1.Just keep swimming

Yes, this is a Finding Nemo quote that most everyone is well-aware of, yet it is also a very important trait from sea turtles. Sea turtles do not need to continue to swim constantly like sharks do to survive, yet they make incredibly big migrations in the ocean currents in search of food and to follow the warm weather during the warm seasons. If they don’t swim, they will not find food. Unlike us, we can sit in our beds and watch Netflix all day and barely move to get food. Some days, it seems as if this is the best option. However, to be successful and to mentally keep moving forward, we all need to take on this metaphorically and physically important trait from sea turtles.

2.Engage your curiosity

Sea turtles are incredibly curious creatures. They swim through coral reefs engaging in the vast amounts of life that thrive amongst the reef, and follow the creatures that migrate to warmer weather. Just like them, we need to engage our curiosity. Fears of the unknown haunt each individual person, but there is no way to find new things, go on new adventures, or “test the waters,” without engaging out curiosity. So, talk to that boy or girl, take that science class that seems daunting but interesting, take the trip that may seem a bit unnerving, and do what interests you.

3.No matter how hurt or how sick you are, if there is a will there’s a way

Working with sea turtles every weekend has enticed me to learn from their way of life. In Cape Cod, it is well known that in the winter months, the geographical “hook” that the bay forms trap the turtles in on their migration south when the cold weather starts to hit. As reptiles, they cannot regulate body temperature and get quite cold, resulting in what is known as “cold stunning” where their body shuts down. Turtles sometimes come into rehabilitation with one heartbeat within a couple minutes. Yet, are released a few months later thriving with life. They are facing death in the face due to the geographical trap the cape cod bay forms, yet miraculously fight the injuries and sickness in a way that is incredible and inspiring. Yes of course, this is with the help of medical staff, however medicine alone cannot keep an animal alive. From this, we can learn that no matter how sick, and how many odds are thrown against us, in any situation, if there is a will there is a way.

4.Independency is gratifying

From birth, sea turtles have a long journey from the nest, to the water, completely on their own. Independent of their mothers from the day they hatch. Humans of course, are quite different and are completely dependent on their parents. However, what we can learn from the independency sea turtles is that, once we can survive independent of our parents. We do not need anyone other than ourselves to survive. That is something so important, and so construed in the social stratosphere. Women, men, and people of all gender identifies do not need a romantic relationship or anything of the sort to be happy or to be successful. Independency can be quite gratifying, as you can learn more about yourself when you are by yourself.