3 Things I’ve learnt from butterflies

By Nur Nadhirah Sofia binti Mohd Farid

I’ve always wondered, why is it called the butterfly effect? Why not the beetle effect, or the moth effect? Here’s my take on it. To me, the butterfly effect means that even the smallest action or decision can create a chain reaction that changes our lives in ways we might not realize until much later. Through reflecting on this, I’ve learned three important lessons that have shaped how I see life.

1. You’re not a mastermind

A butterfly doesn’t plan where it will land next. It simply flutters wherever the wind takes it. That’s the beauty of the butterfly effect. Sometimes, not controlling everything leads to the best outcomes.

I used to believe that planning every second would guarantee success. But I’ve learned that life doesn’t follow a perfect blueprint. When I overthink and try to predict everything, I miss the tiny, beautiful moments that actually make life meaningful.

The butterfly effect reminds me that letting go of control can lead to unexpected blessings. Every “mistake” might just be a small flap of wings leading me somewhere better.

2. You’re doing amazing, sweetie!

Even small decisions, like what to eat, can lead to surprising lessons. Once, I ordered Soup Pan Mee at Oriental Kopi while my sister chose Char Kuey Teow. When her food arrived, sizzling and delicious, I regretted my choice. But I decided to be grateful for what I had.

That moment taught me adaptability, a core part of the butterfly effect. Every little decision tests how we respond when things don’t go our way. Maybe choosing Pan Mee that day made me appreciate the next Char Kuey Teow even more.

The butterfly effect isn’t just about how our actions affect others. It’s also about how our attitude toward small choices shapes who we become.

3. You’re going to be fine.

The butterfly effect shows that one tiny movement, like a flap of wings, can eventually lead to a storm or sunshine. In the same way, tough moments are just part of a bigger pattern that we can’t always see yet.

After a roller coaster, you feel dizzy. After an Addmaths assessment, you overthink your answers. But those moments pass, and they often guide you to something new, which is resilience, growth, and self-trust. Even when life crashes like a frozen computer, we can always reboot. Every small recovery adds up, just like every flap of a butterfly’s wings builds momentum in the air.

In the end, I realised why it’s called the butterfly effect. Butterflies live for only a short while, yet in that fleeting time, they create beauty that lingers. Every decision we make, no matter how small or short-lived, has the power to change something, teach us something, or inspire someone else.

So, why should we care about the butterfly effect? Because it reminds us that nothing we do is insignificant. Every word, every act of kindness, every mistake matters.

So, embrace the butterfly effect, and live your life knowing that even the smallest flap of your wings can make a difference.