Story Time

So... I've been thinking about what to write about for two days and I think I've got it.

This topic is... Something that I've had to cope with, but I know I'm not the only one and that these words will be able to help you guys too.

And in order to introduce this topic, I'm going to share a story.

This story was written for me by my very best friend and has helped me tremendously in many ways. So without further-a-do, I present: "The Colorless Butterfly"

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Happiness, there lived a beautiful butterfly. Her wings shone with magnificent colors that were the envy of all the other creatures. She flew far and wide, spreading her color everywhere, helping those in need. Her beauty seemed endless...



And the birds were jealous.

They mocked and cursed her and ripped and tore at her colors, trying to steal them for their own.
Hurt, the butterfly dashed away as fast as she could.

She flew through the meadow of Betrayal and the sky grew darker and darker. Suddenly, there was a terrible storm. Lightning of Hatred blazed through the sky and the rain fell like tears of sadness. As the beautiful butterfly struggled through the Anguished wind, she felt her remaining color slowly dripping away...

Finally the storm ceased, and the butterfly found herself alone and completely colorless. Shaking off her wings, she tried to take flight, but without her colors she felt useless. "Ugly, Ugly!" called the birds and the Colorless Butterfly hung her head in shame. "They're right.." she thought. "What value is a butterfly without color?"


In despair, the Butterfly collapsed in the cave of sorrow, where she vowed to stay forever.

"Oh, come now! There's no need to be so glum!" said a voice. The Colorless Butterfly looked up in surprise to see another Colorless Butterfly. Something was different about this Butterfly though; For despite her blank appearance, she held her head high. 
"The name's Shimmer. What's wrong my dear?" 
The Colorless Butterfly whispered, "I'm hiding because I'm ugly." 
"Nonsense! You're absolutely beautiful!" "But I haven't any colors!" she protested. "Oh yes you do!" Shimmer said. "and what wonderful colors they are. Almost as beautiful as mine." The Colorless Butterfly stared at Shimmer's white wings and playful face. She certainly didn't look colorful. She was, well, rather plain. "But Shimmer-" "Look Closer," Shimmer said with a wink.

Squinting her eyes, The Colorless Butterfly concentrated even harder. Sure enough, when the sun hit Shimmer's wings just right a breathtaking pattern shimmered.
"Shimmer! You're so beautiful!" said The Colorless Butterfly, her eyes wide with longing. "Ah, my dear, so are you. Everyone is beautiful. Every color, every size, every shape; The outside matters not, for true beauty is found within. So little one, look closer."

Suddenly, The Colorless Butterfly understood. Turning her face to the sky, she beat her wings strong and proud. Emerging from the cave, her wings shone brighter than the sun. Her colors, her true colors, danced and sparkled like the laughter that rang from her lips.


From then on, The Colorless Butterfly never doubted her beauty. Instead, she continued to spread love and care wherever she went. She painted the world beautiful with her colors, never giving heed to the naysayers who would scorn her. After all, she had found her true colors

And a new best friend.

My friends, don't let others tell you what you can or can't do. They don't have power over you unless you let them take control. As Hogarth tells the Iron Giant, "You don't have to be a gun. You are what you choose to be. So... Choose."