simplicity

One of the greatest gifts we can give and receive

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By Samantha Papesch

The other day, I hugged someone I barely knew.  United in grief and spurred by the tears sliding gently down her cheeks, I walked behind the checkout counter and simply gave her a hug.

The day before, we, and many in our community had lost a beautiful friend in the most tragic of circumstances.  As we embraced, a silent understanding of the shared pain and sadness passed between us.

In that moment no words were spoken, nor were they needed.  That hug encapsulated and conveyed the complexities of emotions that words could never begin to describe.

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Losing sight of kindness

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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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The importance of contribution

~ Sam ~ 2 Comments
By Samantha Papesch

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it” ~ Nelson Mandela

I was inspired to write this blog thanks to my friend and creative mentor, Wanda Grein.

Wanda recently published a book called ‘All roads lead to Cairo ~ no need to judge‘.  It’s a beautiful tale; her memoirs woven amongst self-help strategies that encourage readers to tap into their ‘soul energy’, and find their full potential through fearless creativity.

Knowing Wanda, I knew this book would be full of wisdom and great ideas, and that I could pick the parts that resonated most with me, and use them to positively steer my life.  I was right.  And, it got me thinking that we all have the ability to ‘give’, and that contribution in any form can provide opportunities for positive impact.

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10 reasons coconut oil is rocking my minimalist world

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By Samantha Papesch

Ahh, coconut oil.  Where have you been all my life?

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect a voguish foodstuff to bring me such pleasure, but for the past four months it’s been championing simplicity for me, and fulfilling my minimalistic desires in oh, so many ways.

But, not in the place you might think.  Like the kitchen.

No, no, no.  This seductive natural extract is the hero of my everyday beauty routine.

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

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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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Water bottles: reading into the message

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By Samantha Papesch

“By 2050 it’s estimated that the weight of plastic in our oceans will exceed the weight of fish” ~ Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Last week I lost my favourite water bottle.  I was gutted.

When it happened, I was holidaying in Queensland with my family and friends on a warm and sunny afternoon.  We were at a theme park, and I was high on the excitement of the waterslides; playing in the pools with my kids, and having a really awesome time.

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

~ Sam ~ 8 Comments
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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