The Path to Serendipity: Discover the Gifts along Life's Journey

I am a firm believer that you don't find books, but books find you at exactly the right moment that you need to read them. Sometimes, someone will gift me a book and it will get lost in one of my many piles of unread texts until I find it years later at the moment I need to read it. That's how I feel about this book, The Path to Serendipity. I've seen it cross my path several times over Twitter, but it was several months before I finally added it to my cart. At this point in my life, I was just told I was not able to interview for a job I REALLY wanted. As I was reading, I came across these words: "You see, when we don't get what we want, we have three options: We can change what we want. We can change our reality. We can stay stuck and frustrated." I had been staying stuck in my frustration, but I decided to change what I wanted, go outside of my comfort zone, and ended up with a new position I never would have expected. I know it's totally cliche to say a book changed my life...but I truly feel like this book changed my life. I don't know that I would have taken the step toward something new if it hadn't been for Allyson Apsey's words of encouragement.

"The Path to Serendipity" is about honoring all of the parts of an educator's life, the impact those events have on what we do when we are with our students and colleagues and celebrating the richness that those things bring to our practice and make us better educators! Call it fate...call it magic..call it the perfect alignment of the planets/stars/universe...call it serendipity! This book arrived at the right moment in time to remind me that we really do get to "choose what kind of life" we want to live and helped shift my heart back to center! Life, as it periodically does, had thrown me some curve balls that I wasn't anticipating and definitely knocked me for a loop that had me questioning everything. In "The Path to Serendipity", Allyson's use of humor and real life experience was incorporated into each "Stop" along the journey and accompanied by simple but profound "Lessons" we are meant to walk away with. These were great reminders to keep perspective and to learn from each experience you have been given. Having just had a significant loss, The Eight Stop was such a valuable reminder that even through grief, my heart is that of a servant and I can honor both. Most importantly, it's not just okay, but vital to laugh...be grateful and embrace the learning that comes in both the simple and grand moments of life.

I received this book on a Monday, and read it cover-to-cover that very night! Allyson Apsey’s writing is full of emotion & heart. She captivated me from the first chapter(called ‘Stops’) and I continued through each ‘stop’ eager to read the next one. Her writing is in such a way that you feel connected to her, as though you’ve just had a conversation in your living room together. The reflection opportunities at the end of each chapter allow you to connect her story to your own. I love how she finds the positive in every challenge in her life, and it inspires me to find the serendipitous elements throughout my own journey. The author is a principal, but it’s much more than an ‘education’ book. I highly recommend!!!Have your tissue ready for Stop 8.... Heartbreaker!

The Path To Serendipity reads like a conversation with a good friend. The kind of friend who shares stories that you can relate to. The kind of friend who is real and admits that they have flaws. The kind of friend who helps you to frame all that life brings your way as an opportunity for growth. Allyson Apsey writes in a strong, but playful way as she leads you down The Path to Serendipity, stopping along the way to ponder and gather gifts of positivity that will help to improve not only your quality of life, but bring positivity into the lives of others. The Path To Serendipity will be a book that you will keep coming back to for advice…... just like an old friend.

We were so fortunate to have Allyson Aspey kick off #BookCampPD's summer professional learning - FAR - Friends and Reading initiative. Her interactions with those who shared responses to Questions of the Day or other activities increased our #PLNs engagement about the book. How wonderful is it to have an author who doesn't stop with writing a book but continues to extend her impact by responding to those reading the book? Allyson's empathetic, caring, personal approach draws the reader in and helps assimilate and increases reflection while reading. Allyson, you are a rock star in the field of education and we are all so much richer for having read your book!

Allyson has given us the gift of real, because The Path to Serendipity speaks straight to the heart. She has used a mixture of humor, transparency, vulnerability, and reality to create a masterpiece of motivation. Anyone from any profession can pick up this book and be inspired by its message. Although her experiences are from her own life and career, everyone will relate to her passion and authenticity because it is from her heart to ours. I was inspired as I read along, and the inspiration has continued as Allyson's words filter through my days. This is a must-read for anyone seeking encouragement and inspiration and a sense of empowerment.

A must read for everyone! I received this book, and couldn't put it down! Allyson shares her own stories, that will inspire all who read this. It is full of life lessons and reminders for all educators, but is also inspirational and worth reading for anyone. I received this at the end of a stressful school year, and it was just the spirit lifter I needed. It reminded me that I am in control of my journey and path to serendipity. This book will help bring positivity to your life and help you to spread positivity to others. Thank you, Allyson! I can't wait to read more from you!

We choose how we respond to the world around us, as Allison reminds us in her book. We are none of us perfect, but we are always getting better, or we can choose how we respond to adversity. Great read.

A great read that provides realistic strategies to improve your well-being which in turn helps you be your best self both professionally and personally. A very relatable read which provided me with new tools to help me work through those hard times such as peeling the onion to get down to the deal trigger. I felt lighter and a shift in my mindset after reading this book.Thanks Allison :)

Path to Serendipity is an easy read with relatable stories and strategies that will help you to make changes in your personal and professional lives in a positive way. I finished the book with many takeaways that resonated with me, thoughts and ideas that anyone can implement in their day-to-day to make what they do all the more enjoyable. Great book!

I’m grateful for finding this beautiful book. I connected to so many parts! I too am trying to be better every day as a wife, mother, and Teacher Leader. This book encouraged me and helped me to focus on what’s truly important! I LOVED IT!

A wonderful read! Recommend it to anyone who needs a reminder to make the most out of any situation.