There are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take today. -Andy Andrews
The Butterfly Effect: In the early 1960s, meteorologist Edward Lorenz presented a startling theory called the “butterfly effect” to the New York Academy of Science. Thirty years later, physics professors around the world verified the viability of his theory.
A butterfly flapping its wings can set air molecules in motion, which in turn can move more and more molecules of air, the gradual accumulation of which can create measurable changes in the atmosphere that could eventually alter, delay, accelerate or even prevent a tornado on the other side of the world.
In his book The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters, author Andy Andrews shows how the principle of the butterfly effect applies to everything you do (or don’t do).
Each day, from the time you warmly greet (or coldly ignore) your neighbor in the morning, to the time you patiently pet (or impetuously kick) your dog at night, every single thing you do throughout your day has an accumulating effect on something or someone else in the world—for good or bad. And it all matters.
Who are “insignificant” people in your life?
This story appeared on the web one day and quickly made its way around the world. The author is unknown, but the reminder is beautiful and worth sharing.
During my second year of nursing school our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a good student and breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans this school?”
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the janitor in the hallways many times. She was tall dark-haired, and probably in her fifties, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would actually count toward our quiz grade.
“Absolutely,” said the professor. “During your career and your lifetime you will meet many people. Which ones are significant? All of them. They all deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello,”
I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
