What a Butterfly Can Teach You About Life

Ever heard of the butterfly effect?

Put simply, it’s the idea that small things can impact everything else around it on a much larger scale.

The common example is a butterfly flapping its wings on one side of the world, causing a typhoon on the complete opposite side of the world. 

Now, do I think these two things directly correlate to one another? Is a flying butterfly the direct cause of a hurricane? Probably not.

But I do think this is a great analogy for life itself.

Because I’ve always looked at the butterfly effect like this:

Everything is connected to everything else. You don’t know the impact one thing will have on another or the chain reaction of events that will stem from a smaller event occurring. 

And that’s just the thing. You may not be able to see it and you might not understand how, but every single person you meet impacts your life in some way.

Look, I know what you’re thinking.

But Connor, what about those people I randomly cross paths with on the street who I’ll never see again? How do they impact my life?

You’ve got a good point. But maybe these people who pay you no attention are the ones that make you realize how everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to care about what you’re doing.

Maybe they’re the ones who give you that sense of freedom from judgement, allowing you to express yourself in a way you were afraid to before.

The point is, you never know the impact you can have on others or the lasting impression they’ll leave on you.

Whether it’s holding the door, giving a compliment, or merely a simple smile, your actions can lead to something great.

What may be small or insignificant to you may mean the world to someone else.

How many times has someone given you an unexpected compliment and it makes your day? How many times have you randomly met someone and they turn out to become a great friend? How many times has someone said an inspiring one-liner that still sticks with you to this day?

You see, every action you take – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you – can leave a lasting impact on the people around you.

Funny stories, feel-good-moments, life-changing words of advice…

Who knows. Maybe a butterfly’s wings really can create a typhoon on the other side of the world.

Or maybe, just maybe, the small things are the single domino in a chain reaction that leads to something greater than you could ever imagine.

I don’t have all the answers. But there is one thing I do know:

You mean something. Your actions are seen and heard. And you have the power to impact the lives of those around you.

Don’t take that for granted.

Never stop dreaming,

Connor

❓This Week’s Question

What's one small thing someone has done for you that you still think of to this day?

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Small Actions Can Create Big Change

Here's a wonderful article on how small actions can lead to big change in the world. Read more above.