Having something out of the blue happen from people you love just to make you happy? What a great butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling! I think it’s so fun surprising those that I love. I even like being surprised myself, at least now I do, but I used to hate surprises.

But why would I hate such a wonderful act of kindness or humor or spontaneity? I like to be in control. I like to know what’s happening. I’m a planner and the person others can count on to be structured. It’s just who I am, it’s what I do.

The worst is when I know a surprise is coming. The phrase “I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise” stresses me out to no end. Way to make that idea the only one in my head for days and days! I overthink about everything, and I’m pretty sure I always have. There’s always the “what if” in the back of my mind for everything. What if I don’t like it? What if I’m not prepared? I mean I would hate to be surprised by meeting Ryan Reynolds and look like I just rolled out of bed (because that situation would totally happen, right guys?). Well then, I activate detective mode. I need to know what is going on! So, I try to get clues, ask other people or just pester those doing the surprising. I can’t help it, I just can’t stand not knowing things. If I don’t know the words to a song, I will automatically look it up. If I want to know an actor's name, you bet your bottom dollar that I am searching for them on my phone. Great Scott, you would not believe how many "Back to the Future" facts I know because of this! The point is—I will try my best to know everything that I can.

The thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience with surprises, it’s just the idea that I might. I guess what worries me is the unexpected. But sometimes the best things in life are the unexpected. Like your friends coming to visit you at school, receiving a letter in the mail or a gift that you wouldn’t have even imagined getting. Somebody remarkable in my life kept surprising me time and time again, and I realized that maybe surprises aren't so bad after all. What comes with surprises is a whole lot of love. Knowing that someone put a little extra thought into making your day better is heart-warming and truly makes me feel giddy inside. Am I really that special to deserve such a sweet or fun surprise?

If you’re like me, stop worrying so much! Let life take you by storm and just enjoy it. You can’t control everything. And for all the exceptional surprisers out there, you keep doing you. I applaud you for being so secretive to get things by me just in order to make my day. Keep on doing incredible acts of kindness or mind-blowing hoaxes.

Learn to expect the unexpected, and just let life surprise you.