“The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step”. This popular maxim goes to show the importance of how to start anything worthwhile. It holds true in the Lord of the Rings franchise as well.
As Frodo found out, his journey started with a single step once he decided to take the ring to the village of Bree. He didn’t know the way there, nor did he know what perils laid ahead, or if he needed to go even further, which we know was the case. This analogy from the Lord of the Rings strikes it home when it comes to our own journeys in life.
I’ve jotted down 15 life lessons about one’s journey in life from the Fellowship of the Ring.
1. A love for things that grow
As Bilbo Baggins described the life of Hobbits, they have a thirst for things that grow. We as humans are also destined to grow. The very nature of life is to undergo change and grow from a current self to a future better self. And this entails a journey in itself.
2. Celebrate the simple life
A simple life was always celebrated in the Shire. In our own lives how many times do we actually celebrate a simplified life? We rather focus on a complex life and charge after our objectives head on. I’m not a hypocrite. I also do that, yet we need to also learn how to unwind and enjoy the simpler things.
3. Things that endure across generations
A major theme in the Lord of the Rings universe is the things that endure across generations. Whether it’d be Bilbo’s adventures, Gandalf’s relation with different races, Elven courtesy, or the weak spirit of men, they’re a staple for anyone trying to do anything worthwhile. Get inspired in your journey by the stories left behind by others before you.
4. Are you doing things out of selfishness or out of love?
In hindsight, Bilbo didn’t know whether his adventures were out of selfishness or out of love.
This rings true in our time as well. We set on our journeys with vigor and hope. Yet, do we ask ourselves whether we’re doing it out of selfishness or out of love?
I’m not a hypocrite to be saying that you shouldn’t think of yourself. I also think of myself when I’m about to embark on a journey. I’m saying you could turn your journey into a source of inspiration for others.
5. The farthest away from home you’ve ever been might be what you actually need
When Sam was about to step into the corn field, he realized he was the farthest away from home he had ever been. But that wasn’t a bad thing.
We spend so much time cooked up in our little universe that we fail to notice the wonders outside of our comfort zone. Who knows? Stepping out of our comfort zones might be exactly what we need to grow.
6. Keep your direction or you’ll be swept off your feet
Any journey has its twists and turns, like the Fellowship experienced on their way to Mordor. During those moments it’s important to remember your goal and why you started in the first place. That way you’ll keep your brain flexible to find alternative routes.
From a fixed mindset you’ll be swept off your feet. A growth mindset will make you search for alternative solutions to get to where you want to be.
7. Don’t look for an adventure, turn your life into one
Frodo never asked for the mission, quest, to take the ring of power to Mordor. It somehow landed on him. But what he did was to turn his life into an adventure by accepting to become the bearer of the ring. Granted, his stubbornness worked against him sometimes, but wasn’t that part of his character development?
Your journey in life will have you carry a burden but it doesn’t have to be crippling if you know how to ask for help sometimes. This will be part of your character development.
8. The help you need comes from people with similar values and objectives
In the Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship was composed of all the “aligned to good” races. What they had in common was a shared ideal and values. Well, except Boromir who wanted the ring for himself only to be later given an honorable and tear-jerking death.
People with similar values and objectives are the ones to look for while you set out on your chosen journey. They will not be a thorn in your side. They will be your allies that support you.
9. Find your allies for they might be your saving grace
In your hour of need who will be there to help you? People with contrary beliefs and objectives? No. Like in the Lord of the Rings, your allies will be the ones to help you.
We sometimes tend to admire the wrong crowd for certain social benefits. Once you know what you desire and set out on a journey, you’ll realize those persons were never meant to be by your side.
10. Resilience comes from within, not from brawns or strategy
As Lady Galadriel told Frodo about the power of a small being to make a dent in the universe, I’ve gathered resilience comes from within. It doesn’t come from brawns or the perfect strategy. Frodo never had those qualities working for him. So he compensated with resilience, which stemmed from his inner world.
Here in Romania we have a saying: “Strong fragrances are kept in small bottles” (rough translation). It’s an analogy to understand how true strength comes from within.
11. Trust your own strength
It’s a no brainer here. No matter how strong Gimli’s axe could be, how fast and accurately Legolas would shoot his bow, or how Aragorn would time his saves, Frodo learned he had to trust his own strength. Okay, not against a cave Troll! At the moment he had to make a course-changing decision, he decided to continue the journey. Even if it meant going on his own.
Your allies might help you at times, but it’s you who must be strong and make the tough decisions.
12. Your past doesn’t define you
Being Isildur’s heir took a mental toll on Aragorn. The fact that the same blood flowed through his veins meant he would also turn out to be as his forefather. Arwen helped him realize he was a different person altogether.
Your past doesn’t define you. Sure, it might cause you some anxiety or bite you in the rear in the future. Though, there is one thing to remember. The past defines your present time only if you let it.
13. Obstacles have their purpose
Raise a hand if you like rain on your parade. I didn’t think so. Obstacles have their purpose.
Each obstacle that Frodo & company had to surpass only strengthened their bonds. Once surpassed, it brought renewed hope.
The same is for us. There’s no telling how many obstacles we’ll encounter on our journey to success. But each of these obstacles will make us stronger in the long run.
14. You decide what you do with the time you have on Earth
One of Gandalf’s epic moments from the Lord of the Rings was when he shared this piece of wisdom with Frodo.
We have it in ourselves to think about what we want to do with our time on Earth. I’d also add that it’s important to chose based on our own qualities, values, and dreams. If there’s a bigger hand at play, I’m not sure. And even if everything happens as it’s supposed to be, wouldn’t that make our decision to go for self-awareness a self fulfilling prophecy then?
15. Never go back on your promise
You’ve seen this painted across the board in many fictional worlds. From Naruto to Samwise Gamgee, never going back on your promise is one of the most exciting decisions anyone can make.
It gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling because of the truth it holds. When you do go back on your word, you teach your brain it’s something normal. If you’re envisioning a long journey ahead of you, then you might want to stick to your word, especially if you want allies next to you.
What life lessons has the Lord of the Rings taught you? Please let me know in a comment below. Also, stay tuned for the second part of this series.