Grounded in Self, Open to Wisdom: Lessons from the Island

I remember a time on the island that really drove home the power of gratitude and openness—especially when it comes to learning from others, even if you don’t fully align with their way of thinking. Here’s what happened:

There was a man on the island, Manu, who had lived here his whole life. Manu was known for his traditional fishing skills. Now, I wasn’t much of a fisherman myself, and I didn’t necessarily agree with all his views on life. He had a very “old-school” mindset, and we saw the world differently. But he had a way with the ocean, with reading the tides, and understanding the rhythms of fish and sea that I couldn’t deny.

One morning, Manu invited me to go fishing with him. He used techniques passed down for generations, things I’d never seen or thought about. Instead of relying on modern gear, he used handmade tools and followed the patterns of nature, trusting what the ocean had taught him. While I was watching him, I realized there was so much more I could learn—not just about fishing, but about listening to the world around me and honoring the skills and traditions others carry. Manu wasn’t trying to prove his worldview or change mine; he was simply sharing what he knew, and I felt lucky to experience it.

During that time together, I learned to see the ocean in a new way. He showed me how to notice subtle shifts in the water, how to track the currents, and how to feel where the fish were moving, almost like a sixth sense. I realized that, while we may not see eye to eye on everything, he had something I needed—knowledge that was timeless and invaluable.

I think what I took away from that experience was the importance of protecting my own mindset while remaining open to what others have to offer. We don’t have to adopt every belief or perspective we come across. We can respect and appreciate the wisdom, the skills, and the life experiences others bring to the table without letting it shake our own foundation.

For anyone reading this, islander or not, I’d say this: don’t close yourself off to the wisdom of others just because you don’t agree with everything they say. Every person you meet carries a unique piece of life’s puzzle. There’s strength in knowing who you are and what you believe, and there’s growth in opening yourself to learn from others, without letting it disrupt your core.

The island has taught me that true wisdom is about being grounded enough in yourself that you can appreciate and learn from anyone. Whether it’s on the water, in business, or in personal relationships, stay open, stay curious, and remember there’s always something to learn. 🌊