The Magic of Life

by Karen Lang, posted in Discovering your Destiny
Photo by Matheus Bertelli Pexels

‘Children see magic because they look for it.’ – Christopher Moore

During one of our holidays in Italy, we met an delightful eighty-two-year old man in Monopoli, a small town in Puglia.

While we were admiring the view, this charming gentleman stopped to enquire where we were from and in turn he shared about his full life.

What stood out for me was the enthusiasm he had for his life, however, he wasn’t sharing about life changing events, but rather, the simple joys, like the delicious breakfast he prepared each day, or the cute stories about his grandchildren, or the cherished moments in nature, or having dinner with family and friends.

He said, ‘I am never bored and even though I live alone, I have many jobs to fulfil around the home and I am always excited to begin a new day, remaining open to learn something new.’

After leaving this uplifting conversation, I realised how rare his attitude was, and how many times I had missed or ignored these beautiful moments, because I was too busy looking at the big picture.

And so, as we approach this busy time of year with all the distractions and pressures that Christmas pulls us into, perhaps we can reflect on this wonderful man’s message.

‘Look at everything as though you are seeing it for the first time, with eyes of a child, fresh with wonder.’

Merry Christmas everyone, I am so grateful to you and your presence here!

32 thoughts on “The Magic of Life”

  2. And a Merry Christmas to you also Karen. We do get sidetracked but that mans message is such a profound understanding. To see the world anew each day is a beauty all its own. Love and light to you, have a great day, each day too 🤗🥰🤣🦋🎄🎅🎶🎁🕊🦌☃️❤️🙏

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  6. So true that the simple things in life bring you joy. For me hand washing dishes release epiphanies for me. Sometimes Children do not have to look for magic. If you look closely they are magic. Have a happy holidays.

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  8. Thank you Karen for this story and the reminder to appreciate what truly matters.
    May you have a warm hearted Christmas filled with laughter and joy 🎄🙏💝🌟🧑🏻‍🎄
    Are off to anywhere special this year?

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    1. Thank you Val! 💞💞 We live by the beach now and our family is coming to stay with us at Christmas which I am very excited about. I wish you a beautiful Christmas too with family and friends. 🎅🎄🎅💚🌿🎅

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  10. Your story of the gentleman in Monopoli captures so perfectly how a life can feel rich and “magical” through simple, everyday joys, especially when we meet each new day with curiosity instead of habit, Karen. Beautifully written and told. It is a timely thought in this season to step out of the rush, notice the small blessings right in front of us, and see our lives again with the fresh eyes of a child. Merry Christmas to you and wishing you the best as we finish this year ❤️

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    1. Thank you Randall! Your posts and beautiful photos remind me of the magic and vastness in this world, and how each person has a unique story to share with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family and blessings for 2026. 🎄🎅🎄🌍

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  14. This is still the perfect time for me to read your post now. I looked up the city you mentioned, Monopoli. I felt into this 82 year old man’s words (right after melting at the sweet youthful glow of the child in your image above).

    I “saw” this man’s gentle eyes in my mind’s eye. Having an Italian heritage myself (but not living and growing up and in Italy) this affirmation given by this man for the simple, savored pleasures of life, sits very well with me.

    I want to take this upliftment into the New Year, Karen. I know my great Aunt just celebrated her 95th birthday across the country I live in. She was born and raised in Italy (my grandmother has passed and is her older sister). She brought “Italy and the Old Country” with her.

    Many of my ancestors knew how to live like this, it was the deep fabric of their whole lives, and they were tightly knit into that knowing. I’m swept up wondering how I can make it happen in my life ‘right now.’ Taking my time with reading here and responding, felt settled and satisfying. Thank you for these words shared. I appreciate your sharing your wonderful trip to Italy with us, too! You must have had the best time. I’m ready to visit there again when and “if” life is ready to bring me there. Happy New Year, 2026!!

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    1. Thank you Ka. 🧡 What a beautiful reflection of this post and the simple but powerful message this man gave us all.

      I love that you are Italian 👏🇮🇹 and even today, the Italians live a beautiful simple life just like our ancestors and had far less distractions than we do today.

      Being present is a daily practice for each of us and is how we find peace in our everyday life.

      I hope you do make it back to Italy one day and may we all remember the wisdom and the truth of our healthy ancestors and may we all expand this knowledge within as we move in 2026. Happy New Year my friend. 🥳💞

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