I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Kauai and I’m definitely sure that I know how it feels to be stranded on an island! Well, not the type of stranded you’re thinking of–not a survival of the fittest type of deal. I’m no Bear Grylls trying to drink my own pee or a Tom Hanks in Robert Zemeckis's "Cast Away," completely thrilled making a fire to survive. But it’s the type of stranded where you feel cut off from the outside world and have to deal with repetitiveness…
Doing things over and over again.
I grew up on an island where in fact, buildings cannot be higher than a palm tree. Where it takes you three hours tops to get around the whole entire island. Where we have only two movie theaters, one main shopping center, and McDonald's that rule as our designated hangout spots for kids my age and younger. We have no giant amusement park or zoo or any stunning fast food joints and the closest ones are on our neighbor island, Oahu, which requires a plane or boat ride to get to. I can't afford that!
As you can see, living on a island is very limited and things can get old real quick. But let me tell you, I'm a expert at being stranded on an island. I have nearly two decades of experience.
The major struggles you may feel is stagnation and isolation. We are surrounded and enclosed by ocean so experiencing being contained or closed-off from the entire world is likely to happen. But it's OK to feel isolated.
Isolation can be healthy.
In Sam Saber's article, "The Psychological Effects of Solitude," he discusses that there are many benefits in spending time in isolation. Freedom is one of them. Being free from people and situations can relieve stress and help one reevaluate their life decisions. Creativity is also a benefit that people can experience. Psychologist, Mihaly Csiksgentmihalyi discovered that individuals that don't take time in isolation fail to develop any creative talents.
If you ever feel like you are stuck on your own little island, I guess it's time to learn something new about yourself. Discover your talents while you are not distracted from anyone or anything.
In my time spent stranded on an island, I've discovered what I love and learned how to respect the island.
I've learned how to love the light clear blue ocean, admire the warm-feeling bonfires, cherish the magnificent mountains, and be in awe of the countless stars in our universe. I've experienced many different nerve-racking hikes with breath-taking views, been on adventures with the best people on the planet and I've taught myself how to surf, which is the best idea especially when you live on a island.
For me, being stranded on an island is completely special and magical and is better than doing anything else in the world. You can truly be your real self when you are left alone.
So if you have chance, be stranded on a island and take time for yourself! I love the island lifestyle so don't mind me. I'll cut off the outside world and deal with repetitiveness...
Doing the things I love over and over again.
