The January issue of MDW Magazine is officially here, and we are so excited to share it with you. This month always asks us to begin again, but this is not a “new year, new me” issue.

An LCSW-guided look at holiday estrangement, guilt, and boundaries—with practical tools for care and clarity.

A gentle reflection on the village we long for - and why exhaustion, not indifference, is often what stands in the way.

An old word for a guiding star, lodestar reminds us that purpose takes time, through detours, responsibility, and small steps toward what matters most.

Hosting family for Christmas is a beautiful way to celebrate togetherness—until the turkey burns, your aunt starts a debate about politics, and your kitchen starts looking like the finale of a chaotic holiday baking competition. Don’t worry, though—hosting doesn’t have to leave you frazzled. Here are 5 practical tips for managing holiday stress and keeping your sanity intact, backed by data because, yes, science cares about your holiday well-being. Lists Are Your Best Frien

This week’s word, Elegy, invites us to honor our grief. Whether for a pet, a person, or a past version of ourselves, and feel what’s true.

The MDW December magazine is here! 90 cozy pages of small-biz gifts, mental health tools, creative inspo & community care. Dive in now!

Winter growth is real. Learn how to percolate, slowly building energy, clarity, and momentum, while honoring the season you're in.

A look at the history of “wintering” and how this old practice invites us to slow down, rest, and care for ourselves through the colder months.

Sara Curtin reflects on gratitude as a practice, on and off the mat, inviting us to honor growth, resilience, and the light within the dark.

Misneach: a Gaelic word for quiet, heart-led courage. A reminder that even in uncertainty, we can refill, steady ourselves, and keep going.

Fall teaches us to let go with grace. This piece invites you to honor change, release what no longer fits, and shift into who you’re becoming.

This month: meaningful community care, local voices, beautiful finds, and small ways to feel held in the season.

Helping neighbors bridge the gap when SNAP benefits fall short. Donate or request support. Because everyone deserves a full table.

Need a little extra help? Here’s a list of trusted Kane County resources offering free and low-cost food support.

After giving so much of yourself, your body asks for rest. Anam Cara invites you to treat yourself as your own soul friend.

AI can support mental health or strain it. LCSW Lovey Kaur explores how to find balance between tech, empathy, and real connection.

This week, we explore contentment and how to practice enoughness even when life feels uncertain.

Ever since Monday, September 17th, when governmental forces came to my neighborhood to terrorize my neighbors, I’ve been in a whirlwind of emotions and overwhelm. Initially, I froze. I had no way to know what to do or how to respond. While I know my white skin protects me, the fear and overwhelm came for me anyway. Denial too.  They can’t be here long, right? Why would they target us in the “safe” suburbs? And then I imagined how my Hispanic neighbors were feeling. I know if

The October MDW Mag has arrived! Print copies, surprise gifts, and fall stories that celebrate community, care, and connection.