Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Fresh Start

Today (Wednesday) we are taking a reading break. As our family plans for a move, Ben has been thinking a lot about getting a ‘Fresh Start’, and specifically how he can take best advantage of this opportunity. He keeps wondering – How can he be sure to have a good ‘Fresh Start’?

We were talking about this in the car on Tuesday and I told Ben that I was reminded of Moose. His move to Alcatraz had been an opportunity for him to have a ‘fresh start’ but he had been focused on what was bad about moving and never allowed himself to contemplate that good things were possible as well. (So far the move has lived ‘up’ to his expectations.)

So – What can Ben learn from Moose? What could Moose have done differently as he arrived in this new place that would have left him happier then he is now?

From a more practical standpoint (or from those that have not read the book), what should Ben be thinking about as he prepares for his Fresh Start (now tentatively scheduled for January 22nd)?

3 Comments:

Mr. Z said...

Some general comments as Ben and I discussed this topic this morning.

- (Ben) A Fresh Start is a start that will help you make new friends.
- (Dad) To have a good Fresh Start, you have to think about the things you would like to do differently or be different.
- (Ben) A ‘Bad Fresh Start’ is an Oxymoron.
(Dad) Could I rephrase that by saying, “A Bad Fresh Start is doing things the same way you did them before and hoping things turn out differently?”
(Ben) Yes
- (Dad) With a ‘Fresh Start’ you can leave your reputation behind and start a knew one.
- (Ben) You can clear your mind of people you don’t like, and think about what is ahead.
- (Dad) A Fresh start puts your past in the past.
- (Ben & Dad) First impressions are important.
- (Dad) You need to keep the glass half full, even when if feels half empty.

We will add some more comments later.

Kris C said...

Fresh starts should involve trying something you have been interested in but would not try before. Maybe you wouldn't try because you were afraid or nervous, maybe you doubted yourself, or maybe you thought you did not or would not like the people connected to the activity. Maybe you were concerned that they would not like you. A fresh start should involve a challenge for yourself .

Mr. Z said...

We were hoping for some other input but liked Kris' comment. Especially the last line.

This topic requires further exploration. We will be doing some writing on it.