Unite in order to progress

Pūpūkahi – United, as in harmonious co-operation

Holomua – improvement, progress

Every Monday I share an ʻōlelo noʻeau, a Hawaiian wise saying, with a teacher colleague of mine, one that she can share with the student body at her school on Monday morning. I try to think of sayings that students can relate to, that she can personalize and perhaps help the students make connections.

Western culture teaches us that it is every man for himself. Only the strong survive. Be independent.

Hawaiian culture teaches us that it really does take a village. If you don’t have others to rely on and other who rely on you, it really make life a challenge.

Hawaiian culture teaches us that rather than being independent and work alone we should strive to be interdependent. Maybe you don’t NEED anyone else, and maybe no one needs you, but isn’t it nice that if you needed help someone would be there for you and vice versa? Isn’t it great to help out a family member, friend or neighbor when they need it?

Recently, my daughter got married. And while it would have been easier to hire people to do the flowers and get a caterer, the day was extra special because of the help our family and friends gave willingly, without expecting anything in return. The food. The decorations. The drinks. Everything. It is a thing of beauty, this teamwork.

As a canoe paddler, I know that the only way you can win, heck, the only way you can reach your destination, is if you paddle together. ʻIlau hoe. Paddle together.

Pūpūkahi i holomua. Who is it that you must unite with in your professional AND your personal life in order to get the best outcome? What can you do in order to progress in small and big ways? And what can you do to help others reach their goals?