Hi, I’m Samantha—a recovering workaholic currently embracing my homemaker era. Just a year ago, I knew nothing about veggie gardening—or gardening at all, for that matter. I hadn’t baked in years, and the idea of making my own sourdough wasn’t even a distant thought. I was unhealthy, neglecting proper eating and sleep, and considered a good day one where I only had "background" anxiety instead of enduring multiple full-blown panic attacks. I was incredibly stressed, deeply unhappy, and utterly exhausted.

Still, every day, I had to show up. Being greeted by my dogs, Harvey and Hugo, each morning and getting the biggest, squishiest cuddles from my daughter, Violet, were—and still are—the highlights of my day. But the rest of my day felt like trying to “push shit uphill,” as the saying goes.

I was running a hospitality business, which meant I had to smile, “be happy,” and lead a team. While I’ve had a bit of acting experience, I’m not great at being anything other than authentic and honest. That started to become a problem. With the post-COVID challenges weighing heavily on small businesses—especially in hospitality—getting out of the industry began to seem like the only healthy option.

During that time, I struggled to stay present at work. I often left the staff to handle things while I stayed home with my “children” and started a veggie garden. I quickly became addicted to being in my garden. Jokingly, I called it “more economical therapy—cheaper than my psychologist, and you get to see your progress!” Tending to my plants allowed me to escape my reality and, eventually, gave me the time and space to begin healing.

Naturally, I started cooking more to make use of my homegrown produce. With winter on the horizon, I was excited to experiment with planting new things.

By April, I had closed the restaurant to take a break while exploring potential sales. Around the same time, my parents—my only support—were preparing for a six-week overseas trip. Since I always see the descent into winter as an opportunity to slow down and reflect, I put myself on a stay-at-home, no-money wellness program. I used my parents’ house as my "retreat." My only daily outing was to my favourite coffee shop, where the kind and welcoming staff helped lift my spirits a little higher each day.

I became a little obsessed with devouring all the information I could on holistic healing and general health & wellness advice. I credit a big part of my helped self to Gary Brecka, Dr Mindy Pelz and Steven Bartlett, as I’m grateful for the information they so passionately share, accessible and free for anyone who can get online. 

When I get excited about something I’ve discovered, I tend to get a little golden retriever puppy-like enthusiastic and wag my tail frantically telling all who’ll listen about how great it is. Conscious that I may soon wear my friends and family down with all this new-found inspiration, I thought it perhaps healthier to channel my energy into a little blog. 

And so, this (Life Regenerated) is here for those who wish to find it, and now that you have, I really hope it can help you, as when I so desperately need, it very much helps me.

All my love, 

Samantha x