Final Post/Reflection

In making this fluency blog I have learned a lot about my own writing and also myself. To start, I've realized how good it feels to write. For some reason writing down my own thoughts helps to clear my mind and give me a sense of clarity and focus. I've also come to realize that I not only enjoy my own writing but others enjoy it as well. I never thought that some of the thoughts in my head that I never release to the public are ones that my peers would actually enjoy hearing about. Another aspect to the fluency writing that I've realized is how quickly I can accumulate words (or around 300 to be exact) when I'm talking about something that interests me. For example, my posts about religion simply flowed out of me with little to no effort. Without thinking I was typing words and before I knew it my blog was complete. I also found myself showing the blogs that I had written for this class to my friends and family. 

Islam

I am currently taking some religion classes and recently was required to listen to a speech concerning the Islamic religion. Islam is the largest religion in the world and the fastest growing. Five times a day Muslims are called to prayer and a quarter of the worlds population bows to their knees on behalf of a religion that most Americans know nothing about. When Americans hear the word "Muslim" or "Islam" they think of terrorists or whatever crazy story they last heard on the news from the middle-east. All that we think of the Islamic culture is very untrue to the religion itself and the teachings of Muhammad. He was an orphan and felt like an outsider his whole life so his early teachings were focused on messages of social justice and equality. There are many aspects of the modern Islamic culture, such as female circumcision, that have no direct correlation with the teachings of the Qur'an. Instead of forming opinions of different religions and cultures based on what is shown in the media I encourage everyone to form their opinions based on research and taking the time to learn about them on their own time.

Body Image

No matter how many times someone tells you that you look great or that you are the perfect size that there is always that voice of doubt in the back of your head saying they are wrong. Sometimes I wonder how much cumulative time in my life I have spent looking into the mirror criticizing myself. Body image is a self-reflection that is only partially formed by the opinions of others. Of course, we take public opinions into careful consideration but for the most part, its all in our head. Society has focused so much of daily routines around the image of a perfect body and it can wear a gal down. Not just women though, men are also expected to step up to the plate. So, how do we fix this? We don't. Instead I think that we should lower our self-expectations and start to nurture our images of ourselves.

Parenting Style

As I come to the age where having children is around the corner I have been thinking of parenting styles often. As a psychology major it is hard for me to accurately describe what kind of parenting style I think I will be like. I have done much studying in the areas of child development and I am a firm believer that how a child is raised and treated before the age of five determines (for the most part) what the child will be like for the rest of their lives. On one hand, it is very important to set rules and boundaries for your child so that they do not end up crazy maniacs who break the law and disrespect people. On the other hand, I believe it is important to let your child learn from their mistakes and make their own path in life. Also, I feel that a child learning their independence and discovering their talents are extremely important! I suppose that parenting is one of those things that you just learn as you go and hope for the best!

Reading

This may seem like a weird topic to blog on, but it is one that has been in my head a lot today. As Americans we are not only given the opportunity, but basically forced to learn how to read at a very young age. At first this seems like a chore but then it can become fun, at least for some. For me, reading a good book is like an escape from my own world and the problems I am currently facing. Instead of worrying about bills or deadlines I can be a wizard or fall in love with the vampire next door- I can simply get away from reality. I think what we don't realize is that sometimes this advantage is looked over. Some people, even in America, struggle with the simple skill of reading fluently. Also, in other countries the priority is to teach your child manual labor and reading is far from the skills needed to survive. As someone who loves to read I find myself blessed to have the opportunity to read amazing novels and enjoy a good book in my free time!

Party animals?

After a night out with friends are you the type that is sad the night is over, or one that is glad to be at home? This is a question that I have answered of myself lately. I have found that I have become somewhat of a homebody, something that often comes with age. Don't get me wrong, I love a night out with the girls or a romantic night out with my man, but there always comes a point in the night when thoughts of my home crawl into the back of my head. Does this mean I am an adult now? Don't get me wrong friends, I had my share of night after night staying out late- being a college kid. However, as that chapter of my life comes to a bittersweet end I find myself happy and content with my simple, relaxing nights at home. 

Essay Prewriting: My personal credo

I believe that happiness is a state of mind, not something that just happens to a person. So, life isn't fair and sometimes bad things happen. If you are constantly dwelling on all the negative instead of focusing on the positive then you will lead a very miserable life. Also, misery loves company which means that those around will you will in turn become miserable as well. I believe that filling your mind and heart with love and positive thoughts it will lead to a positive life. So, what I'm saying is that throwing a pity party has never gotten anyone anything. If you want something, you have to work for it. If you fail, get up and put a smile on your face so you can try again.