I am often taken by surprise.

By random acts of kindness extended with motives so pure as to be wholly invisible.

And mean streaks with motives so transparent it's difficult to believe what you see.

By relief, penetrating the very marrow of my bones.

And disappointment so deeply felt it leaves a bruise.

By the quick evaporation of the night.

And the swiftness of the morning's arrival.

By the sheer will of an underdog.

And the steady heart of a champion.

By the gentle warmth of the pulsating sun.

And the bitter cold of the biting rain.

By how quickly the aroma of frying chicken can transport me through time.

And the way a good cup of tea, dancing on my tongue, can secure me in the present.

By unguarded joy.

And the intensity behind an honest smile.

By the undeniable power of the written word.

And the uneasy necessity of the spoken kind.

By the enemy within.

And found strength.

By uncommon bonds.

And open minds.

By the rawest of realities, and by the simplest of pleasures.

And the uncanny ability they hold to still take me by surprise.

The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.
~ Ashley Montagu

Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulder; but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night.
~ Marion Howard

Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.
~ Unknown