Squashed Butterflies

To "squashed butterflies," is to suppress or sacrifice one's dreams and aspirations in order to conform to societal expectations.
Butterflies referring to the euphemism of "having butterflies in your stomach", as a form of nervous excitment. To supress the things that give an iduvidual that sensation is to 'squash' them, and push away the thing that brings them joy - whether that be a person, career or particular pursuit.

"It's too unrealistic, so all I had was squashed butterfliess."