On Getting Back In The Swing Of Things

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Returning from a long vacation is always interesting.

Towards the end of my trip I was longing a bit for home and the normal everyday routines of life.

I was also missing my kids.

Divorce is a funny thing in that it's given me a bit more freedom from time to time but also tugs at my heart in so many different ways. I focus on the span of time, that things are temporary, that I should enjoy the moment I'm in and take it for the gift it is vs. wishing it away. All things we all face in our lives as we navigate different events and transitions.

Returning home means coming back to George (Katie's Mom lovingly visited him while we were away) and his silly antics.

Returning home means checking out the unplanned tomato garden. They are still going strong and getting closer to turning red.

Returning home means a change in the seasons is coming. Back to school plans and shopping are underway. Big changes for both kids as they each enter new schools this year.

Returning home means back to work. It also means a decompression of all the work-related observations and ideas I had while gone. Ideas about products, about ways to change up the things I've been doing, etc. Thinking about things to let go of to make room. Back to school time also feels like a good time for me to take a look at all my work stuff and figure out what's been working and not-working and plan/envision what's next.

Many people experience the desire to spring clean in the spring. I usually do too but I also acutely feel it as we transition from summer to fall. I'm going through the kids clothes making room for Anna's uniform staples and for longer pants and bigger shirts for Simon. I have plans to go through closets and tackle the toys too. I like the idea of fresh starts all around as we move into September.

I'm also thinking a lot about what it means to thrive. Emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, creatively. Lately I've felt a little like I've just been "making it through."

I realize my voice has been silent here for the last few weeks and probably a bit longer as a majority of my creative energy has gone into my Hello Story workshop. I'm looking forward to embarking on Week In The Life next month and finding new ways to share and express myself here.

As always, thank you for being here. For reading and commenting and being a part of this experience.

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69 thoughts

  1. Amanda Rose says…
    08/21/2013

    Beautifully expressed.

    I'm looking forward to embarking on Week in the Life, too, as it is coincidentally scheduled on a Monday-through-Sunday I have to get to the bottom of. ;)

    Here's been my prep for Week in the Life so far:
    http://amandaroseblog.typepad.com/my_blog/2013/08/prepping-for-week-in-the-life.html

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Pink Ronnie says…
    08/21/2013

    What a beautiful post, Ali.
    Thanks for sharing this with us...
    Ronnie xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Sue H (Suedio) says…
    08/21/2013

    Ali, sometimes "making it through" is a precursor to something much more uplifting. On those days it's just one foot in front of the other, one breath at a time . . . and that's enough.

    For now.

    Be gentle with yourself.

    Love your kids.

    The rest will working itself out in its own good time!

    Reply 5 Replies
    1. JEANETTE says…
      08/21/2013

      Beautiful advice Sue thankyou
      Your words will help me get through today
      big hug from Australia

      Beautiful post Ali - struck a chord with many people I'm sure

    2. Kristal says…
      09/01/2013

      Sue~ Great advice, which I needed right now. I am going through a divorce and it was a great reminder for me.

      Ali~ I totally get what you're saying about the divorce situation. Free time is nice, but it is also bittersweet.But it has definitely made me more aware of just how much more present I need to be when I am with my kids.:)

    3. Jane says…
      08/23/2013

      I too have had times when the best you can do is to make it through and that 'best' was good enough. Right now I am ready for thriving and that really hit a note with me - maybe a 2014 OLW.

    4. Jo-Anne from ZA says…
      08/21/2013

      Ah WOW Sue......

      Wise wise words.

      Thank you for reminding us not to be so hard on ourselves all the time and just be still and enjoy.........

    5. COEngrGirl says…
      08/21/2013

      @Sue H, I agree with Jo-Anne, your words are so very wise. And timely. I have a friend who is struggling a bit right now and I will be sharing these with her.

  4. Brooke says…
    08/21/2013

    Lovely post. I always find it interesting the differences between the actual seasons (summer/winter) and the seasons of change (school year) between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. I like to use the differences I see on blogs to inspire and compliment my experiences here in Australia.

    Maybe without those 'making it through' periods one can't really thrive?!

    Also wanted to say that I really enjoyed the Summer Voices series. Lots of great things learned.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Christina says…
    08/21/2013

    Thanks Ali for sharing your thoughts ... actually i make my "spring clean", too.

    Less is more! In my rooms and in my thoughts and in my work!

    My son is going to school for his first time in September.
    It is so exciting.

    Best wishes to you and your familiy.
    Tina

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Sue P, says…
    08/21/2013

    Thank you Ali for sharing "ÿou". Your gentle reminders help us navigate this every changing life we all live. And yes.. I am glad it does change-how boring we would all be if it didn't!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Solgunnf says…
    08/21/2013

    I can relate to som many things in your post. Thanks for sharing. Love your work.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Susan Bowers says…
    08/21/2013

    Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to up and coming and definitely a week in the life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Monika Wright says…
    08/21/2013

    I felt your words, Ali. I've been letting go of "things" that have taken my time but not my heart. There is a fine line between being everywhere and just being in the moment. I saw that my creative and family life suffered because I was busy being creative for other people and that left no time for me and my girls' art projects and adventures. I was tire of making it through and want to enjoy the journey. I've "spring" cleaned and am still working on it. I've taken a crochet class that's been on my list for way too long and I'm hooked...ha,ha! Life is great, we just need to listen to it and grasp what makes our hearts beat and let go of all else. I wish you joy in every little room of your life!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Carolyn HP says…
    08/21/2013

    Ali, coming back from a trip is always a struggle for me... I love the adventures but sometimes it's hard to get back into the flow of every day life. I find having new goals to look forward to really helps with that. I agree with others have said, remember to breathe and find what works for you as you inspire so many of us in our creativity and in celebrating every day life. You will find your way, enjoy the journey... Loving all your posts as always.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Vanessa Viles says…
    08/21/2013

    Hi Ali,

    I just love reading your daily posts and am so happy when they arrive in my in box.

    You seem like such a lovely gentle person and a great mother. I take my hat off to you raising 2 kids and making a success out of your career. Keep up the good work.

    Love your post on your trip to Paris!

    From Vanessa
    Johannesburg, South Africa

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Leora says…
    08/21/2013

    Ali,
    You are a beautiful spirit and I so appreciate you for sharing yourself with us. I am in the "back to school" mode too--one to college and one to high school. Feeling a little anxious about the transitions and about wrapping some needed organization around my life. I am sending good vibes to you today and always.

    With gratitude,
    Leora

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jenny A says…
    08/21/2013

    Thanks Ali for being sharing your life with us and being an inspiration. Your thoughts and words are beautiful and hit home on so many levels. It's inspiring how positive you continue to be.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Christine says…
    08/21/2013

    Such an inspiration you are Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Megan says…
    08/21/2013

    As always, beautiful post. Can't wait to document Week in the Life again this year. Looking forward to what you have planned!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Jannie says…
    08/21/2013

    I agree that was a lovely post. I really appreciate the thoughts and perspectives you shared. Thank you, Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Lisa says…
    08/21/2013

    We care deeply for you, Ali. We're routing you along. Do you hear the "WooHoo" just when you need it? Yeah, that's us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Dori says…
    08/21/2013

    What a beautiful post. You, dear Ali, bring so much joy and inspiration to our lives. And when you give so much of yourself to others, so lovingly and unselfishly, the love and the good always comes back to you. My father always told me that and he was right. Can hardly wait for WITL!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Megan Anderson says…
    08/21/2013

    This post is beautiful, Ali! I hope your transition home is wonderful.

    Also, I always feel more like "Spring cleaning" in Autumn, too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Stacy says…
    08/21/2013

    Nice heartfelt post, Ali. Best wishes.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. {vicki} says…
    08/21/2013

    What a wonderful post.
    Good luck getting back into the swing of things.
    My son started school on Aug 8th and we are still adjusting---it's hard when we've had such a fun, carefree summer!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Mary says…
    08/21/2013

    Beautiful post - thank you so much for sharing, my friend. Welcome back!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Elizabeth A says…
    08/21/2013

    September often feels like New Year's to me...a fresh start with cleaned out closets, new school supplies and renewed energy for new stuff.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Leanne in CA says…
    08/21/2013

    Glad to have you back and look forward to reading your future posts! Have a great week!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Patti L says…
    08/21/2013

    Right there with you. Trying to savor summer, but can't help feel the changes of fall coming. I do a lot of "faking it to make it"... it seems to work, but I too am always after more of a concrete feeling of thriving. Hang in there.

    Reply 0 Replies

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