If you haven't already caught on that life living near the LA Park has been life-changing, you are in for a treat of a life story. Because we are so consistent in our park-going, we have met so many wonderful friends/nannies/parents and as a result, the two little ones are incredibly excited when one of their "friends " arrive at the park for a visit. Today was no exception. This particular nanny is around my age and was telling me part of her life story. We have seen her many times before this and Luna usually plays with a little one that is around the same age. She grew up in Columbia and eventually moved to LA because she felt it was always her dream to do so. She has family mostly in Columbia but also Indiana, and she continues to keep in touch with all of them. I commented how naturally excellent she is with kids (because she truly is) and she reminded me of two very important life lessons (one of which I will carry with me into the future.)

She grew up in a very big and loving family and her parents worked very hard but always did their best to surprise her on Fridays. Sometimes the surprise was her dad getting out of work early or a little treat form the store, a new snack, an activity that all of them did together, etc. In her words, not my own, she said, "Sometimes life gets hard. It is easy not to live day to day or forget the beauty when you are deep in the same schedule. But I find that a surprise on Fridays is just the reminder I need to give me that spark and remind me of my life's purpose." She went on to say that she works two jobs-one nannying and the other in customer service, and she finds that both fulfill her life's purpose. One allows her to teach, sing and make sure a child has the building blocks they need and the other allows her to help people in a different way. 

I just found her words to be so powerful. And after she brought a little surprise snack for Luna to share with her this Friday, I've decided we will be exchanging surprises on Friday until I leave LA. Sometimes you meet the people you need at just the right time to bring you back to what is truly important to your heart. I adore listening, and I am always humbled when people open up and share with me nuggets of advice and wisdom that they carry with them on their life's journey. The beauty in our stories is just that-a priceless surprise. A surprise is the spark that keeps us on our toes. Brings us back to life's simplicity. Creates authentic excitement, wonder and a fresh perspective.