I Spent the Afternoon Saving Starfish
Walking on the beach when the tide is out is a beautiful experience. One afternoon, I noticed a tiny somewhat uniquely shaped bulge in the exposed sand. I gently dug around to discover it was a starfish that had been beached by the receding waters. Knowing that starfish cannot survive outside the water, I carefully picked up the sand and the starfish and brought it out to a deeper part of the ocean.
As the sand gently floated off in the moving water, the starfish began to move. Tiny, subtle movements at first, as if readjusting to being back in the water, and then full movement. It was magical to watch.
I went back to the exposed sandbar with purpose: were there other starfish who’d been caught by the outgoing tide? Answer: yes! As with the first one, I carefully scooped each one in its surrounding sand and carried it to deeper water.
“What are you doing?,” asked another beachgoer. “My boyfriend and I have seen you stop – dig – go to the water – and repeat. You have us so curious!” I showed her a partially exposed starfish and told her I was trying to get as many back in the water as quickly as possible. Intrigued, she and her boyfriend joined me in this process.
Did we save them all? Of course not. But knowing that I made a difference to even one was rewarding. And it occurred to me that there are parallels between this starfish exercise and my work! I considered the following:
You have to see the potential: Most of those little starfish were – at first glance – just triangular-ish shapes in the sand. Looking more closely, I saw that these were one, two or three appendages of the animal. People are similar: we can sometimes catch a glimpse of what could be, if we’re willing to look closely and pay attention. If we’re moving too fast, we could miss the unique capability that is right in front of us.
Movement leads to gripping, and eventually to letting go: When the starfish were back in the crystal-clear water, I could see the subtle movements as they adjusted. I could see their arms and legs (or whatever they’re called!) bend to seemingly hold on to the sand. Then, they would settle in and let go. In my own work, I know that when I hold on too tight (to an idea, a plan, a timeline…), I’m not as effective as when I let go a bit. When I allow myself to be more in flow, I’m much more productive, typically much happier and definitely less stressed!
Each has their own path: After the brief readjustment, it was fascinating to watch the starfish. Some took off – making small tracks in the sand as they made their way across the ocean floor. Others moved quite slowly, as if evaluating each next potential move. They would raise one arm tentatively, place it down, and then move ever so carefully across the sand. Some used their arms to gently bury themselves in the sand right where they landed. Just like people, right?Some move quickly through their lives and careers, others are much more methodical, and some just dig in where they are!
It matters to one: I know we didn’t find all the starfish on the sandbar. And I’m certain some of the ones we did find had likely been out of the water too long to survive. AND I know that we saved at least a dozen or more. Also true in life: focus on the people in front of you: your family, your team, your friends…and you can make a difference. Small actions, paying attention, creating the right environment can go a long way. Be present. Every interaction matters.
“Well done!”, said my new-found starfish saving friends as we scanned the sandbar. As the sun settled, they walked south and I headed north, all of us knowing that taking time to be more observant makes a difference – to starfish and to people.
