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.
Your grace and dignity continue to inspire me, Ali. Wishing you peace and comfort during this season. Take a little time to take care of YOU.
I am grateful that you have a wonderful family who love and support you. I hope you can feel how much you are loved and cared about by all of your blog followers.
You continue to have my thoughts and prayers. ooox
Sign in or sign up to comment.
In my heart, as I read your blog each day, I anticipated seeing this post. Previously reading that the two of you weren't seeing eye-to-eye, the lack of stories and photos including Chris, the 'Thursday' rountine PL shot...were all flags for me.
Your honesty through this chapter of your life is inspiring and amazing. Your children will look back and admire just how perfectly you've told your story. New chapters in life are difficult as you know. But I'm also sure you know that -you don't know how wonderful change can be until you do it-. There are so many awesome experiences lined up for you, Simon and Anna in the future. I know you will embrace them.
Wishing you Peace, Calmness, and Rest this holiday season.
Merry Christmas Ali.
love, lisa
Sign in or sign up to comment.
stay positive and keep your head held high. you and your family are in my thoughts. *
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, I know we don't know each other but my heart is breaking for your family. I'm so glad that you are going into this with a positive attitude and I sincerely hope that everything works out as well as it can. You are a brave and inspirational woman and I wish you the strength to get through this troubling time. Remember to take care of yourself throughout all of this - no need to be Superwoman.
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing the real you regardless of how wonderful or painfully raw it may be - you are an inspiration to us all.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, you are a remarkable woman. Thank you for all that you are and for you're willingness to share your life so freely others. Even though we've never met, you have been a blessing in my life. Blessings to you during this difficult time.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Although there is always sadness when a dream dies, I want you to know you can absolutely go forward in a positive manner. I know because I did it.
My children were babies (2 & newborn) when their dad & I divorced. I decided to remember that I once loved him enough to marry him & make babies with him. And we proceeded from there. It hasn't always been easy, but it's worked.
I would say now that we are friends. He even came to my 2nd wedding & brought a gift. What a statement to our children. I try to never refer to him as "my ex-husband" as it has such a negative connotation; i refer to him as Hunter or Lauren's dad instead.
My thoughts & prayers will be with you. It's not always easy,then again,nothing worth doing ever is. It is worth it though. God be with you as you move forward. May he grant you peace within.
Michelle
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Sending you continued blessings and love this Christmas for you and your family. Stay strong and true to yourself. May peace be with you as you start this new chapter in your life and may god give you the strenth when you need it most. So thankful that you have your wonderful parents to help you through this time. Much love
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali - I am so sorry to hear about you and Chris and I applaud your honesty. There are so many of us who care about you and your family and love the work that you do and share with us. Please know that you have so much support from all of us. I pray that you and Chris will be able to work through this very difficult time and that as time passes it will be a little easier each day for both of you. Divorce isn't easy for anyone and it doesn't happen over night. Life is very difficult at times. But I hope that you can get through this and come to a place of peace at some point. You do have a lot to be thankful for. Your children are beautiful and will need both of you. I know there is nothing I can do to help but I hope the fact that I feel for you and pray that you will find peace will help you in some small way. I've taken a few of your classes and spoken
with you a few times and they are times that I cherish. I have a picture of you and me from what I think is CKU in Orlando on my digital picture frame. We are here for you and I hope that you all will be okay as you go through this process. I've always admired you and love that you do honestly share your story. I have a hard time putting the very real life in my scrapbooks sometimes, life isn't all roses and I so admire your commitment to keeping it real, even when that hurts. Prayers to all 4 of you as your continue in this life transition. We are here for you!!!!!!!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
You have a way of expressing yourself which is so real, beautiful and uplifting even in a time of sadness and difficult change. I know it must have been hard to find the words for this post and you must have had a bit of apprehension in opening this "topic" to viewer's comments. But you inspire us all in how you live your life and how you see the world. I can see from the posts left already, what you send out to the world is reflected back to you... hope, kindness, friendship, love. You are an amazing woman and mother, and I think we all honestly feel that. You have my admiration for making this season such a positive one for your kids; it is clear that they are feeling joy every day.
SO much love to you. You can do this.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, thank you so much for sharing with us, trusting us and being vulnerable with us. I have been through this and it's not easy, but you will survive. Your courage shines! I am wishing you love, blessings and peace during this new journey.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali-
I have always enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to all of your posts. As you move forward with your family, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you all have a Merry Christmas and may you continue to be blessed as you move forward with your life.
Tiffany
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I am just so, so sorry to read this news. My prayers are with all of you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Praying for you,Simon and Anna this Christmas season. God Bless.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Thank you for your honesty & for sharing this news. I am sending you positive, healing thoughts during this time.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
you are so loved...so many friends and even strangers lifting you up, your kids up, and Chris up...you are courageous, you are beautiful, and you are strong enough to enter this new chapter...YOU INSPIRE ME!!!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
You cannot fail. There are too many of us out here pulling for you and ready to support you, even though we do not know you personally. There is such a positive wave of prayer and good thoughts flowing towards you . . . I'm sure you feel it. We love you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
Hugs to you during this stressful time. As one of five siblings, four of whom have been divorced (with 2 now happily remarried); I know that your life will have many ups and downs going forward. I loved your quote about 'choosing to live in joy'. Wishing you and your family joy during this holiday season.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,((HUG)) for you. I am sending prayers to you and your family. I know how hard a divorce can be and I am sorry you are having to go through this. Lean on your family as they will be a constant source of love and strength during this difficult time. Know you are loved and that many people are praying for you and sending you good thoughts. peace and blessings to you and your family....Cindy
Sign in or sign up to comment.
As a divorced mom of two kids, looking back my divorce was the hardest thing I've ever been through, and the best thing I've ever done. Life is beautiful on the other side.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, you are an awesome woman! Your poise and dignity in handling what life throws at you is simply amazing. You are blessed to have wonderful parents, family and friends who support and love you in this new stage of your life. Be strong. Be beautiful. Be you. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
I've followed your blog for years and my heart breaks for you because I feel like I know you and your family. The way you share your life (good and not so good) is so inspiring. You have no obligation to share anything with us yet you do so on a daily basis. Know that there are plenty of prayers heading your way from our family to yours as you navigate through this difficult time in your life. Simon and Anna are so lucky to have you as their mother.
Sarah
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Dear Ali, you are so positive and you inspire me every time. This Moment of your life is very hard and i wish you that your attitude towards life can help you and believe in your positiv energy.
I send my best wishes for you and your familiy.
Christina
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali, your family will get through this because of the positive approach you are already taking. I so appreciate your genuineness with us, and how much of an example you are to all of us. We all support you and will stand with you to pour out energy and love and faith and blessings for a bright tomorrow! It will be a different tomorrow, but aren't they all anyway? Continue being the Light you are!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Ali,
My heart literally just broke for you.
I am so sorry for you and the kids.
I was hoping/praying this was not the case.
I can't even believe it actually and I just want you to know,
you are amazing & beautiful and kind and have taught me so much and you will still be all those things and more....
much love,
Tara
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Lots of love, support, peace & strength to not only an amazing women, storyteller but to the most amazing mother!
You're love for your children just shines through your work!!
Much love Ali
Sign in or sign up to comment.