The Evolution Of My Story
It's always been my goal to authentically share my story both in my scrapbooks and in this online space.
To me that means addressing the good, the bad, the beautiful, the successes, the challenges - the very real pieces of my life.
As many of you have noticed, and some have commented and emailed, Chris has been mostly absent for some time from the stories and photos. He has decided that he wants something different with his life and we are in the process of getting a divorce.
Chris continues to maintain an active role in the kid's lives.
There is nothing easy about this.
It's very hard and very stressful and very sad.
And yet, the story continues for all of us. For him and me. For the kids and me. For him and the kids. And there are many, many things I have to be thankful for in my life.
I've always maintained, and taught in my workshops, that not all stories need to be told.
But here, in this space, it's important to me that there's a general awareness of this change. This will allow me to more authentically share my story going forward.
A few months ago I asked for your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. I'd humbly ask for your continued kindness as this specific chapter closes and new ones begin.
As you consider leaving a comment I would also humbly ask that you focus on something positive, compassionate and/or uplifting. Our heartfelt intent is to maintain a positive relationship as we move forward in our lives.
Wishing all of you, especially any of you who may be experiencing something similar within your own family, peace during the Christmas season.
I have been in your shoes, Ali. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us through your blog: the happy, the sad, and the in-between. I'm praying for you and your family. May your Christmas be filled with peace and joy:)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Peace and Blessings to you and your family for the Christmas season and the road you will all travel ahead.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, you and your family will come through this difficult time. Through your words here and your classes, it is evident you are a strong woman with a pure heart. Follow that and all will be well. Wishing you peace and happiness this holiday and in the New Year.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Gracious. Courageous. Genuine.
Ali, you teach us in so many ways. I am awestruck that during a time when you need comfort, peace, security, calm, love...that you reach out to those of us you do not know personally and share this much, teach this much, show this much. You have my admiration. Thank you for teaching me again.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
My prayers are with you. My word for this year was grace - you are showing the us the true meaning of that word.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Your honesty and very positive approach to life transitions will help keep both you and your children in joy. I wish for you a beautiful and peaceful Christmas and lots of love and fun as you begin a new chapter in your life! Now I'm really curious and can't wait for the reveal of your OLW for 2012!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you so much for being brave to share this very difficult story with us. Much hugs and strength during this holiday season. You are so loved Ali. Ma Laarni
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Thinking of you and your family. You are an amazing woman, and I cannot thankyou enough for all you have given to me, and I have never met you. Thankyou for your openess in such a difficult time. I wish you all the best Ali, you deserve it. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas, to you and your family.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, you've been such an inspiration these past years. Even with this huge life change, you continue to go forward with grace and dignity. Your ability to share your story is nothing but amazing. Sending you lots of hugs, prayers, positive thoughts as you move towards this new chapter. Hoping that you continue to find peace, joy & twinkle this Christmas.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, having walked a similar journey over the past 4 years ... THE most important thing to remember is that it's not about you and Chris - it's about making it the best it can possibly be for Simon and Anna - and it sounds like that's exactly what you are trying to do.
Separation/divorce is grieving for what "should" have been, letting go of what might have been and learning to live with what is. It's hard and sad - but you do get through it - one day at a time. Be kind to yourself ... be kind to him ... sending you prayers and encouraging thoughts across the miles.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
"Dreams” by Langston Hughes
Sign in or sign up to comment.
You are blessed with the gift of words, that tell stories. I have been following your blog for years and you have given me the strength to believe that my stories are important, you find beauty in simple things, and your faith is so strong. I cried when you spoke at a CKU, my wish is that someday I will be able to attend a workshop of yours again. Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for your gift to us each day, your stories, your words and for the strength to make a positive difference in our own lives.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
What an incredible life you had. What an incredible life you have. What an incredible life you'll have. There is no doubt.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Sending you and your family thoughts of peace and joy this Christmas.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I will be thinking of all of you this season.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Dear Ali,
After reading your blog update about what is happening in your family last evening, I couldn't sleep for hours just thinking about you, Simon and Anna and wishing the outcome could somehow be different. I am thinking of you and wishing you strength through this difficult time. I am so very sorry.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So sorry to hear that, Ali.Part of life's rich tapestry, I guess, and I like to think I am a better person because of going thru' it myself some 20 years ago. Please rememeber to cut yourself some slack in the coming year. With love from 'Britain'
Sign in or sign up to comment.
May you find peace and strength, and know that you all are loved and being prayed for.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
one thing that i have seen on your blog is the constancy of your parents, and i imagine that their love will help carry you forward. and your beautiful children.
may the holidays find you surrounded by love and hope.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
ali.. thank you for sharing your story.. you continue to amaze me with your inspiration - not only as an artist but as a women of fortitude. I am struggling with a breast cancer diagnosis along with my marriage being in shambles after many many years and three girls.. the comfort that you bring to me is that i can write my story with grace, wisdom and strength. you inspire that in me. I pray that our Heavenly Father will wrap you in love, heal your heart and give you the strength you need to carry on your journey of motherhood and provider. Thank you again for all the little blessings in my life you give. peace be with you!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, may your Christmas season be a time of rest, prayer, laughter, love, hope, inspiration . . . even in the midst of the hard times. I lost my mom this year, and I know how hard loss is. But what has amazed me during my hard time is the aboslutely surrounding of love, mercy, gentleness, support and again love that I felt from the ones around me and my family. My prayer is that you have the same surrounding of love. Thank you for sharing your life with us, you, my sweet cyber friend, are a blessing! Hugs from Oklahoma!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Live in joy, Ali!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Dearest Ali,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult change in your life. These things happen (and can happen to anyone) and it sounds to me like you both have the right priorities in your life. Like many others have said, I have never met you, but you are a big part of my life. I love your attitude, creativity, and outlook on life. I wish you the best in your new "chapter". With love, Tammy
Sign in or sign up to comment.
We recently went through this with our daughter. It is such a difficult time but just remember you are special & very loved. You are a fantastic person & wonderful loving mother. I can only wish that you find joy & peace this Christmas.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
you are an awesome momma, and your kids adore you. we adore you. and we're all surrounding you with much light, magic, and love.
Sign in or sign up to comment.