1. Feeling worthless makes us sad
2. Achieving makes us feel worthwhile
Props
1. Picture of a Clown
2. Picture of Nick Vujicic
3. Model Boat
Illustration – Grimaldi
A man went to the doctor because he felt very sad. The doctor gave him a medical examination and when he was finished he said, “I can’t find anything wrong with you physically. However, I feel you may be feeling depressed. I would like to refer you to a psychologist. While you’re waiting for an appointment, I recommend that you go down to the circus that has just arrived in town; they have a world-class clown who is guaranteed to make you laugh; go see him – his name is Grimaldi.” The man stared at him and began to cry, he said ... “I AM THAT CLOWN, MY NAME IS GRIMALDI.”
Link Statement
Lots of people pretend to be happy when they are sad.
Principle
When we feel worthless, it makes us feel sad (1).
Bridge
I wonder if there is something we can do to feel worthwhile.
Illustration – Nick Vujicic
Show picture: Nick was born with no arms and no legs. When he was born his mum and dad found his appearance a shock. After hearing of his parents initial reaction, he felt sad and worthless. However, Nick began to achieve some things in his life as he grew up. He taught himself to swim and began giving talks in schools. These talks encouraged students to dream about things they could achieve in their lives.
Link Statement
Nick gave these talks because he knew if other people achieved things in their life, they would feel more worthwhile too.
Principle
Achieving things makes us feel worthwhile and happy (2).
Application
Sometimes the way we think stops us trying to achieve things.
I’m sure there were times Nick thought, “If I try, people are going to think I’m stupid.” But he didn’t let that thought stop him trying!
He probably thought that because of the way he was born it would be impossible to achieve anything. But he didn’t listen to that thought either!
Next time you begin to dream about the awesome things you could do, for example things that might make the world a better place for others, or something to make a friend feel more worthwhile, you’ll probably have thoughts that will try to stop you! It’s okay to notice these but not engage with them and then keep trying (3).
(2) Cummins, R. A. (2018). The Golden Triangle of Happiness: Essential resources for a happy family. International Journal of Child, Youth & Family Studies: Special Issue on Quality of Life and Family Quality of Life.
(3) Saltzman, A. (2014). A still quiet place : a mindfulness program for teaching children and adolescents to ease stress and difficult emotions: Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications.
(1) Wu, C. H., Tsai, Y. M., & Chen, L. H. (2009). How Do Positive Views Maintain Life Satisfaction? Social Indicators Research, 91(2), 269-281. doi:10.1007/s11205-008-9282-z