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Lisa Kanarek

Lisa Kanarek is a freelance writer based in Texas. Her reported stories and essays cover family, relationships, and acts of kindness. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Independent, Huffington Post, WIRED, Newsweek, The Saturday Evening Post, and Next Avenue, among others. She and her dog, Gaia, are a therapy animal team. Lisa is also an end-of-life doula who supports hospice patients and their families with Gaia by her side.
 

A woman smiling with her service dog. Next Avenue, bilingual, multilingual

The Benefit of Being Bilingual That I've Overlooked for Years

I regret how I used to view my mom speaking her native Spanish. I didn't recognize the value of the skill that I now use to connect with others. 
September 24, 2024
A watercolor painting of a traditional style home. Next Avenue

Want to Buy Your Childhood Home? Be Careful.

Returning to the family manse can evoke wonderful memories, but it is wise to rein in your emotions, talk with your family and hire a good inspector
February 9, 2024
A woman talking with her father who is sitting in a wheelchair. Next Avenue

From Wild Ride to 'Driveway Talks'

Wanting to give my 94-year-old dad a trek outdoors wasn't the good idea I hoped it would be, but we came up with a better solution
September 27, 2023
A woman staring a blank page while writing an obituary. Next Avenue

Finding the Right Words at a Time of Loss

Whether it’s an obituary or a note to a grieving friend, putting compassion onto paper can be challenging. Here are some ideas on how to do it.
June 7, 2023
A before and after photo of a kitchen cabinet. Next Avenue, organizing home, stuff

To Get Organized, Stand Up to Your Stuff

Start small and make peace with what you do and don’t want to keep. You’ll feel empowered.
March 22, 2023
A woman feeding two horses. Next Avenue, Hobbies for depression

The Benefits of Finding a New Passion for An Old Hobby

Are you ready to pick up a paint brush again? Old hobbies can bring a lightheartedness back to life.
August 17, 2022
A woman looking out while on a grief cruise. Next Avenue, splatter paint, grief yoga, grief cruise

A Grief Cruise, Splatter Paint and Grief Yoga: Unusual Ways to Handle Loss

Creative and non-traditional options to help process grief and find peace
May 25, 2022
Two colorful Cathy comics. Next Avenue, comics, Cathy,

'Cathy' Comic Strip Creator Cathy Guisewite Shares Scenes of Isolation

In a new book, the cartoonist tackles pandemic anxiety and shows all the ways Cathy coped. Aack!
October 27, 2021
Lisa posing with her parents outside. Father, Dad, Next Avenue

I'm Mourning My Father Without Regrets

My father's death still stings, but memories of the time we spent together in his later years are precious
June 17, 2021
Lisa Kanarek and her husband Perry on their wedding day

Our Small and Memorable Wedding

A second marriage for both of us, we wanted an intimate and low-key event
January 31, 2020
Krav Maga

How a Krav Maga Class Gave Me More Than Self-Defense

Though hesitant at first, I was awarded for stepping out of my comfort zone
December 24, 2019
Lunch

A Lunch Lesson in Good Fortune

Memories and gratitude are always on the menu for this father and daughter
October 25, 2019
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