The ripples of the butterfly effect can be a solid game-changer for someone battling mental health issues. Let me share a recent experience of how this played out in my own life.
What is the Butterfly Effect?
The “butterfly effect” suggests that small causes can have significant impacts. It’s often illustrated by the metaphor that a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the world could lead to a tornado in another.
This highlights the idea that tiny changes or decisions can result in vastly different outcomes over time.
It underscores the importance of mindfulness in our decisions, as even small actions can ripple out in unexpected ways.
The Kindness Butterfly Effect
As I’ve documented my struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, I have received an overwhelming amount of love, support, and validation.
One day, I received a card (seen in the picture) in the mail. It was sent by a dear friend whom I haven’t seen in a few years but has always been one of the most upbeat, encouraging people I’ve ever known.
The front of the card says, “Some days you just need to feel a little extra loved.”
Isn’t that the truth?!
Even better, when I opened the card, I was greeted with a butterfly surprise. Check it out here.
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A Message with Ripples
What was extraordinary about this card was the deep empathy shown in just a few intentionally crafted words.
“I realize that what you’re dealing with requires more than just a little extra love, but please know you are in my prayers every single day.“
No pithy platitudes. No recipe for success. She wasn’t trying to ‘fix’ me, downgrade my feelings of suffering, or start a round of the comparison game.
She gave me simple, unwavering support.
She acknowledged that I was going through something, and she supported me. How validating is that?
The Comfort of the Butterfly Effect
The ripples of her thoughtful action still rock me today–literally months after she sent me that card.
I was seen.
I was heard.
Through her empathetic touch from afar, I feel validated, loved, and encouraged. Those ripples are incredibly powerful. People going through dark times in their lives usually say the same thing: “I feel alone.” Knowing I am seen fills me with hope because I know I’m not by myself on an island.
The Amazingness of Kindness
Did you know that butterfly ripples can be both given and received? You may have had the currents flow through your life without realizing it.
You can see the ripples if you look for them. Perhaps it isn’t a card of encouragement, but how do you feel when your bestie shares a funny video she knows you would like? Does your soul shine a little brighter when someone tells you you’ve done a good job on something? If you look around, you will find the ripples of the butterfly effect echoing all around you. But you need to intentionally look for it!
This week, I encourage you to walk through your days with your eyes open for daily butterflies and also to embrace giving the butterfly effect to others (you can find the butterflies on Amazon here). Smile a little extra at a stranger in the grocery store, tell a struggling parent that you think they are doing a good job, put your phone down, and look your waiter in the eye. Ripples of kindness make us all feel seen and heard. You have the power to make a difference.
See the last 3 O’Clock Wednesday EMDR and Me: A New Journey.
Check out the Magnet for Narcissists series here.
