Losing sight of kindness

By Samantha Papesch

It’s been a while since I last blogged.  Almost a year, in fact.  But today, I was reminded by a friend that my words had positively impacted others previously, so I was inspired to share some musings of late.

The reasons for the blogging pause are as wide as it has been long, but simply put, I’ve been too busy for creative writing.  Working, studying, renovating, coaching, volunteering – all on top of the day-to-day management of my family.

But, last year life began to herniate under the pressure of it all, and as I began to question my choices, my body delivered the answer – by way of a back injury, on the day I was leaving for a holiday in Bali.

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Taking time out for you, and why it’s beneficial for ‘them’

By Samantha Papesch

Anyone who’s heard the song ‘Hard to say I’m sorry’ by Chicago is unlikely to forget the opening line: 

“Everybody needs a little time away, I heard her say, from each other.”

For me, this 80’s ballad is top of mind. 

I’ve taken a road trip for work, and as I write this, I’m perched in a hotel room located just a few hours away from home.  It’s nothing flash, just a standard space with the basic amenities. 

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A party, a skateboard, and what’s at the bottom of it

By Samantha Papesch

“Blessed are they who have the gift of friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts” ~ Thomas Hughes

I can’t quite believe it, but my daughter turned eight last week.  When she was born everyone said “time will go so quickly, don’t forget to enjoy her”.  They weren’t wrong.  It just feels like yesterday I was stroking her precious cheeks, in teary awe at the beautiful creation before me.   

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Minimalism. A hipster buzzword it ain’t

By Samantha Papesch

“Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value, and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.  It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle” ~ Joshua Becker

The other day, I realised something remarkable.  For the better part of 12 months, I’ve had a considerable amount of freedom to do the things I love, despite the fact that it’s been my busiest year ever.

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How I made peace with Facebook

By Samantha Papesch

Last year, right before Christmas I deactivated my Facebook account.  It wasn’t unexpected.

Twelve months before that, I started simplifying many areas of my life through the philosophy of minimalism.

Part of that journey included decluttering my digital space, so I ‘unfollowed’ every single one of my Facebook friends, and systematically placed them into ‘Lists’.  Continue reading