What Is Real Right Now
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.
So happy that Simon is having a great start to the school year. What a relief! Praying for all of you. Stay your brave, strong, authentic, tender self.
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Love you friend and thinking of you.
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I have prayed for you and your family many times. I will continue to do that. So many challenges these days on every level. You are loved and held in high esteem by many of us. Stay strong.
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Appreciate your honesty. Sending positive energy & prayers your way. I enjoy reading your blog, your honesty and just knowing that the woman doing the writing is a woman like me and every other woman in the world, one that lives a real life, with real issues and that we all try to do our best everyday to make our world and our children's world better.
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Thanks for keeping it real by sharing the good and not so good. I will say a prayer for you tonight. Your blog always makes me so happy. And I have to say there is no shame in therapy. For some reason year 16 was hard for my marriage. We got some new tools for our toolbox with therapy and now are almost to year 20 and in a much, much better place.
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Sending you lots of prayers and hugs during this challenging part.
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Light is a symbol of truth. - J.R. Lowell
May you find light in this time of darkness. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of darkness.
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Sending you light and love...chin up, this too shall pass. : )
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Transitioning from summer to school can be tough. We have been working on getting back into homework first mode...not easy.
Glad to hear Anna is liking her Montessori school and how cool is she being two!
You and your family have my prayers as you work your way through this tough time.
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Whenever I needed to find something positive, I will go and read your blog. I admire how you seem to capture the good in the ordinary things in life. It is easy to be swept away by at the waves of frustrated negative energy, but it takes great strength to stay positive. I am sorry to hear that times are challenging. I wish you all the courage and strengths in the world to get through these tough times. As you the way you have encouraged Simon, this one is for you...Go Ali go!
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I am sending you prayers and very heartfelt positive energy. I wish you strength and love and light and anything else that you may need during this time.
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You truly are an inspiration to so many Ali; sending best wishes and positive happy thoughts your way.
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Hi Ali, keeping you and your family in thought and prayer.
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Ali - Met you at CE. You truly inspired me. Woke me out of the creative lull I was in and taught me how to give myself permission to not have to be perfect or even fail sometimes. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way. Thank you for everything but mostly for your honesty.
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Ali,
Thank you. Your post really hit home for me today.
Laura
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Ali, if you were ever fearful your readers and friends wouldn't understand or respect something difficult happening in your life, a life we all view publicly in admiration, you know now what is true. I think you cemented your audience today...and I'm certain it grew. I love you sister.
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Thinking of you, Ali! Everything WILL be allright but a little different in the end.
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Thanks for being honest and sharing all about you ... not just all the fun stuff. ;-)
My prayer for you and your family is that you will each find the strength needed to learn and grow and become closer in whatever it is you're dealing with ... working around it isn't really the answer ... you must work through it ... together. It really is worth it!! All the best.
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Hi Ali, I'm reading "In the footsteps of Jesus" by Bruce Marciano, the actor who portrayed Him in such a real way in the movie "The Gospel according to Matthew". Real is beautiful. Praying for you for Divine grace, and a mantle of peace. It will get better. Just ask God to guide you through this. Lots of love.
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One thing that I have learned over the years is that life is a struggle. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, beautiful or not, young or old and I truly believe that it's MEANT TO BE THIS WAY. As in all areas of our lives, what's important is how we deal with these struggles.
Sometimes life is unfair. Acceptance is a big part of the journey. Accepting those you love with their strenths and weaknesses and accepting the same in yourself. Try to keep an open heart, behave with integrity, and always, always remember to love yourself. Whatever the future brings, know that you can and will deal with it and come out on the other side. Sending a prayer of comfort and strength your way to all four of you. Keep on keeping on kiddo . . .
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Ali,
I always treasure your posts and I always am blown away by your authenticity and your grace. I know you're only human, but you seem to have the strength and the grace to get through anything. You don't know this, but you're one of my heroes. Just keep on doing your best and remember to take it one step at a time.
Wishing you courage, strength and grace always!
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I love reading your blog Ali. Always inspiring. Honest and real.
Sending positive thoughts to you and Chris.
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Your authentic and heartfelt post really spoke to me today. I am inspired by your ability to identify your blessings through difficult times. I've added you and your family to my daily prayer list.
Hugs to you...
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Thanks for being real. best wishes as the time unfolds.
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Dear Ali, you always touch my heart with your posts. I send you love and prayers. Everything will be ok.
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