What Is Real Right Now

prayers coming your way! Thank you for this amazing reminder of being real. Not trying to put on airs that everything is perfect and to reach out for prayers and insight. Relationships so have there flows as well. I know my husband and I have struggled so much as of late with growing in complimentary directions. I am making so many strides with my health and spirituality that it is changing the dynamics of our relationship and we trying to keep up with the good fight to move forward together despite our differences. So, please know with my complete gratitude for sharing your own struggles and know that you are not alone.

One of the things I love most about your "everyday" posts are the small lessons/reminders given and received. This statement hit my heart: 'Things are changing here and I’m hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.'

We all struggle. The intention to face challenges with grace and an open heart could surely change the outcome.

You have my thoughts and prayers!

~Katherine

Reality right now - great post & glimpse into what you're going through, the good & the not so good. It's hard being a parent, harder to be one with a strong connection with your partner too. Lots of joys but tons of difficulties too... Our girls are now in their 20's and our relationship as a couple has grown tremendously now that the distraction of kids has lessened. It's rather frightening to hear about how things were often rocky while they were small - I was unaware of how much my husband thought we were not doing well as a couple, being so involved with the kids & so absorbed by their needs. If you need it, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - it's just reaching that light that can be a challenge! Sending you & Chris tons of good thoughts, peaceful moments and prayers that you will be able to find your way into the light, as often as you need it.

Ali,

Thank you for being vulnerable about "what is real" for you right now. Blessings and love to you as you surrender to the challenges that are in front of you. May you experience this time with grace and a sense of clarity - knowing that you are being lifted up by so many.

Perhaps at some point in this journey you might pick up a book called, "The Ten Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart." by Daphne Rose Kingma. I have found it to be a gentle, wise companion during times of change.

Lifting you up in prayer - marriage is hard especially when juggling all aspects of a young family's life.

Ali, I love that you keep things so real here. You will be in my prayers. {{{{HUGS}}}}

No matter how perfect others see your relationship as being...you always have to work at it. I am amazed at your honesty and frankness. I am sending you positive thoughts always. Thank you for always inspiring us...not only with your art but with your love of everyday life!

Thank you for sharing with us Ali. Please know that you are in my thought and prayers. I'll be sending good vibes your way.

Hugs sweets

You forget the what is real right now section about authenticity and vulnerability. There are many of us who will stand with you, even via the web. You have the strength and you have support.

Just reading this today---alittle late. Always sending positive thoughts your way. Love your family. Hang in there. Life is real! Hoping the compassion and inspiration you always share with us comes right back to you.

Your honesty is refreshing. Praying for you today.

Dear Ali,
We are all in this together - your blog is real and I applaud that. I am sure I speak for so many readers when I say we feel like part of your family and families are there in the good and the bad times. So today or this week or this month isn't fabulous - that's ok. What we must remember is when it is good to savor it and tuck it away for the bad times. You do such a good job of capturing the everyday and all of the good that happens - a smile, a kind word, a sweet hug between siblings. Look to your own art for those memories of the good. Isn't that why so many of us scrap - to remember those fleeting moments of wonderful? To have them at our fingertips to share with others and with ourselves? To show children a granddady who is gone, but who once held them so tight and loved them so much so they will remember? To bring back the sparkle from a special day awash with white and tulle? I know I look at my books, late at night, and I smile. Maybe you will too.
Sending you thougths and prayers from Texas.

Prayers and lots of positive thoughts going your way. I can totally relate. I am 43 and am just starting to feel the "midlife thing" with two children who are teens,one who is 15 months and parents who are just starting to have illnesses and needing my help and care. In the midst of all of it I am wondering who I am, and where I am going. It makes it hard for my husband and I to find time for each other just to even talk. Hang in there. You have been such an inspiration to me!

My thoughts and love are with you. Thank you for your real-ness today, and the bravery that goes along with it. Your amazing attitude, creativity and wonderful blog have seen me through hard times and I hope your tough times are short lived.
x

Hoping that good things and feelings will find their way to you; Ali.

I don't know of anything more disconcerting that feeling like you are in a different place than the one you love most. I will send strong thoughts and prayers that you both are able to find the strength to compromise, listen, respect each other, and work on the relationship. You are not alone. I am coming to realize that there will always be bumps along the road in even the best of marriages. Here's hoping you both can get over thi none and all those that follow.

Sending you good thoughts and prayers, Ali. BIG hugs. :)

A real marriage is suseptable to the ebbs and flows of every friendship. The difference is, you don't get to have time away from a marriage like you do a friendship when you might feel as though you need it. There in lies the difference, and the intimacy of it all. You are not alone in that matter. We all have ebbs and flows in our marriages (that is what makes them real and alive). Sometimes just listening to my husband breathe is maddening...for no apparent reason. I just make the decision not to tell him about it, and laugh at myself. I still acknowledge the feeling though, and work through it. Change is hard, and connecting to your spouse is even harder during change. Missing him and being irratable can sometimes be the same thing. I will pray for you to have connection, and honesty. I already know you have the love part.

Prayers are in the air for you

Ali - Blessings of love on your heart for sharing so honestly. I am praying for your safe passage through these tough times on your journey. Love, peace and comfort sent your way.