People have a huge role in each other’s lives throughout one’s life. Before finding the dragon’s egg Eragon was a simple peasant boy who lived with his father and older brother. Eragon knew who he was and where is life was taking him, but that all changed during a hunt.  Eragon changed from that simple boy happy with his family, to the young lone dragonrider.  People in our society can find themselves feeling like this lone dragonrider, feeling like they are completely alone to battle through everyday situations.

Eragon and his dragon Saphira are best friends that keep each other’s best interests in mind. The two have set goals and they work together to achieve them.   I have related their relationship with the relationship that children and parents share. Parents are more like Saphira, being knowledgable and keeping watch over the one’s they are in care of.  Although, the parents help the children stay on track towards their greatest achievement they must not push the young one’s to hard without them revolting. The children and parents must come to a conclusion to work together for an outcome both parties are happy with.

Eragon had a huge problem finding who he was because of the changes that came into his life. Life is even more difficult without family and friends to help guide you to your best. Saphira was the main help to find the real Eragon. Trying to find the real you is difficult in our society because of the media. The search of self is influenced by everyday activities. Changing a location can be a life altering experience also. Eragon had no home he and Saphira lived on the run and off the land. Moving is character building because a person must learn to fit in but still keep true to one’s self.

A person should surround themselves with people who will help them find the real, true them and help push them to better themselves.  A strong family support group is an important aspect in someone’s  life, to strive for the best they can do. Friends are a different type of support group they understand the stress a person can go through at a set age in our society. Friends and family help shape each person to who they are.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

In answer to the “Is the glass half empty or half full?” question,  

the pessimistic approach would be to pick half empty,  

while the optimistic approach would choose half full.  

Being optimistic can often be hard in society because of people always striving for more, people fall into the pessimistic way of looking at life. Our societies continually push people to want better and more, leaving others to believe their way of life is not adequate, causing them to be even more pessimistic. As a child Sigmund Freud would say people act out of their ‘ID’ psychic apparatus; because of this children are innocent and optimist because they do not understand reality. Experience comes after ‘ID’, experience would be more under ‘EGO‘ according to Sigmund Freud’s idea of psychic apparatus. To have experience a person must understand reality.  

The child that William Blake describes in “The Chimney Sweeper”, in Songs of Innocence is optimistic. A Romantic would appreciate William Blake’s complex work, the Romantic will see passed the outside and see the beauty within. The young boy who had been abandoned by his father, looks towards the happy side of life.  “You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair,” explains how a child can have faith that having a filthy job can not take the innocence of a child away from them. William Blake shows that young innocent children are suffering because of the job they are doing but the innocent children did not show it.  ”Then naked and white, all their bags left behind,” when the children are cleaned they are the same as everyone else and the Romantic’s can see the perfect young child under the dirt. Children have a way of always looking towards the brighter side Blake displays the carefree emotions that children have with the line, ”Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy and warm.” Children nevertheless, kept happy by imagining the positives of life, God, angels, innocence.  

“The Chimney Sweeper”, in Songs of Experience is a very dark and pessimistic poem.  William Blake expresses this by being very judgmental and gives motive for everyday aspects of life. When reading this poem pictures of a depressed young child who is covered by sin. The first line,  ”A little black thing in the snow”, could be deemed as the black repenting the sin against innocence and the white snow being the innocence. “They clothed me in the clothes of death,” expresses how children are put in horrible unjust places that puts them it harms way. This poem would have been to open the eyes of the Romantics to show them that a child doing this work is not okay and society and church should change to help young children who are being treated like this young boy. William Blake writes this poem with the ideals of a Classicist. 

Both poems talk about religion and the impact the writer felt the church had on society.  Both poems discuss the little boy losing his parents.  Because the boys are still young and innocent, they find the good in their lives and still find joy around them.  The little boys are working as chimney sweeps and are covered in soot that makes them look black as death, but the soot can not take the innocence of a child away from them.  

Both poems symbolize how pessimistic and optimistic people can see the same situation but take totally different opinions from what they see.  Pessimistic people, like the Classicists, will only see the dirty little boys that are working instead of playing, but optimistic people, like the Romantics, will not see the dirty boys, but how the little boys are happy and laughing and playing. Life is what you take from it, it can be either good or bad depending on how you look at the glass.  

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

I have been on a ball field all my life and have played since T-ball. At the age of 15 my parents and I agreed that I was not being challenged enough with the softball in the area and started looking for something more. Lloydminster was our answer.  Playing ‘A’ caliber of fastball helped show off the skills I had learned from various coaches, and my parents. Tracy, the scout of the Canadian women’s fastball team, soon took me under her wing and taught me the needed advancements that allowed me to go with the Calgary Diamond Devils to San Diego.

The pressure of playing at this level was very intense and demanding. The Diamond Devils had four coaches one outfield coach, one infield coach, nutritionist, and one head coach. We all had a small contract to follow which included a no eating list, no cell phone rule, respect clause, and further more. This fastball allowed for little social life because the travel was difficult, and time-consuming. My dad and I normally made the trip to Calgary every weekend and I had to work out every other night and practice on the off days. All my time away from school was to be focused on fastball.

People did not understand how I balanced aspects of my life . I honestly tried to put on a face that showed I had all my life under control but truly the pressure was getting to me and distancing me from friends and my sister.  I changed the amount of communication that I was involved in, I was changing myself I quickly learned. I did not want people to notice the stress I had in my life because it was not their dilemma to be faced with. I never wanted to cause others problems. I wanted to have a separate  life from fastball and home life.

I did not like what this caliber of fastball was doing to my life. My life was changing as I knew it I wanted my old life back. I never thought I would ever pass the chance of my dream up but I had to choose my life or fastball. As I was conflicted between keeping my dream alive or having a social life, my dad and I had numerous, deep talks about our shared dream. My dad kept saying “I will support you in whatever you do, as long as you want to be doing it.” I decided to stop playing this high-end caliber and to regain my social life.

Fastball gave me a rush of freedom, excitement and relaxing joy. Sports are a big part in my families lifestyle, we are strong-headed towards staying fit and spending time together. Family time is limited in our family so sports have brought us together, so sports symbolizes family and being together. I am not losing that feeling just pulling back on the caliber, although I may have the chance to play on a ‘A’ caliber fastball team in edmonton.

Playing in the Olympics was a lifetime goal and dream I shared with my dad. I would have done anything to get to that level but once I found out the amount of time needed to be at that level I couldn’t handle the pressure. The pressure had me change who I was and how I interacted with my family and friends. Being under that pressure caused me to buckle and alter my dream. Family and friends helped me get as far as I did because of their respect, love, help, and commitment.  I owe them all a great amounts of thanks.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

Canada is the perfect example of a mosaic country. The Canadian’s that  grew up in Canada see this land as multicultural and understand the duties that come with having such a reputation. The diversity with Canada can prove a difficult aspect to deal with, but the government has made proper accommodations for immigrates. In my eyes, the government has not only the tasks of making immigrates feeling welcome, but making Canadian proud of their homeland. People can not fully work towards a better earth without being happy with their community and personal lifestyles. Without being comfortable in personal lifestyle a person can not  competely be mentally  focused on saving and creating a better world and more globalized society. Moving into a larger community I have grown even move accepting to how multicultural nation I live in. I am now more aware of the amount of different nationalities that call Canada home and therefore, I know that I must become understanding to other cultures, values and beliefs. Having all different cultures affect my lifestyle I accept their cultures impact on my life and hopefully show their cultures better ways of life that imbracing my unique culture has.

In this world, each person is part of something bigger. I am one small piece of the puzzle of mankind and for the world to make a proper puzzle everyone must cooperate. People can not allow barriers to keep the world apart and divided into groups. The people of the world have all got to be Good Samaritans and be compassionate towards each person. I have come to the understanding that helping one another helps me grow and learn. Growing closer to one another is not very difficult in this society, now with simple understanding of others, everyone can start working together and cooperating more easily. The horrible discriminations and wars must cease to create harmony with God and between mankind.  Each person has an effect on each other possive or negative which intells each person to become the best he/she can be. In God’s eyes we are all equal therefore, we shall help anyone in trouble and not put ones personal life before anyone elses.

I have often read this poem by John Donne, “No Man is an Island” (below) to remind myself at times that every person is on this planet for a reason. I know by God’s words I am to forgive, reconcile, and give gratuity. God made Adam and gave him Eve so that man would not be alone and therefore we are to love one another like sisters and brothers. Although, I may have a different language, culture, and be separated by countless miles from people, I was taught to love each person for they are my neighbor. I have been influenced by countless cultures, and religions through the media, which indicates that John Donne’s poem “No Man is an Island” is very realistic. John Donne lived from 1572 and 1631 and saw that mankind is interconnected, and he was able to see the world as a web before globalization. The world is even more connected then John Donne’s lifetime and therefore, his poem should be that much more valued.

No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

-John Donne

Solidarity is a part of life that even a young child experiences. Young to old each person has a set role in this world no matter the age each person is needed to make the world work. We must all work together and put our differences behind us and focus on the bigger picture and the problems that mankind has caused to the world.  People must not only look after themselves, but the community they live in and then the world. A family is strong example of how the world should work all mankind are God’s children and shall follow his wishes, and earth is our mother and we should treat her with the greatest respect. Brothers and sisters each person in the world will have to come together to make this family a happy one.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

The Pharisees have no right to discriminate against those people with different values and occupations. People have the right to be different in God’s eyes, and we should never judge people because of their lifestyles. Lifestyles change from person to person and area to area. There are countless of factors when you look at quality of life and we do not know the  specific aspects that are effects a person’s quality of life and therefore should not judge them like the Pharisees. They view aspects of life as clean and unclean, but really those “unclean” jobs must be done by someone because of that we are not eligible to judge a person because of their lifestyle.

Societies views are changing to see all the people in the nation as one. Conflicts towards beliefs caused World War 2 because Germany felt they were a higher class person, but truly they were not. Conflicts are what national organizations are working together to stop. People are put on this earth to help each other. The earth is one whole system and is a perfect example that shows us humans that life is possible for many life organisms can peacefully life as one. The challenge is there and we need to all work towards this goal or no one wins.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

 Strengths differ from person to person. Strengths are not always what you think you have but what others think of you. I know when people get to know the real, true me more and more strengths show themselves. I believe that I am a very helpful, trustworthy, down to earth person. God has guided me through hardships and life altering events which has developed me into a strong hearten, kind person I am. I know that life has more obsticles to overcome but I know I have the right support team behind me. I believe strengths can not be shown without exposing other aspects of life I am not so good at, weaknesses, like trusting people I first met to quickly. As I have experenced my share of hardships and obsticles I have learned to trust people but learn to trust them more as I get to know them which has helped me find friends that are true. Strengths are also shown with decisions you make in your life, I know my decisions express who I am and what my strengths are.

The most important interest that has shaped my life is the interest of being outdoors and close to nature. Always wanting to being outdoors was taught to me through my parents. My parents have always wanted me to be healthy and active and being outdoorsy allows me to do that without much thought. I believe God created nature for us to love, cherish and learn from. Nature is pure beauty and I love to be within that beauty. Life can be crazy sometimes in this society and when you need a place to escape nature is a place you can. God is the essence of nature he is all that is calm, peaceful, and tranquil in life. When I surround myself with nature I surround myself with God also. This peaceful time with God and nature has helped me overcome some of my weaknesses like being a plan freak and try to balance my hectic lifestyle. He helps me remember that there will always be aspects of life that you can not control and to remember that yes I do have a busy life but if I was not playing my sports I would be bored and not improving and growing into the best I can be. 

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

Showing people that I am caring, helpful, and joyful is a top goal for me. In my eyes, the person you become is not only who you think you are but it is what people think of you. I believe that if people do not see you as a good person you truely are not one. I want to become a person that is seen by the majority of the people in this world as a good, helpful, caring person. I care what people think of me, but I also want to be strong enough to stand on my own and not go with what everyone else thinks if I believe in something else.  At the end of the day, I have to look at myself in the mirror and be happy with who I see. 

I want to become a role model to children because I believe children are good at sensing character.   Children and animals have an almost pychic ability to know if a person is good or not.  You could be as nice as possible, but if you are a phony, they will be able to sense it.  I want to be an all around good and proper role model, one who respects the earth and the people. I want to show the children who look up to me that striving for the best and doing what is right is the best you can do. Living towards your goals is the best way to be true to yourself.

 My parents taught me to always try to do my best and if I gave my best, that was all they could ask for.  I know that no matter what I do, my parents will support me but that they want me to be the most rounded person I can be.  They always want whats best for me and always tell me to shoot  for the moon because even if I miss, I will still land among the stars.

I will continually work to become a best person. As I get older I will find actions and characteristics from the people around me to better myself and better the person that people see me as. I have still made a promise that I will stay true to myself, my values and my beliefs. I believe it is the most important view in the world is our own view of yourself. 

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.

As a young child I was always told to believe in myself by my parents.  When I feel defeated I listen to I believe By Yolanda Adams I feel this song displays greatly what I need to get through the situation and make my belief and hope come back to life. I know without beliefs, one can not develop into the person they see in their dreams. I understand the need for belief in myself because without believing I would be holding myself back from what I can be in the future. With belief in myself  I have self-esteem, and self-knowledge, with those important personal qualities.  I have grown into a strong person and know to hold my head up high even when situations get tough.  Having that self knowledge and self realization has allowed me to strive for more throughout my life. My drive for more, shows how important my beliefs truly are to me. The accomplishments in my  life really show a large amount about me. My parents often share my beliefs and hopes because they want me to succeed and want me to become the best person I can. I find having a strong support team of family and friends help me strive more for my beliefs because I my team will stand behind me no matter what.

Without belief you can not have hope and without hope one can not have dreams and no dream will result with no growth and accomplishments. -my life motto
 

If people would keep beliefs and hope to themselves the world would not be where it is now. When people believe there is a chance for change they have to have high hopes and belief that others will follow.  The third estate, the people of France before the revolution,  believed that there had to be a better way to live and because of their faith and their ability to stand strong and stand together for what they believe lead them to a way of life with equality and freedom.  Barack Obama also had to believe in himself and put trust in the American people so his dream of becoming the first Afriican American president of the United States.  Barack must have drive, hope, believe, and a huge amount of self-esteem and self-knowledge.  With the world becoming more intertwined people are sharing their beliefs, views and hope. People have shown throughout the world history their strong beliefs and hopes and look at where the world is at this moment.

You always pass failure on your way to success. ~Mickey Rooney

Believing in anything will make anything better. Helping others with believing will make the world grow. People showing theirs beliefs have help everyone in the world advance. Living true to yourself is the easiest aspect of life one can do.

©2010 Tamara's Thoughts. All Rights Reserved.