All Dilemmas

Acceptance of Life's Events: Should Bjorn honor his disappointment or embrace the new plans?

By Epictetus•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 8.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A student might be disappointed when a planned outing gets canceled. By accepting the change and finding joy in a new activity at home, they can maintain a positive attitude and enjoy their time.

The Choice

Should Bjorn honor his disappointment or embrace the new plans?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.100204699738907
Word Count
383 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Bjorn and Hana planned a fun day at the amusement park. They were excited about the rides and the snacks. However, on the morning of the trip, it started raining heavily. The amusement park announced it would be closed for the day. Bjorn felt disappointed and wished the weather was different. Hana suggested they could still have fun by baking cookies and watching a movie at home. Bjorn hesitated, thinking about how much he wanted to go to the park. He realized he could either spend the day being upset about the canceled plans or enjoy the alternative activities with Hana. Bjorn now faces a choice: (A) tell Hana he needs some time to feel disappointed before jumping into something new, or (B) let go of the disappointment and enjoy the new plan with Hana.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Acceptance
vs
Contentment

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Tell Hana honestly that you need some time to feel disappointed before moving on, because pretending everything is fine ignores your real feelings

B

Let go of the disappointment and dive into the new plans with Hana, because dwelling on what you cannot change only wastes the time you have

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does accepting life's events play out here?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Bjorn here?

  5. 5

    Have you ever had to change plans? How did it feel?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Epictetus

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

acceptance
contentment
friendship
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Acceptance of Life's Events — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Classroom
Standard15 min

Acceptance of Life's Events — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation
Classroom