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Yatharth Tripathi's avatar

This was a really well written post Alexis. Make sure to update us when your daughter's paintings get published somewhere. I wish you and your family the best 😊

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Alan Furth (AKA Alexis Vale)'s avatar

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. I’ll definitely share an update if her paintings ever find a public home, even if it's many years from now haha. Wishing you and yours all the best too.

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Kristina Ray's avatar

Alexis, this hit me right in the heart, in a good way. The internal struggle between protecting that precious "flow" and showing up for the ones we love is so real, and you articulated it perfectly. The story about Zoe and your wife's painting is just beautiful—a powerful reminder that sometimes the most profound breakthroughs happen when we do get interrupted.

Coincidentally, I just published a piece on the "Art of Flow" myself, exploring how we can actually see interruptions as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. While my take is a bit different, it touches on similar themes of reaction, acceptance, and finding that rhythm again. I think you might find it interesting given your own recent experience.

Thanks for the powerful reminder to pause and to witness the life around us.

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Alan Furth (AKA Alexis Vale)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Kristina. I’m glad the piece resonated with you. The struggle between flow and presence in relationships is such a universal experience, yet it always feels so personal, doesn’t it?

I’m excited to read your piece on the Art of Flow. I love the idea of seeing interruptions as stepping stones rather than roadblocks—such a powerful reframe that aligns beautifully with the lessons I took from my own experience. Can’t wait to dive in!

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Russ Paladino's avatar

You have a very engaging writing style. You kept this reader interested and engaged in your story. Very cool.

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Alan Furth (AKA Alexis Vale)'s avatar

Thank you, Ross! Writing in a way that’s both real and engaging is exactly what I strive for, so it’s really encouraging to hear it landed that way for you.

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Imogen Hall's avatar

What a beautiful post 😁 I felt like I was proud for you all?! And I have no idea who you are. I guess that perhaps, that is the definition of good writing?

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Alan Furth (AKA Alexis Vale)'s avatar

Thank you so much! It means the world to know the writing resonated with you... especially from someone I haven’t met yet. I think that’s the beauty of Substack: it creates these small but powerful connections between people who would otherwise never cross paths, right?

Your words remind me why I keep showing up here. Thanks again for the encouragement!

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Edel Grogan's avatar

That is just beautiful and fully resonate with the magic of presence and slowness. 🌀

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Alan Furth (AKA Alexis Vale)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Edel. Yes, there is real magic in slowing down and being fully present. I’m so glad it resonated with you.

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Imago Sa Poetry's avatar

“Then came the call”

What a fascinating account. It seems like a synchronicity on simultaneous levels.

I love the idea that the distance between space and time closes in these encounters.

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What Would Sarah Say?'s avatar

Oddly relatable

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