Ring-bearer

The weight we bear.

Children are the rings, and parents are their ring-bearers. Yup, I managed to connect the iconic storyline of Frodo from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They are our 'precious,' and raising them is a weight that parents bear. No one can carry their weight of raising their human being.

But parents can achieve more when we they have support. Parents need 'Samwise Gamgee's' in their lives to carry them when they are drained for the everyday effort of carrying our 'rings' (AKA, midnight feedings, no sleep, planning playdates, choosing schools, managing the hormonal and intense brain growth of teenagers, and then guiding them into adulthood). Whether it's family, friends, or professionals, we need support. Because as much weight as we think we can bear, it eventually drains us enough that we need help.

And once they are released (not exactly mount doom) into the world on their own, the effects of the strain stay with us and forever leave marks on our souls.

When I think big picture on this analogy, yes, it applies to parents. But it basically connects to anyone with a life (actual or business/idea) that they are responsible for nurturing and supporting as it grows and develops.

I'd like to end with the as important role of Samwise Gamgee. We are social creatures, and it is proven working alone never is as successful as having support in one way or another. So make an effort to reach out when you need someone to carry you. Connect with that one person you know can meet your need when you need it.

And in the same vein, when you see someone you care about struggling with their weight-bearing ring, be Samwise Gamgee and offer what you can. In so many ways, this sharing of support will lift you both up in ways you could never do alone.