The Evolution Of My Story
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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 comments
You have inspired me for years now. May we all inspired you. You have such a passionate soul, and are SO inpsirational and creative. May god bless you!
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Ali - I am so sorry to hear about you and Chris. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I want to thank you for the quote. I think I want to tattoo it to my body. My mom was just diagnosed with (bad) cancer and this was a great message at such a bad time. Peace be with you and your beautiful family.
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I've been clinging to these words this past week: "Joy is a calm delight, despite circumstances." It lifts my spirit to know that we can have joy in our lives even in the midst of the very hardest times. Many prayers for you and your family & wishing you much joy this Christmas.
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I send you and Simon and Anna thoughts of love, peace and simple joys for the holidays. Your light will always shine for all of us.
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Prayers for you and your family. If anyone can find a new beginning from this ending, I suspect it is you. Lean hard on that wonderful family of yours. Their love will carry you through.
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I have been in your shoes, Ali. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Ali, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us through your blog: the happy, the sad, and the in-between. I'm praying for you and your family. May your Christmas be filled with peace and joy:)
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Peace and Blessings to you and your family for the Christmas season and the road you will all travel ahead.
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Ali, you and your family will come through this difficult time. Through your words here and your classes, it is evident you are a strong woman with a pure heart. Follow that and all will be well. Wishing you peace and happiness this holiday and in the New Year.
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Gracious. Courageous. Genuine.
Ali, you teach us in so many ways. I am awestruck that during a time when you need comfort, peace, security, calm, love...that you reach out to those of us you do not know personally and share this much, teach this much, show this much. You have my admiration. Thank you for teaching me again.
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My prayers are with you. My word for this year was grace - you are showing the us the true meaning of that word.
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Your honesty and very positive approach to life transitions will help keep both you and your children in joy. I wish for you a beautiful and peaceful Christmas and lots of love and fun as you begin a new chapter in your life! Now I'm really curious and can't wait for the reveal of your OLW for 2012!
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My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you so much for being brave to share this very difficult story with us. Much hugs and strength during this holiday season. You are so loved Ali. Ma Laarni
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Thinking of you and your family. You are an amazing woman, and I cannot thankyou enough for all you have given to me, and I have never met you. Thankyou for your openess in such a difficult time. I wish you all the best Ali, you deserve it. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas, to you and your family.
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Ali, you've been such an inspiration these past years. Even with this huge life change, you continue to go forward with grace and dignity. Your ability to share your story is nothing but amazing. Sending you lots of hugs, prayers, positive thoughts as you move towards this new chapter. Hoping that you continue to find peace, joy & twinkle this Christmas.
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Ali, having walked a similar journey over the past 4 years ... THE most important thing to remember is that it's not about you and Chris - it's about making it the best it can possibly be for Simon and Anna - and it sounds like that's exactly what you are trying to do.
Separation/divorce is grieving for what "should" have been, letting go of what might have been and learning to live with what is. It's hard and sad - but you do get through it - one day at a time. Be kind to yourself ... be kind to him ... sending you prayers and encouraging thoughts across the miles.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
"Dreams” by Langston Hughes
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You are blessed with the gift of words, that tell stories. I have been following your blog for years and you have given me the strength to believe that my stories are important, you find beauty in simple things, and your faith is so strong. I cried when you spoke at a CKU, my wish is that someday I will be able to attend a workshop of yours again. Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for your gift to us each day, your stories, your words and for the strength to make a positive difference in our own lives.
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What an incredible life you had. What an incredible life you have. What an incredible life you'll have. There is no doubt.
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Sending you and your family thoughts of peace and joy this Christmas.
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I will be thinking of all of you this season.
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