The Burglar's Contract: For Entry into “One Year in Middle-earth”

To Whom It May Concern (that is, to the undersigned Burglar):

Know that the road ahead is long, the path uncertain, and the comforts of home will not be

easily replaced. Yet this document marks the willing commitment of the undersigned to leave behind ease, to embrace effort, and to take part in the grand undertaking known as One Year in Middle-earth.

By signing this parchment, the Burglar enters into a fellowship of purpose and agrees to the terms, expectations, and disciplines of the journey to be fulfilled during the season of The Hobbit, beginning in January and continuing through February.

Let it be known that this contract binds not by threat or coin but by personal honor, perseverance, and the quiet strength of daily effort.

I. The Purpose of the Journey

The Burglar sets out to grow in body, mind, and character, leaving behind the familiar comfort of Bag End for the uncertainty of the Wild. This journey shall not be one of idle imagination, but of lived experience. It is a challenge of discipline, reflection, and courage modeled upon the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the spirit of The Strenuous Life.

The Burglar agrees to walk willingly into discomfort and discovery, seeking to embody the virtues of courage, wisdom, humility, and fellowship.

The aim of this agreement is not glory or wealth but transformation. The Burglar shall strive to become a person capable of steadiness under strain, kindness in the face of frustration, and resilience when all comfort is gone.

II. Daily Practices and Conduct

Each day of this adventure shall include the following expectations, faithfully upheld unless prevented by serious cause.

1. Movement of the Body

The Burglar shall move with purpose every day. Whether through rucking, walking, rowing, or other exercise, there shall be at least forty-five minutes of deliberate physical effort. At least three days each week will involve outdoor or loaded activity that strengthens endurance and resolve. During these times, the Burglar is encouraged to reflect in silence or contemplation, preparing insights to record in the “Red Book.”

2. The Deed of the Day

Each day shall contain a single act of kindness, service, or generosity. These may be small gestures but must be done with sincerity. The Burglar shall record each in the “Red Book” beneath a heading titled Kindnesses on the Road, acknowledging that courage of heart often begins with compassion.

3. The Manner of Conduct

The Burglar shall carry themselves with humility, cheer, and perseverance. Complaints will be treated as passing clouds, while excuses will be faced as obstacles to be overcome. Fellowship will be honored, and all companions treated with patience and respect.

4. Stewardship of Health and Rest

The Burglar shall respect their body as a vessel of endurance and clarity. Adequate rest, proper nourishment, and mindful habits are to be maintained. Neglect of self-care shall be viewed as neglect of purpose.

III. Tying the Journey to The Strenuous Life (TSL)

This undertaking is not separate from The Strenuous Life but rather an extension of it. The Burglar shall honor and uphold the principles of that program throughout this adventure.

Daily Check-Ins:

The Burglar agrees to maintain daily accountability by marking progress, recording physical work, reflection, and completed good deeds. These records, whether on TSL’s platform or in personal logbooks, serve as proof of integrity and consistency.

Weekly Agons:

The Burglar will treat each week as an Agon — a structured struggle toward improvement. Every seven days, reflection shall take place to evaluate effort, identify weaknesses, and renew focus.

Badge Skill Building:

The Burglar shall work toward completion of at least one TSL badge skill during each season of the One Year in Middle-earth program. Skills in journaling, outdoorsmanship, physical training, or creative craft may be pursued as part of the ongoing adventure.

Honoring the Program:

The Burglar acknowledges The Strenuous Life as a framework for disciplined living, guided by virtue and action rather than leisure or convenience. This challenge is to be undertaken in the same spirit — to live strenuously, serve others, and grow stronger through honest toil.

Phronesis (Practical Wisdom):

The Burglar shall seek phronesis — wisdom earned through experience. Reflection is to be paired with action so that lessons learned on the road become enduring habits. Every hardship, mistake, or victory must serve as a teacher.

IV. Weekly and Monthly Challenges

Throughout January and February, the Burglar shall complete the activities and trials that mirror Bilbo’s road from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain.

In January, the Burglar shall:

• Form a company and share a simple meal as a declaration of fellowship.

• Sign this Burglar’s Contract and set forth on the first walk or ruck.

• Face the Trolls through acts of courage, humor, and resourcefulness.

• Solve riddles and confront uncertainty in symbolic darkness.

• Pause at Rivendell for wisdom, writing, and renewal.

In February, the Burglar shall:

• Endure the shadows of Mirkwood through endurance and focus.

• Confront temptation, greed, and pride beneath the shadow of Smaug.

• Engage in fellowship and leadership during a shared physical challenge.

• Reflect upon the long road home and prepare for the next chapter, The Fellowship of the Ring.

Each challenge is to be met with courage, humility, and good humor.

V. Reading and Study of the Text

The Burglar shall read The Hobbit in its entirety by the end of February, following the pacing of the monthly activities. Reading is not to be rushed but absorbed — each chapter serving as a mirror for the Burglar’s own progress.

Passages of insight or inspiration may be copied into the “Red Book.” The Burglar is encouraged to underline wisdom, draw small symbols, or include lines that strike the heart. Favorite verses, maps, or sketches may also be included to enrich understanding and memory.

VI. The “Red Book”

Each Burglar shall maintain a “Red Book,” which will serve as both journal and companion throughout the journey. It shall be handwritten, consistent, and honest, serving as a record of deeds, thoughts, and lessons.

Entries should include:

• Daily fitness and service reflections.

• Weekly summaries of challenges completed.

• Personal insights, stories, and failures, written truthfully.

• Sketches, poems, or copied quotes from The Hobbit or other readings.

• An evolving list of virtues and habits being developed through the program.

The “Red Book” stands as evidence that the Burglar not only traveled the road but paid attention along the way.

VII. Supplies and Provisions

The Burglar is to prepare their gear with care. A small, well-considered kit is expected. It may include:

• A reliable rucksack.

• Durable footwear and clothing suited for all weather.

• The “Red Book” and a writing instrument.

• A flask or bottle for water.

• Rope, paracord, or cordage for practical exercises.

• A small knife or tool.

• A lantern, flashlight, or candle for symbolism and function.

• Simple rations for outdoor meals.

Proper stewardship of equipment reflects respect for the craft of adventure. The Burglar will maintain and repair their supplies as needed.

VIII. Companionship and Fellowship

The Burglar understands that fellowship is both burden and blessing. Companions shall not always be pleasant, nor will the road always be kind, but mutual encouragement will be vital to success.

The Burglar will seek connection through shared rucks, discussions, and acts of support, remembering that isolation weakens the will while fellowship strengthens it.

IX. Completion and Return

Upon completion of the Hobbit phase, the Burglar shall write a final reflection titled “The Road Home.” It will recount lessons learned, hardships faced, and the internal treasures discovered along the way.

Success shall not be measured by medals or records but by the quiet realization that one’s courage now outweighs one’s fear. The end of this phase marks not rest, but readiness for the next — The Fellowship of the Ring.

X. Signature of Commitment

By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges full understanding of the expectations and the purpose of this agreement. The Burglar affirms that comfort shall not replace discipline, that fear shall not replace faith, and that idleness shall not steal the time given for growth.

Signed this ______ day of ______________, in the Year of Our Shire ______.

Name of Burglar: ______________________________________

Witness (optional): ____________________________________

Seal or Symbol of Intent (mark, rune, or fingerprint): ___________

Gandalf’s Counsel:

“There is more to you than you know, and the road will prove it.”