Everyday Magic
What is yours?
“Keep sharing your everyday magic!”
I love this phrase. I plan to use it often, maybe make it my signature phrase.
Magic is fascinating, isn’t it? Even if spells and potions aren’t real, I’ve always been fascinated by the possibility of magic. That’s probably why I enjoy creating stories where magic is real.
According to dictionaries, magic can be the rituals or actions meant to subdue or manipulate forces or objects (make the wind blow, disappear an object). Magic can also be something that produces unexpected, remarkable results, especially when those results are not understood (electricity). An enchanting quality or exceptional skill can be magical (the artist who creates landscapes so real you feel the breeze).
Magic to me is the special, the unexpected, those pieces of life that charm and delight. Magic is the ability to turn the humdrum into beauty, the scary into a fun time, the routine into something memorable. I love the way some people can take found objects that seem like trash and create an intriguing sculpture or mixed media art. I particularly admire those who can take the difficult, negative times in their lives and create something better. When turning that negative thing into a stepping stone toward that something better, it is even more magical for me.
I believe each of us has “magic” in us. Those things we do exceptionally well or that seem to come natural. In some way, you create magic for yourself or others. A smile that says I’m glad I saw you has its own magic. The hug given for no reason or the plate of cookies given to a grieving friend are all types of everyday magic.
My cousin’s husband is an amazing chef. The food he has served me is always delicious. He creates magic, as does a friend who makes everyone feel welcome in her presence or the teacher who explains a difficult concept with such patience and clarity that it suddenly makes sense.
Recently I was with someone who answers the question,”How are you?” with an upbeat way of saying “Life is a struggle at the moment.” She would often answer something like “Alternating between wanting to run away in panic and loving where I am in my life right now.” I loved that. It acknowledges her difficulties and fears for the future while affirming her belief she could navigate them and find joy while doing so.
That is magic.
What are some of the magical moments you have seen or experienced?