Have you ever wondered what the world would look like if magic existed?

I have news for you: you already know. This world is filled with magic, but it isn’t fairy tale magic, or "Harry Potter" magic, or even the “magic” in children’s magic shows (which is really just trickery) or technology (which might look like magic if you don’t understand how it works).

The magic in this world is less obvious, but much more powerful. It’s the magic in a warm smile, a comforting word, a small encouragement. It’s the magic in a touch, in a kiss. It’s the magic in a mother’s healing touch, a father’s proud smile, an older sibling’s cry of “You’ll always be twelve!” It’s the magic in a mentor’s advice, a teacher’s wise words, a coach’s game day speech. This magic is soft, sweet, and heartening. It is the type of magic we write about in fairy tales.

There’s other magic, too, of course. The magic of an angry glare, a harsh word, a cutting remark. It’s the magic in a beating, in a punch. It’s the magic in a mother’s disparaging words, a father’s abusive hands, an older sibling’s cry of “Leave me alone!” It’s the magic of a mentor’s brush aside, a teacher’s harsh grading, a coach’s vulgar words. This magic is hard, cruel, and disheartening. But it is still magic.

Do we really understand why all of these affect us so deeply? We try to push hurt aside with the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We try to ignore that a person’s insults don’t touch us and a person’s helping hand has no influence on our lives. We want to feel that we are independent enough that we can do it all on our own. But it does. Words have the ability to set us on the right path or completely derail us for the worst. An abusive family member or an angry coach can make us hate our lives, our choices, and even ourselves. A loving parent or encouraging mentor can lead us down a path that will bring us many joys and few sorrows. Forgiveness has the ability to give those on both sides peace and happiness and relief.

There is magic in our world, but we’re too busy looking for elves and dragons, for superheroes and aliens, to see the magic we already have.