The Butterfly Circus

Take a minute to picture a crowded street. See the people checking their phones for the time, bustling about to make it to where they're going. See the people who bump into each other and mumble a hasty apology before going back on their way.

Where are they rushing to? Who are they?

Few stop to ask these questions because our minds are often busy streets of thoughts keeping us from the outside world. What do I have to do today? What are my friends doing? How come I can't be like other people who have it all together? Why can't I be perfect?

The world is a crazy place with crazy people in it. No one is perfect, but at the same time, everyone is perfect because we are accumulations of what we've been through. Each person you see has survived all the way until the moment you saw them, and each person has a story of how they did. It's difficult to see a person and understand them without knowing what it's taken for them to get there.

People become so trapped with what they think that they start spiraling in a cycle of negativity. They go faster and faster until they feel like they've hit the bottom and deserve to be at the bottom.

But take a moment and breathe deeply. Take in the air around you and look at yourself. Remind yourself that you are layered and complex and that it's okay to struggle. It sucks, it really does, but you never know what could be around the corner.

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"The Butterfly Circus" is a video about struggles and triumphs. It's a video about seeing people beyond the surface and understanding that everyone has a story and an opportunity to write their own.

The video can be found here: The Butterfly Circus

If you have ever felt misunderstood or brushed aside,  try to remember that your story matters. You matter. We live in a hectic world that leaves us with no room to breathe--but it's okay to let out a sigh and slow it down for a bit. You can call Teen Link and talk about what's going on. Tell us your story.

You can call (866) 833-6546 any day from 6-10pm or chat through www.866teenlink.org.

"The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph."