I recently read that, “a unicorn is somebody who knows they are magical and isn’t afraid to show it.” I liked that. And it struck me that when we are younger, we are all unicorns- never afraid to share the magic we believe to possess: we can sing- we can explore the world, we can dance- and we can grow up to be whatever we want to be.
And then, somehow, at sometime that delicate veil of oblivious innocence gets pushed aside and we become self aware in a way. Aware of our faults, limitations- flaws and aware that responsibilities often need to take center stage as dreams are pushed into the wings. And are left there- to wait.
Comparison is also a thief of magic. We compare our voices, our dance, our art to that of others- and the shine of ours- that was once so bright when we were left with ourselves- is dulled when compared to others. Comparison scoffs “unicorns are not real.”
I’m going to share with you one of the most heart breaking things someone I care about once told me. My littlest guy was in preschool. For the past few weeks, his class had been tending to caterpillars and watched them grow into butterflies and today was the day they were to be set free. My Dad had been gone for a few years at this point- and yet, the pain was still surprisingly raw. But- I had been told that when I saw a butterfly, that would be his way of reaching out to me. I can’t tell you how many times this magic had happened – and how very much it meant to me. And it just seemed perfect, after this long year of preschool- that was so very difficult for my little guy- would end with butterflies. And I couldn’t wait to feel the magic of it all.
My friend drove with me to the school to be part of the releasing- and I began to freak out a little because I thought we were late. Truth is- unless I am 15 minutes early, I always think I’m late. I urged them to hurry up and park already- ready to run out to meet the kids in the field- and that’s when they turned to me and said- “Enough already. We will be there. Stop already- There’s no such thing magic– it’s just a bunch of butterflies.”
No magic?
How could you know me and think it would be fine to tell me there is no such thing as magic? I’m sure the shock and hurt at this was written on my face, and they instantly regretted their words- but here we are, over 6 years later and I can remember it as plain as day. We are still best friends- and there was no fight other than that initial volley of looks- but I can tell you this. No matter how deep my love for my friend runs- or how strong our bond- I learned that day there are two camps of people in this world. Those who believe in magic and those who do not. The people who do are the artists, the dreamers, the storytellers, the ones who can find beauty in anything. They not only believe in magic- they make it. And then share it. They are Santa and the Easter Bunny, the hundreds of photos of everyday moments, the notes in a lunchbox and lovers of dandelions, they are the sunflowers on a summer table, and the acorns on the Autumn mantle. They are what make the little moments add up to a wonderful lifetime.
I’m glad there are unicorns in this world- those who are not ashamed to show and grow and share their magic. And that was the deeper meaning behind my Everyday Magic design. Of course, yes- it’s wonderfully girlie, with unicorns and tulle and stars and gold shimmer- and I know I will be using it for some sweet layouts of my little niece- but now you also know it is really for us. Because by capturing and sharing our stories- we make a little magic of our own.
