"Quiconque ne croit pas aux miracles n'est pas un réaliste"

Believing in miracles might sound like a fairy tale idea, but it's actually deeply rooted in reality. When someone says that not believing in miracles means missing out on reality, they're emphasizing the extraordinary things that happen around us every day. Think about it: from the birth of a child to the survival stories of people overcoming impossible odds, life is filled with what we might call 'miracles.'

Take, for instance, the historical context of Winston Churchill. He reportedly said this during World War II, a time when the world was engulfed in chaos and darkness. Churchill saw firsthand the seemingly miraculous events that led to victories and survival against all odds. His belief wasn’t in magic but in the unexplainable resilience and fortitude of people during the most challenging times. When resources were scarce, and hope was dwindling, it was the belief in 'miracles'—a sudden change in the weather, an unexpected reinvention of military strategy—that kept them going.

Let's dive into a real-world example. Picture a young woman diagnosed with a terminal illness. Doctors gave her a slim chance of survival. Instead of giving up, she decided to fight, enduring painful treatments and keeping a positive mindset. Years later, not only did she beat the disease, but she also ran a marathon and became an advocate for cancer patients. To many, her recovery was a miracle. But for her, it was the unyielding belief in something beyond the ordinary that made her a 'realist.'

So, how do we apply this wisdom ourselves? Start by acknowledging that miracles don’t have to be grandiose. They’re in the everyday victories and the unexpected turns in our lives. Believe in the extraordinary within the ordinary. When you face a challenge, think about the 'miracles' that could happen. It’s not about expecting magic, but about being open to the incredible possibilities that life can offer.

Imagine this scenario: you’re stuck in a rut at work, feeling utterly defeated by a project that just won’t come together. You’ve tried everything, and it seems hopeless. But then, out of nowhere, a colleague suggests a different approach. It’s something you hadn't considered—so simple, yet so effective. Suddenly, the project takes off. To you, that colleague's suggestion feels like a miracle. It was the belief that something could shift, that a new perspective could emerge, which kept you open to solutions.

In conversations over coffee, we often talk about how things 'miraculously' fell into place. It's about seeing those little sparks of wonder and recognizing that they're very much a part of our reality. Life's unpredictability is its magic. We just need to keep our hearts and minds open to witness it.

Believing in miracles isn’t about being naive. It’s about understanding the incredible resilience and beauty of the human spirit, the unexpected turns of fate, and the sheer wonder of life itself. So next time you’re faced with a daunting challenge, remember: miracles aren’t just possible—they’re a part of being real.