Menderist contributors share how they turned a situation around while away from home – whether during trips, visits, errands, or commutes.
Special Issues: Family Mental Health, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorable Gift, Teacher/Educator, Year in Review
Pitching a tent in the backyard can be the first step towards adventurous trips through national parks. Here’s a step-by-step look at how one family built confidence, courage, and connection through camping.
A researcher explains how her family’s involvement with a community theatre pageant has increased her sense of hope and connection.
“Somehow, everything comes together into a spectacular event that people come back to see, year after year.”
A librarian and educator shares how a long-ago visit with a relative in Iran resulted in one of the most memorable gifts she’s ever received.
A teacher describes receiving a gift of insight during what initially seems to be a routine, work-related Las Vegas trip.
A writer draws on her experience of moving to another part of the country and outlines three innovative strategies she uses to handle challenging situations.
“I live in the middle of the prairie states. This means that weather changes fast and can have life-altering consequences ….”
A writer solves his lifelong tendency to be late, and discovers benefits that enrich his personal and professional life.
“I’ll admit it: I have spent many years being late and suffering the consequences. It’s not something I’m proud of…..”
A writer and teacher describes how she’s improved her mental and physical health through a project that is increasing the number of pollinator-friendly areas across Canada.
“Trying times, amidst the Covid pandemic and onward through 2023, led me to seek outdoor volunteer opportunities…..”
It was another rainy day in the middle of tax season. And going to the store was just another errand – until the memories returned.
“April was a month of heavy adulthood. Like many parents, I was a cheerleader for a university student who was writing essays. And responsible for ….”
A university student was having the rough kind of grownup morning. How could her parent help turn the day around?
“My daughter’s day didn’t start off well. She’d stayed up late to finish university essays and study for an exam, and only got a few hours of sleep. In the morning she hurried to get ready for the 7:15 am train and realized she was getting a cold….”
An ordinary drive using Google Maps leads to a surprising discovery.
“Now the holidays are done, it’s time to resume the chores and errands that were put aside. Such as updating financial records for the coming tax season…”
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Every few weeks, people share encouraging essays, anecdotes, and stories about moments that turned their day around.
