AH, turtles. Such gentle, free-spirited creatures. We’ve come across them at some point in our lives—maybe as pets, in zoos or out in the ocean. But these animals aren’t just breathtaking to behold. We can also learn a few things from them because you know, we’re deep like that. In celebration of World Turtle Day (yes, there is such a thing), let’s take a moment to reflect on some lessons we can learn from this humble reptile:
Just take it slow
The turtle is often associated with sluggishness (or in this case, turtle-ness?), albeit negatively. But what’s so wrong with taking your time anyway? The important thing is that you get to your destination. Whether it’s a matter of days, years, decades, take your time in going after your goals in life.
Eat your vegetables
Turtles’ diets vary—can be plants, tiny insects or small fish. But like our doctors and parents have always said: Fruits and vegetables are good for us. No, we’re not telling you to go vegetarian. It’s all about balance. And don’t be dramatic. We’re just talking vegetables here, not exotic fried insects.
Go out of your shell
It feels good to be in our comfort zones, no doubt. And while it’s totally normal to be comfortable in our own shells, we should not be bound or limited by it. Even the turtle comes out of its shell from time to time, so should you! There’s more this world has to offer outside our little shells.
Extend your neck
Google images of “turtle” and you’ll notice that even though their bodies are in a shell, they always extend their neck. So, the next time you take a selfie or have your photo taken, extend your neck. You’ll look confident and poised. You don’t want to end up looking like a no-neck monster in photos.
Take care of yourself
Although the turtle spends a lot of time underwater, it does resurface in between swims for air. There are times when we get so busy with school or work that we forget to pause and take a breath. Whether it’s a five-minute walk or a weekend-long vacation, take a break if you feel the need to exhale.
Learn to be independent
The mother turtle lays eggs on the beach and as soon as they hatch, the baby turtles fumble their way back to the ocean and start their own journeys. Like the baby turtles, we too have to go on our own eventually, without mom or dad. It’s an inevitable yet necessary transition.
Don’t litter
Tragic news has surfaced from the sea to our social media feed: turtles stuck in plastic rings that are deforming their shells or worse, garbage found inside the bellies of dead turtles. What did the turtles ever do to deserve such cruel circumstances? So please, dispose of your garbage properly.
Be nice to others
In an ecosystem, animals are involved in a symbiotic relationship with others. Take for example, the yellow tang (a kind of fish). It clings onto a turtle to feed off the algae on its shell, and in return, the turtle’s shell is cleaned. So let’s be kind to one another. These creatures can peacefully co-exist. Why can’t we?