...While exploring my theme, I have discovered the importance of being strong on the inside, and have found many inspiring stories and media pieces about how inner strength saved lives. Both sides are important in today's society, but as we already know, one cannot exist without the other. I was shocked to come across so many different situations involving strength in almost everything I have read. Even the stories about the muscular giants always start with a made up mind, which, as defined earlier, is strength. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins reveals the true difference between the strengths. "The time allotted for the tributes to say good-bye to their loved ones. I cannot afford to get upset, to leave this room with puffy eyes and a red nose. Crying is not an option."(33) is a perfect quote found at the beginning of the novel. It is significant because Katniss might not have won without the impression she has made on the sponsors, making herself seem more powerful and brave. So, what are we without strength? Nothing...As many of my stories show, we are nothing without that power that we get from being mentally prepared for the competition, whatever it might be. For example, the boy who won judo competition with only one arm in "Strength and Weakness" by Dhanjith wouldn't have done it if he didn't believe in himself. Yes, he was physically strong, and with practice has accomplished what once seemed impossible. However, if that will to work hard wasn't there, or if he didn't trust his coach, his weaknesses would not have become his strengths. Also, the man from the Tiananmen Square (Tank Man) could not have stopped a column of tanks with his muscles. He needed to have the courage to do it with his mind... And he did, even if it was just for one minute.
I believe that my tapestry clearly represented both sides of my theme and I hope that it showed the importance of inner strength, and that it is the beginning for everything in this world.
