How Do You Show Someone You Care?

When I was a young boy my father would bring me every Saturday to the local magic store, Bianco's Bike & Magic Shop. We'd get there right at 10am when Tony Bianco opened up the shop and we'd stay right up until he closed at 3pm. It was there that I first met all the local magicians, from dabblers and hobbyists, to scholars, historians, and seasoned pros. They came from all walks of life, and yet they came with the same passion for the craft and art of magic.

Seeing such a cute young kid interested in magic, they happily shared with me their secrets, tips, tricks, and words of wisdom and encouragement. When I was old enough I officially joined them by becoming a member of the Society Of American Magicians. Being part of such a welcoming and tight-knit group was a positive influence on me from an early age.

What most strikes me about that time in my life, now that I look back from a bigger perspective, is that my father—who surely had plenty of other things he could have been doing with his weekend—willingly, happily, and joyfully brought me to the store and spent all day with me and my new friends. My friends became his friends, and if he wasn’t taking part in the magic then he was helping with the bicycle repairs—which was more in line with his passions.

My father and I could not have been any different from each other, yet we still bonded by his joy in sharing in my passions. He was always one of my biggest supporters, and for that I will always Always ALWAYS be grateful. When my father died in 2014 I responded by doing a magic show. I called up my friend Jenifer Gelineau, who heads up Holyoke Summer Strings, and volunteered to do a magic show for their students. It was a small gesture, but a significant one.

How do you show someone that you care? How do you show someone that you love them? You show up. You convince with your presence. That’s what my father did for me, and with the skills and knowledge that I gained because of him I now dedicate my time on this earth to prove with my own presence, by showing up and sharing the same kind of love that my father taught me.

Today my career as a Facilitator of Fascination affords me the opportunity to share my talents as a magician and expertise in positivity and happiness, to help others who greatly need it by trading value for value through:

• Engaging professional development workshops to corporations and organizations who need help with teamwork and communication.
• Empowering presentations for high schools and colleges to combat the growing anxiety, depression, and suicide crisis among emerging adults.
• Encouraging one-on-one coaching programs for motivated individuals who are looking to experience the next level of enjoyment and excellence in their lives at work, home, and beyond.

This work is challenging and yet extremely rewarding, because not only do I get the satisfaction of doing what I do best, but I also get the satisfaction of having a front row seat to witness the life transformation of others. It's been my experience that showing up to life everyday to do your very best, being present, and helping others along the way, is a great way to show others that you care.

What do you think? How do you show others that you care?