Mind Over Matter

     When we think of power we think of things that are big and loud and hard to miss; strong animals, rulers, terrorists, large machines, Dyson vacuum cleaners and the sort. However, the most powerful things in this world are not obvious and out in the open, and most of the time no one can see them. They are thoughts, emotions, feelings and ideas. They are things hidden away in each person's mind until acted upon, and when done so, they hold the most power.

     During the past week in our 11 AP English class, we talked about how emotions and motivation can cause a profound change in not only the lives of the characters in our books ('The Things they Carried' by Tim O'Brien and 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls), but also the lives of everyone in general. Specifically how the after effects of war and PTSD can drastically change the lives of soldiers; showing us that even though something as destructive as war doesn't necessarily have to harm you, the emotions it brings out of you can.

    Despite the negative traumatic aspects of the mind having so much power over our lives, our minds can also drive us to do and be better. Thoughts, ideas, and emotions can all serve as motivation to escape a life we don't want, and start a new one. In 'The Glass Castle', the main character is driven by her hunger for independence and freedom to escape a life of neglect and to find one of stability and control.
    In general, our mindset can ultimately change a situation entirely to our advantage, or disadvantage, depending on how we react to it. Feelings of depression can harm you, feelings of happiness can heal you and feelings themselves can ultimately change you.



"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think" - Buddha