Ladies, 8 March is International Women’s Day. And who’s better than Mother Nature to draw wisdom from? Ready? Let’s dig in.
Mangrove trees – thrive in tough conditions
Let’s start with mangroves, the queens of standing tall and being deeply rooted. These salt-tolerant trees grow in coastal areas in brackish water and can be recognised by their unique roots. They are eco-champions, weathering storms and tides, while protecting coastlines, filtering water, storing carbon, and supporting countless species. They teach us to stand our ground no matter the situation. They also teach us to root ourselves in family, friends, and the community, and in our values and goals. They tell us to protect what is important to us, be it people or our dreams and aspirations. And finally, they teach us to filter out all the dirt!
Coral Reefs – Building vibrant communities
Coral reefs are among the most precious and varied ecosystems in the world. They make up only 1% of the ocean, but are home to thousands of species. They exemplify the beauty and resilience of a community that collaborates, embraces diversity, and allows everyone to shine. We can learn to build vibrant, supportive communities from corals. Unfortunately, climate change and other pressures have hit corals hard, and they are signalling these effects through coral bleaching and the collapse of these bustling hubs. The lesson here is that we all deserve a clean and healthy environment, and must cut out stressors and anything that dims our shine. And to let the world know when things aren’t going well!
Hawksbill turtles – Embracing grit and glamour
Hawksbill turtles have survived despite being exploited to near-extinction. They are the most striking of the sea turtle species, with their beautiful shell that was traditionally used to make jewellery and other artefacts. They too have valuable life lessons to impart. If you’ve ever watched a female Hawksbill turtle nest, then you know something of the grit of these ladies. They emerge from the ocean, crawl up the sand, find a spot, dig a hole, lay their eggs, cover and camouflage the nest from predators, and then go back to the ocean. This can take hours, and they do it up to six times a season. Talk about sheer determination. You, too, can keep going – no matter what.
Seychelles Magpie Robin – Refuse to give up
The Seychelles Magpie Robin is proof that with teamwork, and support, you can bounce back stronger than ever from adversity. Once nearly extinct and only found on a single island, it has made a remarkable comeback through conservation action. This included translocation to other islands. It thrives on five islands with a population of 500, up from 20! It shows that, even when things seem hopeless, you can make a comeback. This species survived thanks to people who cared and took action. So remember, if you hold something dear, stand up for it!
Aldabra Giant Tortoise – Go at your own pace
Honestly, who needs a life coach when you can learn from a tortoise? They seem to hold the key to a long and wonderful life. While everyone else rushes around, the tortoise enjoys its own path, taking things at its own pace. So, what can we learn from it? Life doesn’t need to be a race. Find your own rhythm and be happy with your journey. Remember slow and steady progress is still progress. And that shell? Use it to keep all those negative vibes at bay.