From “Julie’s Gems”: March 2002

Three months ago a fantastic movie titled “The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring,” came to theaters. I enjoyed this movie so much that I saw it three times (so far), and I’m currently reading the books. The whole movie was incredible with great acting, breath-taking scenery and heart-pounding action. I loved all the dialogue from the movie, yet I will focus on only one phrase. It is when the elf Galadriel says, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future,” to Frodo, a diminutive Hobbit. It is a simple phrase, and I’m sure we’ve all heard variations of the same idea. I especially took this message to heart since I am shorter than average. Yet my column is not only for the vertically challenged, but for anyone who feels they do not measure up to the tall and lovely elves of this world. No matter what limitations we feel we may have, be it age, weight, height, athletic ability, looks, intelligence, and the like, we should not let these things stop us from striving to be the best we can be. We are our own worst critic, and our abilities are typically greater than we give ourselves credit for. I guess I’m taking the long way around to simply say, if you think you can accomplish it, then don’t let your doubts or the doubts of others keep you from your goals and dreams. Go for it, and who knows what great things you will achieve!