The year is off to a chaotic start, and I can’t stop thinking about the domino effect and chain reactions.

The domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when one event sets off a series of related events. The term is an analogy to a falling row of dominoes.

I’m realizing domino effects can range from good to bad to ugly.

The wildfires in California are what began that curiosity and realization for me.

The possibilities of how that fire could have started baffle me.

Something as small as a cigarette butt could have started the fires that have ignited and burned thousands of homes and other structures. One tiny fire suddenly could have created a ripple effect, spreading the flames.

Even if the fires didn’t start from a cigarette butt, it’s possible that something just as simple torched the dry climate, like a downed powerline or other faulty utility equipment, which have sparked some of the most destructive wildfires in California in the past.

In the wildfires’ domino effect, hot, dry winds have come into play, which is fueling the fires to continue spreading. The area being in a prolonged drought is just another domino to fall.

Hoping to stop the falling pieces are the brave firefighters in that area who have been working relentlessly to put on the flames. There was talk of the fast-paced winds winding down for a short period, but, unless all fires could be put out in that timeframe, they will likely continue to burn and spread when the wind returns.

The chain reaction continues.

However, there can be good domino effects.

For example, on social media, I’ve seen celebrities and other accounts crafting fundraising campaigns to raise money and help those who have been displaced by the fires.

Taking that first step has given people a place to go to and donate what they can to help those in need. Some of those creators have even pledged to match the funds raised, further adding to the positive chain reaction.

All it takes, sometimes, is one person or one thing to set off something more widespread.

Keeping the domino effect in mind can be a powerful tool, but knowing that you have the power to start a chain reaction can be both good and bad. It’s the matter in which you choose to do things that can define the outcome.

In your personal life, taking that first step — whatever it may be — can be hard, but it could push you toward your goals and bettering your lifestyle.

In a professional setting, showing how to create good outcomes or meet certain standards might encourage those around you to do the same. Being the first to show what’s possible might create a domino effect leading to a more productive or successful team.

From a global and environmental standpoint, throwing away your trash or even cleaning up items you may see in the streets or in the water is the first step to reducing pollution.

Whether it’s stepping in and correcting a bad chain reaction or taking the initiative to start a good, new one, you, too, might be amazed at the power and possibilities behind the domino effect.

It’s not that you have to “go the extra mile” to make a difference, it’s simply making that first step.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@TheAlpenaNews.com.