Surprise Yourself, it is Fulfilling

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

Earlier this summer, I was surprised to find a bird’s nest in my hanging plant that I often move to the shade on my porch and then back to the sun on a hanging rod next to my driveway. It seems these little birds thought it was a good refuge, although I was worried about them after I discovered it. It was rather mobile and flimsy, although it worked out for them as temporary housing because later, I found the nest empty except for a broken eggshell.

This kind of surprise is amazing; being on the sidelines of nature in the process is pretty cool. I think the birds were Finches, but I’m not 100% sure as I’m not an avid bird watcher.

It is interesting to me to see how people’s personalities shape the activities around them. For example, we were recently going to give my aunt a surprise birthday party, but when my uncle was notified, he advised against it. She really isn’t the kind of person who likes surprises, although the gesture came from our hearts. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been perceived this way, so we didn’t pursue it. Later when she found out, she vetoed the thought altogether!

She is a kind person, but for her, the surprise might have been more of a stressor than a fun-loving celebration as intended.

We can surprise others, be surprised by others, or sometimes we surprise ourselves.

I like the thought of overcoming a lack of confidence when we perceive something to be beyond our reach but push through successfully and achieve despite adversity. This is so rewarding and surprising.

What are your thoughts about being surprised? Is it something you like? Leave me a note about it.