What Is Real Right Now

There are probably 20 blogs on my "Blogs I Love" bookmark. Yours is at the top, so there are no questions if I don't have time to check in with everyone. You give us so many reasons to adore you, Ali - your parenting stories, your creativity, photography, spirit, and your honesty. Prayers, wishes, hope, faith, belief ... all good wishes coming your way. Peace to you, Chris, Simon and Anna.

Just remmeber that nothing in life is perfect. Marriage is a lot of work and often challenging and when you add in workloads, raising children and life in general it's sometimes overwhelming. No matter what your challenges are your family is in my thoughts and prayers in hopes that everything will work out the way YOU and CHRIS want it to work out. Best of luck to you. ((HUGS))

You're both in my thoughts and prayers. You *can* come through this stronger than before.
XXX

Just remember to breathe and be still sometimes. The rest will follow. Praying for you...

Beautiful post, Ali... thanks for sharing all that you share. I'm praying for you tonight!

Hi Ali,
On Monday my husband & I will celebrate 24 years of marriage & we've been together for 29 years. It hasn't been easy & it hasn't always been fun. One thing we've learned is that ego can be the thing that comes between us and is the true & deep root of any if our arguments. I can have a tendency to think, believe & act as if my way is the best way & that is all about ego. And when I really get real I realize that when I'm doing this I'm also Easing God Out of my thoughts. The same holds true for my husband. We are human. We must have our ego in check if we are going to get through the big & the small of our relationship. Love to you & yours.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson

This is one of my favorite quotes Ali and it's kind of my daily mantra, thought you might want to borrow it. Life is so amazing, and we are so strong and capable yet fragile and faltering in it. Your ability to be forthright will enable others to come towards the light that is truth and help you on your own path as well.

Wonderful post...wonderful gifts that you have in life...and many blessings coming your way.

we love you ali- remember god gives us only what we can handle and what will make us stronger in the end- prayers for you and your family

Lifting you, your husband, and children in prayer...

Lots of thoughts and prayers for you all, Ali.

I came back again in the wee hours, having one of those sleepless nights, alot weighing on my mind, and thinking about your OLW - light. Wishing for God's light to shine on you during these "unsure" times. Tonight when my little girl went to sleep, she was a combo of nervous/irritated about something happening at school tomorrow. She didn't want to talk about it except to say she wishes the morning wasn't going to come. We had just had a lovely day - but with Aspergers, good days can go up and down in the blink of an eye. I got to thinking tonight about how so much in our lives is unsure, yet so very real and emotional. I pray that while things may not feel stable right now, that each day will bring you joy and hope. I am sorry you are going through this. I am praying for you.

Ali, you are SO real! That is why we all love you! I've been married for 24 years. Every 7 years there is that itch that needs to be scratched with it comes troubled times. We have made it through each one a little stronger. (I'm not sure how or why, but know it is the grace of God.) Now we are down to only 1 child at home, and all of the challenges that brings... like 'who are you? I know I married you, but we both have changed over time.' Be strong and know that you have thousands of your faithful friends praying and cheering for you. God Bless you and your family. HUGS!

Ali,I have followed you for years.Tonight I've been online reading news and blogs for about an hour. Once I clicked on yours I can honestly say your post made me stop what I was doing. Just flat stop. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My heart goes out to you and Chris-remember-this too shall pass.

A big hug is coming your way!!!
And thanks for the quote, it is wonderful and inspiring.

[...] you on Pinterest? A really big thank you for your kindness and support on my What Is Real Now [...]

Embrace the change and challenge. I try to look at hard times as times of growth. Know that you will learn and grow and that better things will come of it all. Wishing you and your family the best as you work through this difficult time.

Ali, you inspire me. I don't scrapbook or have any kids at home now, but I love the example you set in the way you live your life. Being open and honest is just one of the things I admire about you. I'm sending you the energetic support you requested and this quote. It's all good in the end. If it isn't good, it isn't the end.

Wow, all I can say is, it really helps to know that the marriage challenges are so "normal" and common---it takes away the loneliness and shame! Ali, it is awesome that you share, but what is even better is that the all the thoughts and sharing of experiences can help all of us! Not all marriages make it, but the main theme is hang in there and remember the committment. It is just overwhelming how many of us are in the same situation, waiting out the storm. To read that so many have come out of it and moved on! Hope and encouragement!!

I've let this post sit in my mind for a little while, to think about what provides comfort in the uncomfortable times, in the transitional times. Know that we will hold you and your family in our hearts and prayers in the coming weeks. And when you need a time for laughter - find a silly movie and laugh -- I watched Big Lewbowksi at least once a week for a long while when times were tough.