What Is Real Right Now
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WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.
WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.
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376 comments
Sending you compassion and positive energy, Ali.
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Definitely sending prayers that you and Chris can come to a deeper more meaningful level in your realtionship! Amazingly real of you to share this with us. I've been thinking a lot about you since I watched our OLW video this month ... sending prayers your way in whatever area you are letting go!
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Big (((hugs))) to you Ali. Thank you for being real.Great post.
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you are beautiful, ali. and you are in my thoughts. xo
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Ali - thinking of you and sending you positive vibes!
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You are so beautiful and honest. sending you love and light.
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Thanks for the beautiful and inspiring quote at the end of your post. Wishing you peace, comfort, joy and love
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Sending you strength and peace for getting through this tough time.
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Sending you strength and a big hug today Ali. <3
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Ali,
Sending prayers for grace (and mercy) and loving that you are celebrating Simon and Anna, good literature,the coming of fall and all that is good even through the challenging times. Be strong (be dangerous) and be real.
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It took great courage for you to admit that your life is at times difficult too. When I read your blogs, your life seems so full. You go so many places, have child care in your home, and seem so on top of everything. I sometimes seem overwhelmed until I remember that stage in my life. Looking back it's kind of like going through the rapids--bumpy and scary, but hang on, ride it out, and the waters get much smoother. Love carries you through...
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So very true. I'm just emerging from *some* of those rapids right now but still years to go pretty immersed in "momdom." You expressed this so very well. Thank you!
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This was an amazing post. I'm so glad to put you in the normal category. I will send you some positive energy on the relationship front! Never a good feeling when there is disconnect. EVER!!!
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Sending prayers your way. Your honesty is inspiring. It is why I have read your blog for 5 years.
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Sending positive energy and prayers to both of you.
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Sending you strength, blessings and lots of love as you go forward. Life definitely throws us lots of challenges and in each one that comes forward we do find growth. Lean on your family and friends who will help you as you go forward. Remember you have a huge community out here who will support you as you go forward in whatever your next chapter in life will be.
God Bless
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Nicky, you expressed my thoughts very well. Thank you!
Nicky said it perfectly. Warm thoughts and prayers to you and your family Ali.
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Sending positive thoughts and wishes your way and thank you for making me see everyday things in better light.
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Dear Ali, here through tweets. I just want to say yes, in my home too. The relationship that didn't survive the tumultous early years of with my son (we did not know), finding myself alone and then working relentlessly to 'discover' what it was with my son. Asperger syndrome - no-one else would have found it. What a journey. A journey that led me to have to give up work due to exhaustion and start my own fully self-employed venture. A creative biz that both saves and is juggled. If not for art I guess I would go a little crazy. Two children alone, making sense of others psyche's (my two kids) both with their own things and learning so much about myself too. And one of the best things is sharing stories with others on via the internet and knowing I/we are not alone. Strength. Times recently have been beyond tough as my own health has faltered, but then that's not surprising given the circumstances. But still I find myself going on. I've written the 'blue' and tough posts too, wondering how much to share.
Sending the most positive thoughts, feelings, vibes, whatever it is you need right now. Yes, each day is so different. I am here learning/remembering more that I can ever understand.
Hugs to you,
Amelia.x
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Great Post Ali We're going through a hard time as a family right now, you read some blogs and they make you think life is all rosy and It makes you think your the only one having the hard time, Life has it's up and downs and the downs make us appreciate the up's more. Things will come good xx
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Emma completely agree about the way some blogs make everyday life seem so rosey and you wonder "what am I doing wrong", "why can't I be in that place" it is nice to know that you are not the only one whose family is going through a hard time and it makes you realise that this is everyday life with all its wonderful ups and downs and twist and turns. Here's to getting through these hard times for us all and knowing that in the end it is all worth it.
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Positive thoughts and strength your way Ali. I love (and envy - in a good way!) your openness. It's so admirable and honest.
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sending you REALly big hugs. your positive, authentic outlook on life is so inspiring. xoxo
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