The Evolution Of My Story

Ali, I so appreciate your story telling! I am inspired almost daily to write more. Today, I am inspired by your asking for what you need and want. This is so important for each of us to practice and it so supports our being authentic. Thanks!

It is hard to know what to say. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can't imagine how things must be right now. But it seems everything happens for a reason and I am sure God has a great plan for your family. I admire your willingness to share so much about your life. I hope you continue to be a great idol in the scrapbooking world. You have inspired me a lot. Although I am sure you hear that from everyone! :) I hope the holidays are everything you wish them to be!!

I am compelled by your honesty and transparency to share your life and am continually amazed at how well you do it. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. We may find out the reason years later or we may never know...but I feel so strongly that big, small, happy, sad...there are reasons.
Taking it one day at a time is helpful too.
I am thinking of you and your children...wishing many blessings on your family.

So sorry to hear this but know you will continue to be a positive role model and inspiration to all of us. Thanks for sharing... sending peace and joy to you and yours this holiday season!

praying for you Ali.

man....I posted earlier but was just sad and I'm afraid my post was such as well. But, I've attempted to gather myself together (as my grandma would say) and I'm left with:
- your gracefulness and dignity beyond words - I wish I had a teaspoon of it. SERIOUSLY. I'm not as beautiful when filled with sorrrow. I'm messy and ugly. Really yicky. You are STILL SHINING. It might flicker. Or dim. But YOU...your essence and light is still there...KUDOS ALI.
- your bravery and honesty in a world where we always talk about this as if it's a thing of the past. No it's not...look, YOU'RE DOING IT. :) What a staggering and astounding example to your children. Somewhere Brene Brown is cheering your wholeheartedness. And so am I.
- and lastly your ability to find a quote to match even this time in your life. Only Ali :)
I hope your kids are hugging you very, very tight these days. I remember some days in my life like that when my kids' hugs and spirits strengthened mine, and I am incredibly knee-buckling-ly grateful to God and them! I hope you are experiencing the same. And kudos to your mom and dad. I've seen them in your Dec Daily. I'd imagine their presence is so key for everyone's stress. They probably deserve a few fist pumps.

I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. Just big hugs for you all.

I'm sorry Ali. Here's to starting over. It's not easy but it can be done. Please take care.

--Michelle

HUGS and P&PT heading out....

Dear Ali,
Thank You so much for sharing your story, I know it must have been difficult. I am thinking of you and your kids and wishing you all the best for this next chapter in your life.

Ali:
You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. You are such an inspiration to me. May you find abundant peace, love, & happiness in the next chapter of your story. I wish you well. Much love, Kim

Oh, Ali, so saddened by this news & also uplifted by your attitude. I know you're both great parents & will focus on the kids and make sure they get through this with as little impact as possible. Huge ((hugs)) to you!

So so sorry to hear that you are going through this now. It will be tough but I know that you are a trooper and you have a good support system with your family & friends. I wish you and your family well. It was the unspoken elephant in the room but thank you for having the courage to share this with us all, your faithful blog readers. You have given us so much, if you feel the need to withdraw for awhile, you know you have our support to do what you need to do to take care of yourself. May you have the extra comfort of family & friends at this hard time.
Aloaha, Kate

Oh, Ali, you are such an amazing woman! I have admired you since I started following you back in 2002. Thank you for your raw and honest words, we are all touched by your openness. We know that God works all things for our good to those that love Him and seek Him. Much love sent your way. You will be stronger in the end.

You are a strong, positive force that amazes us all with your search for the joy in the everyday. Even with this challenge you step up and teach people a new way to view the world with respect, sharing, and a chance to be authentic. Sending you and your family all the love needed to keep going! xoxo, Jana

Ali, you are such an amazing person. To share this part of your lives with us all takes so much courage...and you've done it with such grace. I'll be thinking of you all and sending prayers your way. :)
- April W

I just read this in my Experience Life magazine today and thought that you might find it inspiring in your journey...

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." -Joseph Campbell

Ali,
In all things, you have chosen to tell the richness of your story (which is only possible by actually leaning into it and living it fully) and in so doing, you have given others the courage to do likewise. You have chosen to write about your sadness and loss in an honest and gracious voice. You have chosen to live and to love and to find joy. And because of those choices, life and love and joy will find YOU... even if they feel like elusive companions for this stretch of the journey.

I hope that this outpouring of affection from your blog readers helps you understand that your art is much more than simply telling stories with images and words...part of your beauty is that you have found a way--through authenticity and inspiration--to actually be a part of so many other people's stories in the ways that you have reached out to us through your words and your pages over the years.

May you know peace in this season that passes all understanding.

P.S. I once heard a (paraphrased) quote that I'd like to share with you here:
"When you come to the edge of all you know, you must trust in one of two things: There will be earth to stand on, or you will be given wings to fly."

Ali, I am so sorry to read this. I sort of suspected that something was happening that you were not ready to share publicly. It has been five years since my split and I just want you to know it really does get better with time. The hurt and sadness will slowly fade away and eventually one day you will wake up and feel like "you" again. It is an amazing feeling when you get there. I know it is cliché but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason even though it just doesn't seem to make sense at the time. You are an amazing mom and your kids are lucky to have you. Lean on your family and friends as much as you need to - don't feel you need to be strong all the time. Big HUGS to you and the kids as you go through this time of change.

Everything will be OK, Ali. Different, yes. Difficult, yes. But you will be OK.