Bravery and Courage~Hobbit Unexpected Journey

“That was the most awkward Wednesday he ever remembered.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I went and Saw the Hobbit yesterday. It was quite good. Spending time at movies on the holidays is something I had forgotten that I remembered I liked. Though it was a long movie, it was still quite enjoyable. With me, I think in movies and lyrics and song. When I come away from a Movie I do not think of this movie as just "It was a great movie" but what did I get out of that movie? What did I learn? What quotes or images or things impressed upon me?

With this movie the lesson and theme that resonated in me was about

Bravery and Courage.  

For some who look at my life I think would tell you I am spoiled and a brat. Though I do not deny any of that to be true, the reason that is because it has also been wrought with much pain, suffering and sorrow. For those who follow me they know the pains and heartaches I have encountered and endured. For the rest in a nutshell I will share with you this....it was not always easy. I will not go into my trials in this post because I do not want to diminish what I am trying to say.

Bravery is not always about standing tall and proud. At times it is about crying and feeling and caring about others too, Like Bilbo did. He reached out his heart to another because he knew what HOME was and they did not have one. He grew up with parents and the Dwarf King did not. He had empathy.

“Bilbo saw that the moment had come when he must do something.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit  

Empathy to me is a big conduit for Bravery and Courage.

Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? That's because I am afraid and it gives me courage. ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I like how Gandalf says he relies on Bilbo because he gives him Courage. I hope to be able to give this kind of Courage and Bravery to others with my own. I have had a few friends say to me that I am an inspiration to them and this touches my heart and means more than any items in the world they could give me. For a spoiled brat, that should mean a lot! :)

True courage is about knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one. ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

There are many times when people have harmed me or hurt me, offended me or taken advantage of me as I am sure this has also happened to you. But instead of putting a sword in their eye as I would like to do I have learned to turn teh other cheek and leave them to live their life as generally the life they have created for themselves is far worse than any fate I could leave them with anyway. Sparing their life also has given me the strength I needed to go on, whereas I feel had I not I would have diminished there with them.

“You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit 

In the end , life is as we make it and as we see it, as we decide to live in it or let it live around us. If you look hard enough you will find what you are looking for. That could be something bad if you are looking for it and that could be something wonderful if you are open to it and looking for it as well. And just as the Hobbit movie says, you DO usually find something if you look, but I have come to find many OTHER happy rewards in life, people and things...when I was the very least expecting them!

Enjoy 2013 

by being Brave and Courageous...

and if you don't have any...

I'll share mine with you! :)