Menderist contributors describe their experiences overcoming difficulties related to their home life.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
”What’s for dinner?” wasn’t always a welcome question: especially when picky eaters, changing tastes, and busy schedules entered the mix. How one family’s low-stress solution turned into a family tradition.
A mother remembers one of the best gift she’s ever received, which arrived when she was preparing to move her family.
Author Cathy Carr describes her favorite handmade present, and considers why gifts with a personal touch are preferred by most people.
A teacher receives an amusing special gift from her husband, who is on a business trip during their anniversary.
A teacher describes how Christmas evokes special memories of her mom, and some steps she takes to make it through and celebrate the season.
A parent of children with complex physical and mental health challenges describes lessons learned in helping family navigate issues.
“Several of our children have complex issues, including chronic pain …(but) while there have been many struggles, I’ve also found many ways to nurture my children’s mental health….”
A researcher and mother of six looks back on the year’s upsides and downsides, and describes the approach that’s significantly improved her focus on what’s most important.
“When I look back over all that has happened in 2023, things seem a bit overwhelming….”
A software designer describes the difficulties of dealing with insomnia and shares the simple approach he’s taken to combat the problem.
“As we get older, our sleep patterns change. I’m in my 60s, and for the past year I’ve been dealing with insomnia ….”
A writer and publisher describes the most effective small changes she’s made over 2023 to improve her family and personal life.
“On some days, it’s a challenge to feel optimistic. Daily life often has difficulties, and news reports about local and worldwide problems can feel overwhelming ….”
A father’s approach to problem-solving taught valuable, lifelong lessons to writer Wendy WorthingtonBarnes.
“My father had a very simple policy: all problems were just puzzles to be solved – all puzzles had a solution. The trick was to understand….”
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Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
