how worried he was. Other people had tried to talk to her about her eating, but Jeff was the only one she'd let in. She allowed him share in her pain and he encouraged her out of it.

Since then, she's been trying to get better. She's been going to a nutritionist, moderating her exercise time, trying to enjoy food, and eating in public. It's been an uphill battle, but she's struggling to be patient with herself and with the process of getting well.

But, after looking at the scale this morning, she's ready to give up. She hasn't gained a pound. She feels ready to quit. Why should I bother, she thinks. Why is this so hard?

Then she thinks of a quote by Frederick Douglass that she learned in school yesterday: "Without a struggle, there can be no progress." I know he was talking about a different situation, she thinks, but his words can still help to me. This is a struggle, the hardest struggle I've ever had to face. And it's the most important. It's going to be hard, but I have to stick with it if I want to get better. I wish it were easier, but it's not. "Without a struggle, there can be no progress." I am willing to struggle because I know that progress will come as well.

This week's maxim is "Without a struggle, there can be no progress."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Without a struggle, there can be no progress."
    Frederick Douglass

Featured character trait

  • Resilience - I am able to withstand times of trial; disappointments may upset me, but I am able to overcome and remain true to myself and my ideals.

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

  • Aspiration - I have goals and ideals which I work towards achieving; I believe that I can become a better version of myself and I am willing to put forth the effort to make that a reality.
  • Hope - I believe in the goodness of the future and look towards making that goodness a reality in my life.
  • Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in my endeavor to make myself better.
  • Perseverance - Despite setbacks, I stay focused on the goal and continue to work towards achieving it.
  • Patience - I am willing to pace myself; I have enough perspective to look at the long term, rather than the short run.
  • Optimism - I continue to see goodness in myself and have faith that I will continue to improve.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • At the beginning of the story, did you think the main character was trying to gain weight? How did you feel when you realized that she had an eating disorder and was struggling to get well again?
  • Do you think that many people share this girl's struggles?
  • This girl remembers vividly comments someone made about her weight. At the time, Todd probably didn't realize the impact he might have. Think of phases and comments you hear here that might be really hurtful for others. How can we be more careful of the things we say and the impact our words might have on others?
  • What are some other struggles that people endure which relate to this week's quote? (some examples might be dealing with alcoholism, trying to quit smoking, etc.)
  • In some sense, Jeff helped to save his sister's life. What can you do to help a friend who has an eating disorder or struggles with an addiction?
  • What can you do when you try to be a help and your friend rejects it?
  • Think about times in your life that you've struggled to get through something. In what ways were people in your life supportive?
  • Who do you turn to when you need help and support?
  • How do you let others know when you need help?

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