On Getting Back In The Swing Of Things

Welcome back, Ali! I share your sentiments regarding fall representing new beginnings. Even now that my daughter has graduated from college and we no longer have any back-to-school routines, I still find myself drawn to many of the same activities.

Take your time - it will all fall into place and you'll undoubtedly wake up one morning to realize that, without realizing that it snuck up on you, you're thriving!!

"Just making it through" has been my lifeline for the past 5 weeks as I recover from open heart surgery right in the middle of summer activities. It has been so distressing to read blogs of people on vacation, seeing family, and just enjoying good sunny weather as I was cooped up in the hospital for 14 days fighting for my life. It was M I S E R Y ! I try to be thankful, but recovery is TOUGH. My spirits are low; my soul is injured. Sitting on a bench by the river, eating a picnic with my husband was a highlight to my life last night. I have to continually be reminded of those little moments during all of this "blackness". I'm going to LIVE MY LIFE TODAY.

What can I say that hasn't been already said previously?? Not much...so, with sounding like a broken record, I'll say it. A beautiful post from a person who has had her share of ups and downs in life..and has never lost sight of the real. Thank you...and ....just thank you.

Welcome back Ali, happy you had the time to relax and just be. I love fall, time to clear it out and clean it up

I always have that desire to organise, declutter and be more effective in September as well. Just as soon as my boys are back at school I will be on it!

It is amazing how you "share" your thoughts, your concerns, your joys. And that is how we are all bound together as one. We all have stuff, concerns, and joys. Thank you for reminding me to take one day at a time. Missed you too, so happy your trip was wonderful, hoping to make it to Paris one time in this thing we call life:)

Welcome home Ali. It's lovely to have you back. AS always this post is very honestly & beautifully written. Looking forward to Week In The Life.

I still love coming to your blog and hearing your voice come through. You have so much to offer and you always inspire me. I think I will also participate in 'week in the life' along with you.

I love how honest and real you are with us Ali. Thanks for sharing you creativity and bits of your life.

I hear an apology in that post, which is ridiculous. Your blog is a pleasure to your readers. You owe nothing, and no one would begrudge you a vacation. Take your time, recharge, let loose. When you have something creative to share, we will read. It's supposed to be fun!!!

Reading this after a grueling last couple of weeks that actually started at the tail end of a lovely beach vacation and "stuff" has unrelentlessly kept me feeling like a ship on a stormy sea. Your post today hit home, I guess my translation of "making it through" is that I feel like I'm always "dealing with something" - be it a work assignment that is enjoyable but rushed, or a child situation that is scary or heartbreaking (sensory overload, OCD issues, fears & tears etc) - the ups and downs come in waves and are a way of life. Your post is a reminder to me though that this is my one and only life to live, and I have to find ways to shift and sometimes turn the boat around and head in new directions regardless. Thank you.

I have definitely missed your posts while you were away but was so happy to see you having what looked like a truly memorable break..... will look forward to reading your posts...but take a breath and savour being home with your sweet children and all that home life has to offer...theres something about walking in the door of home after a break that brings new perspective and you don't want to hurry that moment.

funny that you mentioned the word 'thrive'. for the last couple of years i've wanted to do 'one little word' but i haven't been able to find a word i felt. but a few weeks ago i while reading i came across the word thrive. it's exactly how i feel. i don't want to just exist, to live in the moment. i want to thrive, to expand my wings, to learn, to look forward to everything y life can be.

Always a pleasure hearing from you.

I so understand the feeling of just "making it through". It's how I've felt a big part of the last two years, and I'm pretty done with it. But it's not easy to transition back into thriving - so many things seem too much a bonus, time-wise, energy-wise. Thoughts and feelings and excuses need to shift. Here's to tossing those out and making space for us.

Hi Ali, you convey such real feelings and emotions; your words reach out and touch me. Like many others here, I feel like we are kindred spirits. You remind all of us to take time to cherish our everyday lives, and that is priceless! So glad you had a great vacation. Thank you for all you share with us through your blog and workshops, it is so appreciated.

Great post, Ali. Back to school time is always like a "spring cleaning" for me. I love the fresh start. :)

Love this post, Ali. Your voice on here as well as your inspiring projects have helped me through several tough times. Thank you for your transparency and genuine care for your readers :)

It's funny because I have been separated for over 5 years and officially divorced for over 2 years and I admire all those people entering into new relationships. I am flat out raising two kids (9 and 7) on my own 100% of the time so I can't imagine having time or the energy to put into a new relationship although I am secretly (in a nice way) jealous of the new love. Once the kids are in bed by 7 pm that's it for me I'm exhausted too.

I too am so looking forward to WITL and in fact only wrote a post about it a couple of days ago.

http://www.oureverydaylifeinpictures.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/week-in-life-2013.html

Regards, Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

Welcome back Ali! Looking forward to seeing your travels to Europe documented and to read about Simon and Anna's transitions back to school. Thank you for sharing. Take care you.