Hello, friends — and hello to all the new people joining us this week! (I’m Catherine Greer, an author living in beautiful Sydney, and you’ve signed up for my weekly newsletter for a little inspiration and FUN.)

Let’s get to it.

This week I’ve been thinking about two ideas that collided. Ready?

1. Negative thoughts are addictive. This came via a neuroscientist, and I forgot to save the link to the article for you — so sorry! — but the gist was this: our brains LOVE negative thinking because we believe it will keep us safe. Optimism is frightening because it has no “warning” and though pessimism feels terrible, it also feels like it will protect us from danger. It feels wise to be pessimistic.

2. It’s safe to ask this question.

If your mind is stuck on a worry loop today — and your worry and pessimism feels like it’s keeping you safe — remember that your brain is just doing its job: trying to protect you.

But it’s okay to ask a different question.

Deep breath.

What if it works out?

I hope this helps you like it helps me—just a little reminder that life can ALSO be “gorgeous, fabulous, beautiful” and it’s safe to expect good things.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone. Thanks for being here. I appreciate you!

Love, Catherine x

PS. The fun stuff.

• Ohhhh, a satisfying closet tidy up.

• Kookaburras laughing — one of my favourite videos I’ve captured. Follow me on Instagram if you’d like ❤️.

• Best furry slippers (you can just see mine in the photo above!)

• Small Steps Are Perfect is available here: if you love it, would you like to leave a review? 5-stars help women find beautiful books. Click here to review in Canada 🇨🇦, here in America 🇺🇸, here in the UK🇬🇧, and here in Australia🇦🇺. Thank you for your help ❤️.