Life’s Little Surprises
“Where will I be five years from now? I delight in not knowing. That’s one of the greatest things about life–its wonderful surprises.” Marlo Thomas, actor, author, spokesperson for St. Jude’s Hospital
I know just how Marlo Thomas feels about that question. The one question in a job interview that always boggled my mind, especially when I worked in Washington, DC, was “Where do you expect to be in five years?”
I always wanted to say – and once actually did say, ‘I hope I’ll have your job by then.” I know; it was a suicidal reply; it wasn’t even the truth. If I told the truth to the assistant who was playing power interview with me that day, I would have said, “Seesh, I don’t have a clue. Maybe I’ll become an astronaut. Maybe I’ll chuck it all and run off with the Peace Corps. Maybe I’ll decide to join a seminary.” Each of the choices could happen: I wanted my life to be a surprise. I was willing to work hard, think hard, follow the trail . . . but I knew I was too curious to choose one path in my twenties. Or thirties. Or maybe Forties. Whatever. Like my mom who returned to school at age 62, I want to leave my options open.
Mom, who was widowed twice and married three times, always said in parting, “Have a good day and at least one happy surprise.” So you see where I got it from. I want a happy surprise, at least one a day. I’m not fussy, either. I’ll take a happy phone call from someone I love; a pretty card from my best friend; a treasure found in a Goodwill or Salvation Army Thrift Shop, an invitation to a party. I’m not at all embarrassed about getting a compliment; it’s another kind of wonderful surprise. I don’t manipulate some poor soul into telling me I look glorious when I stayed up until 2 am and I’m boonswoggled. But I do so like pretty words when they’re a surprise.
Giving surprises is a wonderful way to say “I love you,” or “I like you, kiddo.” It lights up someone’s life and then that lights up your life. It’s a no-brainer for cheap joy. When was the last time you got a happy surprise? When was the last time you surprised someone else with one? Go for it!
Meditation for the Day
“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” Denis Waitley, PhD, author, bestsellers “Seeds of Greatness” and “Being the Best “; “The Psychology of Winning”, all-time best selling program on self-mastery
Action for the Day
Today, I’ll plan a little surprise for someone else, and say Hurrah for anyone or anything that brightens up my day with a pleasant surprise, large or small.
[ ]
Comments
Leave a Reply
