Viral “Dancing UPS Man” Shares His Passion for YOU MATTER Message
It’s been said, “The best gift you can give everyone around you is your own courage to shine.” One person who is always taking that to heart and sharing his light with the world is Russell Butler.
His given name may not ring a bell, but you will certainly recognize his sensational dance moves in a familiar brown work uniform. Russell Butler is more commonly known as the “Dancing UPS Man” thanks to his viral moves that spread positivity and encouraging messages.
Read on as he shares more behind his motivation to dance, why he’s all in to support those we serve and how he continues to spread our YOU MATTER message.
What inspired you to start dancing and posting videos?
I have danced since the age of 5, and it has always been a bright spot in my life because it takes me out of myself and puts me in a state of flow and positivity. My mission is to share that feeling with the world. So, during the peak of Covid, when the whole world was in a dark place – including me – I posted a dance video online. Twenty-four hours later, that video had 3.6 million views. Mission accomplished.
Why is supporting the Veteran and military community important to you?
I do not have ties to the military in my family, but I have a couple of best friends who are Marine Veterans who struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder. Seeing their experience first hand, I realized there are so many Veterans and civilians who have a difficult time. Veterans should have ALL the support in the world to handle the things they have gone through.
What about Boot Campaign’s mission and the YOU MATTER message is important to you?
When I saw Boot Campaign’s mission, I was automatically compelled to help in ANY way I could. You guys are making such a big impact that these Veterans are in desperate need of!
YOU MATTER is also kind of my mission statement! I have been in the darkest of places with a loaded 9mm, battling my own depression and anxiety, because I felt as if…I did NOT matter! So for me to make it out of that place, and provide hope to those who feel worthless, YOU MATTER says it all. Everyone needs to be reminded of that!
What inspires you – even on hard days – to keep going and keep spreading positivity?
My faith and my precious 3 boys. I truly believe we are ALL put on this earth for a reason, and if nothing else but to show the person in front of you love and compassion. The statement “you never know what someone is going through” always hits home for me. In my darkest times, you would have never known it.
My mission has always been to leave a big love ripple on the planet while I’m here. Simply being kind, holding a door, a smile you muster for someone even if you’re not in the best mood… that could change their entire day, possibly life.
Be kind, spread love. YOU MATTER!
Join Russell in spreading YOU MATTER by visiting bootcampaign.org/youmatter.
