Become Someone

If you like fantasy books, you should definitely check out Brandon Sanderson's books. He creates worlds and magic that I've never heard of before with complex characters and story lines.

Before Brandon Sanderson had published any books, I had heard his name. My old roommate was in a writing group with him. It was kind of a love-hate relationship in that she admired his work, but was jealous that he was getting so much attention and getting published. When Elantris came out, I was really curious about it and was told it was very good. I checked it out and guiltily told my roommate. She said she had done the same and already read it and grudgingly admitted it was good, and it was a good read.

The latest book by him that I am reading is The Emperor's Soul.

The main character, Shai, is in a bad situation in which she feels she has no power. Her emotions start to get almost out of control, but in her mind she forcibly says, "Control yourself. Become someone who can deal with this." The next paragraph, "She took a deep breath and let herself become someone else. An imitation of herself who was calm, even in a situation like this. ... just a trick of the mind, but it worked."

I love the thought of becoming someone who can deal with a seemingly out of control situation. I may feel that I can't deal with something, but I can, at least temporarily, become someone who can deal with the situation, just long enough to get through it.

Confession- I have a fear of dogs. It's usually not overwhelming, but I have definitely been known to take the long way around to avoid a dog on the loose. Watching Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer show has helped.

 

When he is with the dogs, he is in control, and he lets the dogs know that he is the master. He owns the situation.

 

There are times in life that can seem overwhelming, but if we can remember to 'control ourselves and become someone who can deal' with the situation, we can get through anything.