The Butterfly Effect
As I sit here today reflecting on the journey that led me here, I keep thinking about the butterfly effect. For those of you who might not be familiar with this:
The butterfly effect is this idea that a small, seemingly insignificant choice can create massive, unpredictable changes later on. One tiny action, like a butterfly flapping its wings, can set off a chain reaction that eventually leads to a major weather event on the other side of the world.
I’ve had a few butterfly effect moments, with my first at the age of seventeen. I chose to go to college close to home, studying German, instead of across the state, studying English. I loved both equally, but I ultimately decided I wanted to stay close to home.
Flash forward to a couple of years later, and I got into a bad car accident. I was on my way to a program for my German studies. I chose to drive down a different road rather than taking my usual route. A car ran through a stop sign and hit me. I had a lot of medical issues stemming from that and had to step away from my studies to heal.
During my time away, I realized I couldn’t see myself in that career anymore. Instead of returning, I chose to go work in my brother’s pizza shops as his General Manager. I needed time to figure out who I wanted to be. After a few years, I moved across the state to the same city I could’ve moved to for college. I ended up pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism Management.
While living there, I met my now-husband. We’ve been together nearly fifteen years and have moved around a bunch (Northeast and South). I got my MBA and worked in Marketing. Even though my life was wonderful in so many ways, I never had the career I thought I would. Until now. I’m returning to my first love—writing—and I get to share it with all of you!
If I had chosen English, if I had gone my usual route, if I had never moved to Albany, if I had never met my husband, I wouldn’t be sitting here on the eve of my book debut, writing this blog.
One small choice. That’s all it took to completely change my life.
Melanie’s Second Chance is full of butterfly effect moments, but it’s also full of faith and second chances. Just like Melanie learned, it’s never too late for a second chance.
Until next time, wishing you hope and happiness,
Angela M. Chambers