Bring on the surprise!

Whether I find a secret patch of soft snow between some Aspen trees—or my new engineer beau friend beats me at a word game—I’m a sucker for surprise.

Counterintuitive headscratchers thrill me to no end.

Why? Here’s no surprise: The answer is in the brain.

Surprise is the brain's way of alerting us to pay attention. It activates curiosity, excitement, and wonder. It intensifies our emotions by about 400 percent.

That’s according to research by Tania Luna and LeeAnn Renninger, authors of the book Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected.

Evidently, we need surprise because it builds new neural pathways. It leads us to think more flexibly and creatively.

Sure, surprise also scares the shit out of us. But we have to remain open to it.

Why? Because surprise keeps us alive. It gives us hope.

In politics: We hold out hope—but aren’t quite sure—that our newly elected officials will promote equity through their policies, coalitions, and acts. Today, we were surprised and delighted to see Kamala Harris sworn in as the first Black woman and first Asian American vice president. Amanda Gorman blew us away! We hope for more future surprises of this kind.

In business: While COVID-19 has cut short many careers, it also has created millions of new businesses. That’s not what we expected! So, solopreneurs and consultants (like me) are gratified when the phone rings and clients are ready to engage.

In love: When that engineer beau friend unexpectedly brings me coffee in bed, it will be a delight. Research shows that surprises lead to greater intimacy, lighthearted fun, and relationship contentment. Possibilities are endless if only we can trust.

One simple act—one simple surprise—opens our heart to the next. And in that vein, we imagine that we might live happily after.

Politically, professionally, and romantically.

Surprised. Delighted.

And ready for whatever comes next.