"La vie n'est qu'une grande et longue surprise"

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that's what keeps it interesting. Imagine it like a roller coaster — you can plan and prepare, but you never truly know what's around the next bend. This idea isn't just about the big moments like finding your dream job or falling in love; it's also about the little surprises that pop up in daily life. Maybe you discover a new favorite coffee shop or bump into an old friend on the street. These surprises, whether big or small, add up to make life rich and unpredictable.

Let's look back at history for a moment. Think about the people who lived through the 20th century. They saw two World Wars, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and the age of the internet. Imagine being born in 1900 and living to see 2000 — you'd have experienced more surprises than you could count. These events shaped the world in ways no one could have predicted.

Now, let's bring it down to a personal level. My friend Sarah had her life mapped out. She was set to become a lawyer, following in her father's footsteps. But during her final year of law school, she took a photography class on a whim. She fell in love with it and decided to pursue photography instead. Today, she's a successful photographer traveling the world. Her life took a completely unexpected turn because she was open to a surprise.

So, how can you embrace this idea in your own life? Start by letting go of the need to control everything. Plan, of course, but be open to detours. When something unexpected happens, whether it's good or bad, try to see it as an opportunity. This shift in mindset can reduce stress and increase your happiness.

For instance, let's say you're on your way to an important meeting, and your car breaks down. Instead of getting frustrated, think about what you can do with this unexpected time. Maybe it's a chance to read a book you've been putting off or to call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Sometimes, these little surprises can lead to the best moments.

Here's a story that might resonate with you. Picture this: you're in your mid-30s, settled in a stable job, and living in a comfortable routine. One day, out of the blue, you receive a call from an old college friend inviting you to join a startup he's passionate about. It's risky, and there's no guarantee of success, but something about it excites you. You decide to take the leap. A year later, the startup takes off, and you're in a position you never dreamed of, doing work that fulfills you in ways your old job never did. This opportunity was a surprise, but by being open to it, you found a new path.

Life's surprises — they can seem daunting at times, but they're what makes the journey worthwhile. So, next time something unexpected happens, take a deep breath, and see where it leads you. Who knows? It might just be the best thing that's ever happened to you.