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.

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934 thoughts

  1. Vicki says…
    12/17/2011

    Like many, many others, I have watched, admired (and envied!) your talents. Always impressive is your appreciation of joy in small, everyday things and your ability to capture and express the feelings that many (me!) share but just can't get down on paper. I am sorry for your heartbreak and am so glad you have a loving family (both biological and those of us in blog/magazine/class/paper/digital scrapbook land) to lean on as your next chapter begins.
    Vicki

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  2. mary bailey says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali, I admire you so much for your candor and honesty. You are so well loved by this community of memory-keepers and storytellers that you have done so much to create. I hope that you can take comfort and find strength in our support. Know that we keep you and your children in our hearts. You are one class act, lady!

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  3. Lisa says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali,
    I wish the best for you and your family. I, too am in the process of a divorce after 14 years of marriage and I wish you much peace and strength at this very difficult time. It is of utmost importance that both of you think of Simon and Anna first as they are suffering the changes just as much as you. Please know that you are not alone and that applaud your courage in sharing your new journey with us.

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  4. Dawn Ritchie says…
    12/17/2011

    You are brave. Thank you for continuing to share your story with us and showing us to be brave in our own storytelling. Even if it's not always bright and shiny.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Georgina says…
    12/17/2011

    God bless you Ali and your two beautiful children. May things be a little easier in 2012 as things move on in all your lives. x

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  6. Phaedra says…
    12/17/2011

    I wish you all peace & love during this holiday season and to carry you through all the difficult changes that are coming. You will come out the other side of this and you will continue to make a new & positive family life for your children. It CAN be done (I've lived it myself as a divorced mom of a little one). Not only will Simon & Anna be the better for your choices to stay positive in your relationship with Chris, but so will you and Chris. It's hard to do in the early stages, but keep the faith that it is absolutely worth it. Kudos to you both for having that goal front & center.
    I've followed you from CK to this blog and am always so inspired by your words, your honesty, your perspective. Thank you for being such a point of light in so many people's lives Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Kendra says…
    12/17/2011

    Thank you so much for all of the encouragement and inspiration that you continually pass on to others, even as you are going through such a difficult time yourself. The quote you shared sums up so well the attitude that you continually portray. I appreciate that so much!

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids! Wishing you all the best as you celebrate Christmas this season.

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  8. Gayl Staffler says…
    12/17/2011

    There is nothing more difficult than facing your private life in a public setting, and yet isn't that just a part of the story. You handled it beautifully. You inspire a network that loves and supports you, and I've always admired the positive way you negotiate life's ups and downs. You are good of heart; joy will replace the sorrow. Holiday blessings to you and your family.

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  9. Denise~Paper Ponderings says…
    12/17/2011

    I'm praying for you this very minute and hope that you can feel amazing peace. Absolutely LOVE watching your kiddos grow up in everything you post and your amazing "life-telling" abilities!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Bre says…
    12/17/2011

    Yesterday while having lunch with a great friend we were discussing resiliency and in her research she found that pacing is a key for resiliency. It is my word for 2012 and I share it with you and hope is helpful. (I would not have paid attention to this prior but your one little word has caught my attention, so thank you.)

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  11. Amy says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali, I'm so sorry. Know that there are people all over the world who are grieving along with you and lifting your family up in prayer. My sincere best wishes for peace, joy, and hope this Christmas.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. kim smart says…
    12/17/2011

    wishing you nothing but peace and compassion during this time in your life ali. i can't imagine how hard this must be for you and your children but i also know that you have so much love for them and are such an awesome, positive person that it will all be alright! you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Tricia says…
    12/17/2011

    I don't know you personally, but feel like I do because of reading your blog every day for so long. Like many others commented, I wondered if there were changes happening in your home, and also like many others commented, I believe if anyone can handle this with dignity and grace it is you! You have mentioned Simon's sparkle in your blog posts. You, too, have an amazing light that I am so grateful you choose to share with us through your blog. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Hedwig says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali,
    one day you will look back and see that the sadness is in the past and your life has become even more beautifull. For now i wish you all the strength and love and warmth there is on earth. And your honesty will bring you compassion and understanding. I am 300% positive.
    HUGS & you are in my prayers,

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Karen says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali, I have been in a similar situation for some time now and I just want you to know that we are all thinking of you and your family and wishing the best for you. There's a quote that I remind myself of when times are hard and I'm struggling: Always remember you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think. I recommend taking care of yourself, listen to lots of Adele, and give yourself a break.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Merrilee says…
    12/17/2011

    Just want to say, Hi, Ali! I have every confidence you will move forward with great success. Sorry for the pain and sadness, though.
    Blessings to you and yours at Christmas time. I appreciate your Christmas Bible quotes so much. I'm using them in my December scrapbook album.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Carolynn F says…
    12/17/2011

    I really admire how you are managing through this change. Sending you positive energy as you continue to navigate this stage of your journey.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. The Personal Is Political… | Analog Girl In A Digital World says…
    12/17/2011

    [...] enthusiasts and in one moment she decided to be vulnerable & authentic. Her post titled, “The Evolution of My Story,” was so moving because it was tucked in between beautiful professional Thanksgiving photos [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Lindy R says…
    12/17/2011

    Ali, I send you the best. It's been my experience that when God closes one door, He opens another. Nothing happens that He is not aware of. Remember, He has promised to never have us go through more than we are capable of handling. You are a strong lady; you may never know the "why" of this pain, but you may be able to reflect on it to help someone in the future. I know you are loved by many, the blog shows this. And I'm sure there are many others in your life who love you, too. Know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Dee says…
    12/17/2011

    I support your decision, even though I don't know the "whole" story. I support your bravery. I support your courage. I support your honesty. I support you.

    In the Yin and Yang of life, know that there is something equally fantastic to come your way, opposite of this not so fantastic event.

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  21. Carole says…
    12/17/2011

    I'm so sorry to hear. Divorce is so painful. To maintain the gratitude you have and continuing to be ever present to your beautiful children... that is grace. May it abound in you day by day. Prayers for you as you transition through this Christmas, and may 2012 prove to be a year of (even if surprisingly) abundant joy!

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  22. Traci Shanks says…
    12/17/2011

    Many wishes and prayer for peace, strength, empathy and compassion go out to you, to Chris and to Simon and Anna. I wish there was a way to ease the pain and help the sun move from behind the clouds for you, but it will be dark a while yet. Know this though, there will be light again. There will be music. There will be laughter, and there will be times when you lie in bed at night and think not of pain but of the fact the day you just had was the most amazing, perfect day ever. That will come again, although today it may seem very far away.

    Peace and good wishes
    Traci

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  23. Lorie B says…
    12/17/2011

    Prayers to you and your family! You are so amazing and will get through this.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. gloria says…
    12/17/2011

    My Dear Ally,
    Let me start by saying I dont know you but I love you. I love your spirt I can see you shine. I love the wonderful affect you have had on my life. Years ago when I would say to people that you were the Oprah in my life.. What I am saying is i admire you greatly.I feel I am a better mom because of you. I went through a divorce 2 years ago. I married the perfect guy I thought. He was a doctor and we had 2 great kids together, I loved him but it just was not enough.Divorce sucks for everyone..but there is one huge thing that heped me through and i think its key..dont go through this alone. Call your sister every time you need her call your mom. Make dates with your friends make lots of play dates for your kids. Use you people network and dont go through this alone because the love that so many people have for you will get you through this..Then you will be ok..Ally you are a strong smart female and you will get through this...

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  25. diane herrington says…
    12/17/2011

    love you Ali. Diane

    Reply 0 Replies

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