When I saw what this week's blog homework was, the first thing that came to mind was my favorite book in the world- The Hobbit.
I love the entire middle earth universe, but I've always loved hobbits best. I relate to them a lot- they're small, sassy, they love to eat, drink, smoke their pipeweed and mind their own business! Their peaceful way of life close to nature has always appealed to me.
Reading The Hobbit for the first time when I was young, before I ever touched the Lord of the Rings, I was enchanted by these little people, and following Bilbo's journey, travelling so much farther from home than any other hobbit ever had, finding strength and courage in himself that he never knew he had, and ultimately sealing the fate of the world, was incredibly inspiring to me when I was young.
The idea that even the smallest, most timid person could make such an impact made me feel like I could do anything. And I still feel that way when I think of Bilbo talking his way out of being eaten by trolls, solving riddles in the dark in Gollum's cave, overcoming the power of the ring and never letting it control him, outsmarting a dragon, and charging into battle as the smallest person there- if he can find that kind of courage, I can too!
Thorin Oakenshiled's last words to Bilbo brought tears to my eyes when I read them: "There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
There's so much truth in that! Ever since, I've been inspired to always be brave, no matter how tough the odds seem, and live with an appreciation for the simple things, and always jump on an opportunity for adventure 🍄
@missy @rambo