"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

Believing in magic isn't about fairy tales or wizard spells; it's about having an open mind and a sense of wonder. When someone dismisses the possibility of extraordinary experiences, they shut themselves off from discovering them. It's like wearing blinders that block out all the amazing, unexpected things life has to offer.

Let's put it into context. This quote was popularized by Roald Dahl, a beloved author known for his whimsical stories that often reveal deeper truths about life. Dahl's characters, such as Matilda and Charlie (from the Chocolate Factory), embody a sense of curiosity and wonder. These characters discover magical worlds and extraordinary possibilities because they dare to believe in them.

Now, picture this: you're walking through a park, head down, eyes glued to your phone. You miss the vibrant colors of the flowers, the playful antics of children, and a once-in-a-lifetime double rainbow forming in the sky. Your disbelief in the small 'magic' moments around you means you'll never experience them. On the other hand, if you were to look up, you might witness these wonders and feel a genuine sense of joy and amazement.

Taking this concept a step further, think about inventors and innovators. Steve Jobs, for example, believed in 'magic'—not the supernatural kind, but the magic of possibility. He envisioned a world where technology could do the unthinkable. If Jobs hadn't had that belief, we might not have the iPhone or the Mac. His ability to see magic in the ordinary led to groundbreaking innovations.

So, how can you apply this to your life? Start by cultivating curiosity and openness. When faced with new ideas or experiences, don't dismiss them outright. Give yourself permission to explore and wonder. Maybe that means trying a new hobby, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or simply taking a different route to work. Allow yourself to perceive the world with a sense of wonder and awe.

Imagine you're at a party, feeling a bit out of place. Instead of sticking to familiar faces or retreating to a corner, strike up a conversation with someone new. You might discover a shared passion or an unexpected opportunity—perhaps even a new friendship. This is believing in the magic of human connection.

To illustrate this, let's think about a relatable scenario: You’re at a bookstore, browsing through the shelves. You find a book that you normally wouldn’t pick up. Maybe it’s a genre you’re not familiar with or an author you’ve never heard of. Instead of putting it back, you decide to give it a try. That book turns out to be one of the most inspiring stories you've ever read, changing your perspective or motivating you to pursue a new path. By believing in the 'magic' of that serendipitous find, you opened yourself up to an enriching experience.

In essence, to find magic—whether it’s in people, places, or experiences—you must first believe it exists. Remove the blinders, embrace curiosity, and watch as the world reveals its wonders. After all, isn't life a bit more enchanting when we allow ourselves to see the magic in it?