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. Heather says…
    12/15/2011

    I am so sorry to hear that Ali. You and your family are in my prayers. I wish you strength, clarity, peace ad so many blessings on the road ahead.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Yolanda says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you, Ali. How easy it would have been to not document this holiday season. We all would have understood. We would have virtually patted your head and said, "We understand. Things are hard right now." But instead, you have shown us something so much deeper, so much more valuable about the importance of joy seeking during the holidays. The importance of telling the story, even when you wish you were writing a different chapter. Sometimes (maybe all the time) the only way out is through.

    And what an amazing lesson you are teaching us all about the power of speaking even when your voice feels lost, about not letting your creative spirit whither, and about the power of finding a life worth celebrating when you simply choose to celebrate it. Just because, it's yours.

    Thank you, Ali. May you feel every ounce of love that these comments are pouring on you. And much, much more.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Altie says…
      12/16/2011

      Beautiful post!

    2. Diana says…
      12/18/2011

      I agree just beautiful! Well said. Lots of love Ali!

  3. Jane F. says…
    12/15/2011

    My heart too aches for all of you Ali in this difficult time. I have been through it myself and you will come through it stronger on the other side. I guess you see other peoples lives online and think everything must be perfect and it is refreshing to see you share this "real" side of your life. I will be interested to see how you scrapbook this time later (if you choose to) as I have not scrapbooked any of the difficult times that I've been through in the last few years since my divorce. Sending you all lots of good wishes and prayers for a new beginning.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Jenn says…
    12/15/2011

    May God bless you and give you strength in these troublesome times. I pray for peace for you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Melissa says…
    12/15/2011

    There you go. You are LIGHT! I too have noticed and you and the kids have been in my thoughts. Even though this was and is not an easy path for you/kids (and Chris).. I have seen you shine brighter in so many ways. You are blossoming into something grander. I hope that at the end of the day you take a moment and consider kindness for yourself. Keep doing what you are doing -- you are such an incredible inspiration to many. Through trials comes triumphs. So far you seem to be doing just fine.

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Heidi says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you for sharing! You seem to bring a positive spirit to whatever you face - I admire that. I lost a baby at the beginning of the second trimester last year; it was a very tough time. Quite honestly, one of the things that "rescued" me was watching people who bring that spirit of joy to their lives - your blog was one of the things I most enjoyed reading during that time (and still enjoy)! Hoping you have a special, really joyful holiday season.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Kathy C. says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, you are a gifted teacher and you naturally inspire others. Your grace and openness will teach others to do the same. I will be sending thoughts of peace and love to you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Valerie says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali,
    I have followed you for a long time. I just want you to know that I respect you and the way you live life with so much integrity. Hoping for all the best for you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Mel says…
    12/15/2011

    I found your blog the year I was getting a divorce - 2008. And I picked for my OLW - Peace. My wish for you is that you will find Peace. Reading your blog has helped me and so many other people. I love how positive and creative you are!

    I have two kids with autism. Being divorced was hard, but yet I am HAPPY! (another OLW)

    Know that we are all thinking of you and sending you good wishes for your next chapter in life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Mikki McGehee says…
    12/15/2011

    I'm sure the path is rough and I'm sure it hurts but I know you have the courage, strength and beauty (inside and out) to make it through. I wish you a joyous Christmas.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Natasha Smith says…
    12/15/2011

    Much love to you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Christine says…
    12/15/2011

    I know it is hard for you to share this, but it is important because it is your story. I can also say that I have seen some very close friends go through this, and they have all come out on the other side stronger. They say that although the experience was very painful, it landed them in a better place, and they are now happier than they could ever have imagined. You are amazing, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel--even if it seems like it is around a corner right now.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jen Davis says…
    12/15/2011

    You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

    I love reading your stories and look so much forward to seeing what's ahead for you in the future.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Susan Rosen says…
    12/15/2011

    I wish you every good thing Ali. Peace & Joy to you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Heather G says…
    12/15/2011

    Sending hugs your way!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Amy M says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali,

    Peace and strength to you in the coming days. May you feel how much you have inspired us all and inspire yourself.

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

    Ali, Of course I am a stranger, but given your wonderful ability to share of yourself here, I feel as if we are girlfriends, and we need to have some girl time to chat, laugh, cry and hug over a coffee, diet coke or beer. Never underestimate your ability to draw people in close. Brooke

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Vera says…
    12/15/2011

    I can't even imagine how you must be feeling. You are so brave to continue on with your life, your work and even your blog. It's admirable the way you continue on for yourself and your children. You're such an inspiration and an amazing mom/woman role model!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. jen says…
    12/15/2011

    Thinking of you, Simon & Anna as you transition to the next stage of your life. Thank you for sharing your story with us, lifting you up in prayer.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Carrie says…
    12/15/2011

    That Joseph Campbell quote is beautiful and brilliant. May you find your way towards joy! Life is so very short. xoxo

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Wendy says…
    12/15/2011

    This is my first time in posting to your blog, but I felt moved to do so after this post. One thing that I have ALWAYS loved about your blog is your honesty; that life is "real" for you and that you're not afraid to share that. This post makes me admire you even more. Your honesty is a gift to all of us; but, hopefully, it will be healing gift to you. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jules Hollis says…
    12/15/2011

    Please know that you are loved and supported. Saying prayers for peace and strength for you during this chapter of your story.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Katie Scott says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you for sharing your story and your family with us for all these years and now. It is amazing to read through all the comments and to see how awesome and supportive the scrapbooking community is and how much you are loved. Peace.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Jay says…
    12/15/2011

    I cannot begin to imagine how hard this is for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you that you get through this well.

    Jay

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Leslie says…
    12/15/2011

    Sending you and the kids hugs and love and prayers!

    Reply 0 Replies

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