From Groggy to Grateful: The Transformative Power of Surprise
It was just after midnight when my wife Jenn whispered, “I think I hear the alarm chirping.” Half-asleep, I mumbled something incoherent and tried to drift back to sleep. But Jenn was persistent, suggesting it might be a low battery. Reluctantly, I rolled out of bed, one eye barely open, hoping to solve this midnight mystery without fully waking up.
As I stumbled to the bedroom door, ready to address the phantom noise, I was met with a sight that turned my grogginess into sheer elation.
SURPRISE!
There stood my younger daughter Jess, camera in hand, capturing my utter bewilderment. Beside her was Amanda, my older daughter, smiling brightly and laughing. In an instant, confusion melted into joy. Tears welled up as I realized the depth of their surprise. Amanda had flown home to New Jersey from her internship in Texas, orchestrating this elaborate plan with Jenn and Jess to celebrate Father’s Day with me.
They surprised me in a big way, maybe for the first time in a decade or more. They worked hard to keep the surprise from me and wanted to show their love through this act of kindness. It literally moved me to tears. Tears that lasted a while as I reflected on how much this act of kindness showed their love.
It’s now my favorite Father’s Day memory, not because of the surprise itself, but because of the love and effort behind it.
The Power of Surprise
When we think of surprises, we often imagine grand gestures like milestone birthday parties. But it’s not the cake or entertainment that makes these events memorable; it’s the thought, planning, and creativity that go into crafting these magical moments. It’s the effort that makes them special.
While my Father’s Day surprise was a grand gesture, smaller acts can convey the same message of love and kindness. Imagine the impact of:
- Calling someone out of the blue just to say, “I’m thinking about you.” Surprise!
- Running an errand or completing a chore someone else was planning to do. Surprise!
- Bringing a friend their favorite coffee or a little treat on a regular day. Surprise!
- Sending flowers or a gift without any occasion, just to say, “I love you.” Surprise!!!
The Life Is Too Short Guy Principle: Can’t Make It Alone
One of the foundational principles I discuss in The Life Is Too Short Guy is Can’t Make It Alone. Our happiness is deeply intertwined with the strength of our relationships and the support of our social network. We all need friends, family, and community to thrive. Yet, how often do we proactively nurture these connections?
Surprise is a fantastic tool to exercise this “muscle” of social connection. It’s a way to strengthen bonds, show appreciation, and remind those we care about just how much they mean to us.
Your Surprise Plan
Take a moment today to make a list of the special people in your life. Consider how you might surprise them and create your own “Surprise Plan.” Send me a note sharing some of the surprises you pulled off after reading this. I love to hear from my readers. Remember, Minutes Matter—and there’s no better use of our finite minutes than to bring a smile to someone’s face and brighten their day with a thoughtful surprise.
Make someone smile today. Make the world happier one smile at a time.
Regards,
Scott