To promote the city-wide garage sales, there was a listing of all the sales with an overview of the items being sold. While efficient, it also made me realize that part of what I like about this form of treasure-hunting was the surprise element that is involved. “Yeah, this sale has tools,” or “Oh, a vintage typewriter,” is much more fun when you stumble upon the find instead of going to the sale because of it.
In many situations, we are losing the joy that a good surprise can bring. It’s rare that a couple doesn’t know the gender of their baby before the delivery. The Post Office will email you scanned copies of your mail before you discover it in your box. Social media provides previews of almost everything, creating spoilers if you care to read them.
We’re inundated with so much information that genuine surprises are rare but they can provide a magical type of delight that is hard to replicate in other forms. Try to infuse your life with minor moments of wonder or cultivate a sense of spontaneity to brighten your mood. Say “no” to knowing something in advance that you can learn later, even if it’s as simple as skipping the Informed Delivery notification about your mail. Let your friend pick the restaurant without your input. Unexpectedly do a household chore that’s not usually your forté. Bring a friend their favorite beverage or treat. Send someone a postcard.
Or, you could always drop off on their doorstep a garage sale treasure you stumbled upon that reminds you of that someone!
