Friendships, Challenges and Unlikely Quotes

Posted on by Miriam

Sometimes it’s good to go against the grain, to experiment, take risks and reinvent the rules.

So that’s what I’m doing with this challenge. I was nominated by the lovely Lorelle at A Mindful Traveller for the “three day quote challenge” as well as Tanvir at Myexpressionifthoughtsblog.

I love a good quote as much as the next person but I’m tweaking the rules and posting all of my quotes today. What a rebel!

How are we supposed to grow if we tip toe and always conform? Life’s meant to be a dance not a battle.

It’s an adventure and, like all adventures, meeting like minded people along the way, online and in real life, is half the fun.

A couple of weeks ago four of us met up in a Melbourne cafe, myself, Lorelle, Hayley from Dear Dad, and Lindsey from Itching for Hitching. Despite our different journeys it was like we’d always known each other.

There’s nothing like good coffee, laughter and shared interests to bring new friends together.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J.R.R Tolkien

Just thinking about friendships, journeys and how unlikely it was three years ago I’d be meeting so many like minded people from my blog stirred something in me beyond the every day.

So let me take you beyond the ordinary to the land of hobbits and magic.

Recently, I was swept up in Middle Earth with my teenage son, from J.R.R Tolkien’s awe inspiring Lord of the Rings trilogy, where extraordinary widsom is packed between the quotes.

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

I’ve learned that when we embrace the adventure all sorts of new roads open up to us. Sometimes in the most unlikely of places.

Driving in the dunes (800x600)

“Little by little one travels far”

Even when it feels as though the journey is taking forever, we remind ourselves that we’re further than we were yesterday.

For me and my online learning and marketing it’s taking time and perseverance but I know it’s through taking small steps that I’ll move forward.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

Ah, wise Gandalf. We each have the same hours every day and it’s up to us to make them count.

For me at the moment, focus is the key, setting those clear intentions at the start of the day. If they’re missing, I find my motivation often is as well.

The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.”

Some days I feel like hibernating but then I have to remind myself to push out of these barriers.

Just like inside Bindaree hut in the High Country recently. It could almost have passed as a hobbit’s hut.

“Courage is found in unlikely places”

Look within and see the strength that you have inside yourself.

You’re more capable than you think. Don’t look to others for your own worth when it’s all within yourself.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

We each have our part to play and we all have choices and our own path to forge.

It doesn’t matter if you veer off course, you’ll find the right way in the end. Trust yourself.

It’s all an experience.

“Don’t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.”

Let it be you. And me.

See the world through open eyes and never forget the joy is in the journey and all the magic along the way.

Life is ‘precious’.

Live it like you’re in a movie, and, as unlikely as that might seem, believe it.

It’s true and very real. 

Be the hero in your own story and watch the magic unfold.

In light and love.

The final quote is from Bilbo Baggins who sums up perfectly my sentiments … “I think I’m quite ready for another adventure.”

Are you?

Connect with me on Facebook.

Come join my new group for like minded travelers
Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”

95 thoughts on “Friendships, Challenges and Unlikely Quotes”

  4. Fabulous! Tolkien had some great lines and great wisdom that fits into everyday life. So glad you got to catch up with your blogging buddies.
    Have a beautiful day.

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  12. Hello dear Miriam,
    A wonderful blend of story, quotes and inspiration as always.
    Wishing you well with your online learning and I do adore that photo of you with ‘the girls’.
    A blessing to have such connections…
    Love and light to you in return 🙏🏼✨✨💕

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  16. I love a good quote, Miriam and you have several gold ones here. I like the one about ‘the wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.” Isn’t it great catching up with fellow bloggers? We did that in Brisbane in early December last year and I’m hoping to do it again in July. You do feel like you are catching up with old friends, even though it might be the first time you have met them IRL. Have great week! x

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  20. Pingback: Unlikely – Captain of the Ship | What's (in) the Picture?

    1. Me too!!! And I still reckon one day we’ll end up meeting at the same campsite. At least we’ll be able to recognise each other now. 😊

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  26. So many great quotes and they all resonate with me!! I’ve never watched Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. Love seeing you with Hayley and friends. So excited for her too! I know isn’t it amazing to not only have made these friendships but to actually meet…how great is that!! I think this one is my favorite…“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Big Adventurous Hugs sweet lady!! xo ❤

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    1. That’s a great quote isn’t it because it really does put the control in our hands. We get to decide how to write that story. Even if it’s not quite going the way we want we can tweak it.
      I know, it’s so exciting about Hayley, I’m so happy for her. So grateful you introduced us. Big hugs right back atcha gorgeous you xo 😊❤️

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      1. And that’s the great news…we write and rewrite and rewrite as often as we want too! I’m so happy you two have met and become great friends too!! I look forward to the day we are all together, with her little one too!! Big rewrite hugs my lovely lady xo ❤

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  29. What a post, Miriam! Wow! LOVED the picture of the 4 girls together and not one cellphone in sight! NICE! And how you interwove the wisdom from the Trilogy in with your words and about life, impressive! Yes life is precious and it is a gift. It is up to each of us how we travel and where we go. I became richer after reading this post. Thank you! And oh, the picture of you peeking out of the shack …. very cool! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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    1. Yes, the four of us had far too much to say to have any time for our phones.
      I love the LOTR Trilogy and just find so many of the quotes so relatable. Glad you enjoyed this Kim. Thank you. Big hugs xo ❤️

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  30. I love all of these quotes Miriam and they’re so apt for your life, and mine, at the moment. We’re on an adventure of a lifetime and loving it! One of my best quotes is – don’t count the days, make the days count. Lovely to read your words while on the other side of the world. Take care xx

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    1. Oh Debbie, how wonderful. I hope you’re having an absolute ball, I’m sure you are. Look forward to reading all about your adventures. Take care, enjoy and lovely to hear from you. xx

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      1. Thanks Miriam, it’s always good to read your lovely inspiring words. I’m finding it difficult to keep up to date with so much going on but I’ll try to check in regularly 😊 all is going well with us and spring is definitely a beautiful time over here. Xx

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        1. Sounds perfect. Don’t worry too much about keeping up Deb, life just goes on doesn’t it and we all catch up eventually. Just enjoy it all and soak up all of those spring rays. It’s freezing over here. xx 🙂

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  33. Ooooo what a beautiful collection of quotes, and so intimately weaved with your wisdom Miriam (and my oh my don’t we look good?!) 🤗😉 I always have so many precious memories from our catch ups! The most one being how easy it is to spend time with like-minded souls who never fail to warm our hearts! It’s so good to know you and to have you in my circle of friends gorgeous woman 🙏🏻💗🌸 love always xx

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    1. I feel the same way Hayley. I’m so very grateful for our friendship and the special connection through this space. I hope you’re doing well lovely lady. Big warm hugs to you xo 💕🌸

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      1. Thank you Miriam 🙏🏻 I am begging to slow myself right down outside of work as I’m feeling rather slow and heavy, but we’ll all the same – still enjoying yoga and walking though… my little respites 🙏🏻🌸🤗💗 xx

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        1. It’s so natural for you to be feeling this way Hayley. Just listen to your body. Your body (and Bub) is telling you what you need. Have a peaceful weekend. xo 💕🌸

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  34. Yes we need to find this voice of courage, swim against the tide and no adventure can end. It’s so true about life and growth to be the forever rebel. I am honored to know an amazing person like you who keeps pepping and motivating.

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  36. One of my favorite posts! B beautifully written, with some of my favorite Tolkien-isms. I have always equated “Little by little, one travels far” with that old Chinese proverb, “The journey of a thousand miles behind with a single step.”
    Great blogging, keep it up!

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  38. Excellent thoughts Miriam.. I only watch one of the Lord of the Rings films over this weekend.. The Battle of the Five Armies I think it was.. And yes it shows the greed that consumes when one thinks that Gold and treasures is worth more than anything else..
    Sending Huge hugs.. ❤ Sue

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    1. Thanks Sue. I probably wouldn’t have watched all of them if it wasn’t for my son but I’m glad I did, mostly. Big hugs my lovely friend xx ❤️

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  40. I am so happy for you that you have these lovely opportunities to meet new bloggers! You really seem like you’ve “come into your own” since you started blogging, just shining and blossoming away. 🙂 Love to see it happen! xoxox ❤

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