In the play Peter Pan, when Tinker Bell drinks the poison intended for Peter and her light begins to fade, the audience saves her life by applauding. I even clap for her when I’m watching the DVD.

We may not be able to literally save lives with applause, but we can cheer and encourage people and save their energetic lives by applauding. When you hear a speech, even an informal one, on a topic you support—applaud. When you hear music sung or played beautifully—applaud. When you see an action or even a gesture that will help people—applaud. When you witness an event, even a minor one, that’s uplifting and bright—applaud.

What do we believe in? Maybe the fairies live in all of us. Can you feel yours? We need their light, their energy, their beauty, their magic. When we glimpse a fairy acting in someone’s body, speaking in their voice—applaud.