by Linda Linsmayer
Whether you are a resident or visitor, you have probably noticed there seems to be an enduring, alluring spirit on our islands that seduces us to stay and keeps us coming back.
Intellectually, it may not seem completely rational. Many of us kid, in a self-deprecating manner, that we have a codependent relationship with these islands. After all, we have endured some very low lows, and things aren’t the same. But here we are again… still. So what is it about this place?
On our islands, we seem to be among kindred spirits who have a shared understanding about what is of true consequence: what truly matters.
Perhaps it’s because of what we’ve collectively been through together, or because of our shared appreciation of nature. But it seems to be even deeper than that.
In the New York Times bestseller Mattering, Jennifer Breheny Wallace states that recognition, or having your presence and actions personally recognized and acknowledged, is a fundamental human longing. Oprah Winfrey echoed this sentiment: “There’s a common denominator in the human experience that we all share. We all want to know that what we do, what we say and who we are matters.”
So it makes sense that we continue to be drawn to these islands, a place where you and I matter just for being here. Our presence matters by adding to the collective joy and success of our community just by showing up. Here, people pause and remind one another that you are seen, valued, and recognized for adding value. You matter. So no wonder we stay or keep coming back!
We are each an integral part of this beautiful island community’s symbiotic human ecosystem, where every unique individual plays a part in shaping our environment.
While some people have a gazillion dollars and high-level corporate experience to share, most of us give modestly and occasionally show up at an event as an extra set of hands and with a smile. And that is enough. In fact, it’s more than enough.
Everyone and every gift is valued and adds value to our islands. This is the reason why we long to be here: on our islands, we know we all matter. Everyone and every small action matters. It’s the Butterfly Effect embodied.
This is a brief list of simple, little ways that, according to Mattering, people feel validated that they are seen, valued, and add value.
• You are recognized (on the beach, at the post office, shops and restaurants, etc.).
• Others know your name, recall your preferences, or remember something about you.
• You are missed when not here and/or greeted exuberantly when you return.
• Brief, everyday encounters are pleasant and joy-filled, making you grateful you’re here and adding to your sense of connection and belonging.
• Others care about your well-being, offer help, and feel they can freely ask for your help.
• Nonprofits and community organizations value you enough to invest in educating and training you.
After reading this list, I hope you agree and feel that, overall, on our islands we significantly outperform the world as a whole in genuinely showing one another that we matter.
Kudos to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) for embracing an initiative to foster mattering as a fundamental component of the spirit of our islands.
Through programs such as Leadership Sanibel-Captiva, the Volunteer Expo and Volunteer Directory, 100+ Women Who Care, and the Community Impact Fund, CFI brings people together, connects neighbors with opportunities to contribute, and supports the nonprofit organizations that strengthen our community.
As we continue to rebuild and reshape who we are and who we want to be as a community, there has never been a more important time for us to make a concerted effort to deliberately practice and reincorporate mattering, a basic human longing with measurable happiness and longevity benefits, into the spirit of our community.
So how do you incorporate mattering into your life on our islands? Take the Mattering Challenge.
• Show up more. Know that small actions matter. Collectively, they become a force, a movement, an overarching community spirit.
• Celebrate generosity. CFI’s Generosity Breakfast on November 16 at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is a gathering of kindred spirits who truly understand and appreciate that everyone on our islands matters. Centered on the theme Belonging: You Matter More Than You Know, the event will feature keynote speaker Lynne Wester, recognize local Generosity Champions, and celebrate the many ways people make a difference through gifts of time, talent, and resources.
• Count the ways in a day that people remind you how much you matter to them and how many times you do the same for others.
We matter on these islands. Everyone matters here. That is why we long to stay and return, time and time again.
About the 2026 Generosity Breakfast
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands invites the community to its annual Generosity Breakfast on Monday, November 16, at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Centered on the theme Belonging: You Matter More Than You Know, the event will feature nationally recognized philanthropy speaker Lynne Wester, celebrate local Generosity Champions, and highlight the impact of CFI’s Community Impact Fund. Guests will have the opportunity to support the fund and help strengthen the future of Sanibel and Captiva.
Tickets are almost sold out! Learn more and reserve your seat here.
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