Circus

We all find ourselves, at some point, sitting in the wrong audience, watching a performance that drains us more than it entertains. The colors are loud, the drama exaggerated, and the clown—oh, the clown—is always up to the same old tricks. It’s easy to point fingers at the chaos in front of us. To say, “Look at how ridiculous this is.” And you’re not wrong. The clown is acting like a clown.

But the better question is—why are you still in the front row?

Why do you keep buying tickets to a show that leaves you empty? Is it habit? Loyalty? Hope that the clown might finally change the act?

We sometimes stay in toxic spaces—relationships, jobs, friendships—long after we know they’re not meant for us. We watch the same circus, again and again, convincing ourselves that we’re just being polite. Or patient. Or strong.

But strength isn’t sitting through someone else’s show just because you’ve been there before. Strength is standing up, dusting off the popcorn, and walking out.

The clown won’t stop performing. That’s who they are. But you? You can choose a different tent. One where the air feels lighter. Where the show speaks to your heart.

You’re not just an audience member. You get to choose the theater.

GK