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. steph says…
    12/20/2011

    Sending you love Ali. I have no doubt you will navigate through this challenge with grace. Praying for you. xoxo

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Tiiu says…
    12/20/2011

    Wishing you love and peace and strength through the holiday season and beyond.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Laura says…
    12/20/2011

    Wishing you peace and love and healing for Christmas and the New Year. Imagine me wearing a t-shirt that says, "Team Ali," as a gesture of support.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Michelle C says…
    12/20/2011

    I am so very amazed by your honesty and authenticity. It can't be easy, especially at this time of year. But it is evident that you are approaching a difficult situation with an open and honest heart and hoping for the best outcome.
    I wish you peace and love this holiday season and for the future!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. sansku says…
    12/20/2011

    "When life gives you lemons - make lemonade". you always hear that. but people forget to mention that lemonade without sugar sucks. so my wish for you is that you will find sweet moments, sweet friends, sweet time with your children and extended family and anything else sweet and precious in this difficult time of your life. hang in there.

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  6. juanita says…
    12/20/2011

    I will be sending you positive thoughts and wishes for strength and renewed energy as you enter this new chapter in your life.

    Happy holidays to you and the kids, Ali....may 2012 bring you all the joy and healing you deserve.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Caitrin says…
    12/21/2011

    Ali, your post title says it all.

    Thank you for being such an authentic inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Vicki says…
    12/21/2011

    So sorry to hear this Ali. Sending warm hugs your way. May 2012 bring all the good things you and your family so deserve.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Lawrenbc says…
    12/21/2011

    Ali, sending all my positive energy your way right now. You are such a positive influence for so many of US!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jennifer says…
    12/21/2011

    Sometimes our life does not take us where we thought it would - we don't wish for the places it does take us - but that's how it is - and then our life is what we make of it. Choose to be happy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Steph says…
    12/21/2011

    Ali, sending you love and kisses to store away and use when needed. stephxx

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Laura E. says…
    12/21/2011

    Ali,

    To say i'm sorry is just so much less than what my heart feels for you and your kids. I know that God will give you all the strenght you need to continue forward but to take flight. Know that my prayers are with you and that i will keep you ever present in my thoughts. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but know that there are many of us out here who, although are not there physically we are there emotionally with you. God keep you and strengthen you, and guide you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Karen D. says…
    12/21/2011

    How my heart aches for you...I too have been following you for years...I feel like we are friends even though we have never met. Thank you for sharing your stories. You have made a positive impact on my life and I hope that my prayers and thoughts make one on yours.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Sarah says…
    12/22/2011

    so sorry for Anna and Simon - may God comfort and lift them up!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. young says…
    12/22/2011

    Ali, you've been an inspiration to so many, those who comment, those who don't. May the comments here be inspiration, remembrance and peace to you. Merry Christmas!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. kristina says…
    12/22/2011

    Praying for you and your family, sweet Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Tiffany says…
    12/23/2011

    I stopped in after clicking on the image from pinterest. Your words were brief but genuine, heartfelt, sincere and gentle, I had to comment. To wish you all the best and a very Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Kelly Bryan says…
    12/23/2011

    Ali, your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. Many, many years ago my father decided he wanted something different in his life. As I sit here now, 33 years old, I can assure you that life does go on, even when it seems as though it is screeching to a halt.

    May God grant you courage and peace during this transition and may the pain be only temporary. Trust in the knowledge that you are most definitely not alone, and that the pain you are experiencing will lessen in time.

    Ali, you are a remarkable woman who has positively impacted so many lives. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration to all of us.

    Many blessings to you,

    Kelly

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. JennL says…
    12/24/2011

    sending you love. and strength. and grace. and patience. and hope. always hope.

    having gone through a divorce, i can only tell you that it will be hell...and then it gets better. your inherent sense of balance, love of family and strong knowledge of yourself will guide you.

    merry christmas ali, simon anna and chris. may 2012 bring you peace.
    jenn

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Lori says…
    12/24/2011

    Oh, Ali! I am so sorry. May God wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you. I hope you have a peaceful holiday season.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Sandra says…
    12/24/2011

    My heart is rooting for you Ali. I've been in the position you're in now. My children have come through it marvelously well because above all everyone in their life has maintained the commitment to their well being. They are loved on all the time. In turn my family and friends have rallied around me and that has been such a great source of comfort and peace. You are a strong, loving, brave and brilliant woman. May the Lord bless you and wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time. You can do this!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Redheadmomma says…
    12/26/2011

    You have two amazing, beautiful reasons to not only get through this intact, but to find that new chapter in your life with awareness, with confidence, and with hope that you will find much better days ahead. My brother went through something similar, and all parties involved will say that they're all in a much, much better place now. All of us here are sending such a big push of positive love your way. XO R

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  23. Aloha says…
    12/26/2011

    Wow, how brave you are to share such hard news. I don't know you personally, but it feels like I do, and my heart aches for you. But you will survive. I did :) And I am truely more happy than before. Anyway, love to you and your children. Wishing you much happiness in your future. God Bless!!!

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  24. Julie says…
    12/26/2011

    Hi Ali, I just read this story, and for being so honest it is humbling. I have one little recommendation.. Gary Chapman 5 love languages. It was a wonderful book that helped my husband and I when we went through some hardships. I hope that it helps now, and if not with future relationships.

    Trust that God has it all under control.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. julie H. says…
    12/26/2011

    I love the opening quote you used. Hope you don't mind if I borrow it. I am also going through a separation and I am trying to focus on the joy that comes with spending more time with my two young children, having a bit of space to myself and thinking of all of the positive opportunities and experiences the world has in store for me. It has a lot of positive things in store for you too, Ali. God bless.

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