Navigation & Contemplation

I love reading your posts. Thank you for putting your feelings into words. I am reading a book "The Five Love Languages of Children" bu Gary Ghapman and Ross Campbell. The book is fantastic and is so helpful in relating to children and providing them with emotional support. The support leads to better relationships and in turn, reduction of parent stress. I realize I have done so many things wrong as a parent, and allowed my work stress influence my relationship with my husband and children. This book was recommended to me and was very helpful!

Thank you for that Ali. I am not sure if I will be able to express in words what your thoughts, your photos, what "you", mean to me. I feel so inspired and gain so much strength from you. Just knowing that you are out there going through the same struggles, really helps me face mine. You really do inspire me in every aspect of my life. I just wanted to say "thank you".

Ali,
A moment of thanks for sharing your heart, again. I love how you include all the bigger stuff (MS, finding yourself alone in ways you don't always like) with the 'little' stuff like flooring. :) You inspire me so much and hope you know how very valued, supported and, frankly, loved by so many of us who have never met you. Hugs today!

Thank you from me too Ali. I have taken a bold step to see a therapist to help with my anxiety from all of the constant "changing and rearranging" - my phrase for navigating through challenges that take lifetime creative ways of thinking about. And it is helping me alot to have this time for me, to literally sort myself out and reorganize my inner thoughts. Most of my own challenges are also my blessings in life, it's just learning how to take all the expectations, goals, hopes, dreams, and stuff of life that comes at us (e.g. taxes) and make it all work, and that's - well - challenging! Visiting your blog and using your products to create with really adds some depth and contemplation to my life, thank you from my heart.

Hi Ali, while reading this I was thinking of your word, open. Navigating is a great way to describe your thoughts but to me "be open" to all the possibilities that are coming your way. Even the business side of the business, being open to the possibilities of being alone or having a partner to share with, being open to tour new schools for Simon and deciding on the best one, being open with the idea that the chart might be helping. Love your writing, love your classes, love you!

you are a wonderful mother and a stronger person than you think! as for making a mistake...mistakes are just 'learning experiences', and sometimes something better comes from having made one! it's hard to make decisions on your own, but i think for the most part you are doing a GREAT job!!!

Sweet Ali--Your post today, once again, shows us what the world could be like if we all have your ability to love, forgive, accept and navigate even when life is difficult. I know the last few years have often been very trying for you but the way you have handled yourself with dignity and grace shows everyone what a kind and generous person you are. just know that you are so appreciated and cared about by so many of us that only know you through this blog. You inspire us by sharing your life and your awesome work. Thank you for being Ali!!

Awesome post. Thank you for opening up so much to the world . Its good to know that I am not alone when I feel similar feelings. This post really touched my heart & again a big Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for being so OPEN, Ali. I've been cautious/protective about sharing my contemplative moments, hence my blog space is at a complete halt. (Somewhat mirroring life.) There's strength in sharing, and I'm certain that in doing so you'll benefit in ways greater than imagined. xo

Thanks for the great post-even though all of us are at different points in our lives, I can really relate with all you said and are feeling.

I'm getting ready to dive into a completely different life, as I resign from my 24-year career and begin a more creative life and calling as a singer and vocal coach. I've been struggling with how to manage my time in a creative field... sucked in to Facebook/Pinterest/Blogger way too many hours in the day if left to my own devices. Your newsletter article linked from this post describes exactly my plight, and also is the same approach I'm taking. Good luck to you, and here's to trying new things!

Thanks for sharing this Ali.
Take care you.
Suz

Can I just say how awessome for Simon and Anna..that you and Chris make an effort to be on good terms and to both be involved in life decisions. It hurts my heart that we don't see more of this in our society where divorce is so prevelent. I am divorced as well. Due to life choices, my son's father is just now forging a relationship with our son (he will be 16 Saturday).We both agreed in the beginning of our divorce to be civil and respectful to each other and about each other in our son's presence.

What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing and for being so open with us.

This is why I have you as my top blog. Life is hard, I have navigated many of life's issues and appreciate your well spoken words. When I look back I know I did the best I could at the time and that's all we can do. I pray that I am ENOUGH and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

so honest raw and real!!! thanks for sharing your navigations!

Your words are inspiring to us all. Thank you for opening up to us,sharing, and being real. It touched my heart. Hugs to you all.

A good reminder that I need to write down all that is happening in my mind sometimes. Thanks for sharing. It feels good to know that people like myself (& like you, i think?) are not alone in their quest to just sort their lives out and make it better.

Thank you Ali..I needed to read this..As parents, partners, women...we are constantly "navigating" and keeping everyone safe from harm..make sure everyone is having a good time and enjoying the experience. Sometimes, getting all those things noticed by us..the navigators, is exceptionally hard. I commend you and bless you.

I think it's awesome that you're taking a good hard look at what schools Simon might be attending. I hope that you have success when you've made your decision! Change will probably always be challenging for Simon, but if everything else is working for him the transition will be easier.
I know what you mean about enjoying those little victories when everything just seems to fall into place! I think it's in those moments that the true joy of parenting mesh with the idea that you are doing the right thing - loving, caring and being there for your family.
Thanks for sharing!!!!