Hi everyone, and hello to all the new people this week! I’m Catherine Greer, author and copywriter, and I’m writing to you every Sunday from Sydney, Australia — where summer is in full swing and the cicadas are loud! It’s the Sunday before “back to work” and everyone needs a little pick-me-up.

How are you today? (How are you really?)

We’ve been through the holidays, where all the women do a lot of heavy lifting. And now we’re into the New Year, New You season, where people are making resolutions and moving forward with excitement. If you’re ready to race into the new year, I’m cheering for you!

But for those of us who need a gentler start and a little inspiration, I’ve been thinking about change lately. I can feel my life shifting into this murky water of what came before, and what’s coming now.

The problem with change is that until you face it, it feels so far away, like things might stay this way forever—the Sunday dinners with family, the spring in our step, the job, the city we live in, our health, the health of people we love. Our ability to simply decide and make a thing happen. Our sense of control.

Until life topples, or tilts a little sideways, and we have to step into a new season.

The journalist, Sydney Harris, really did say it best:

Ah, the new season. It would be fantastic if it always felt better…but let’s be honest: sometimes it feels worse.

If this is your world this morning — not so shiny and new, but full of change and overwhelming — remember the oyster.

I know it’s a cliche.

The lessons from nature are always so simple. You have to plant seeds and give them time and love so they’ll grow, not neglect or impatience. You can’t plant and harvest all in one day. (Remember this when you’re exercising today.) And the oyster…you know what it does.

Something beautiful and valuable can grow out of change and pain.

Whether we’re lucky enough to get “the same, but better” in 2025 or we’re walking through what feels different and worse, the grit can lead to the pearl.

How? I think in tiny ways…it starts with trying to make ourselves feel a little bit more at ease. Reach for the relief. Let your brain relax for a moment. Walk and stretch and hum. Do the double-breath (the physiological sigh).

And know that you matter, and that we’re cheering for you.

Love, Catherine x

P.S. The Fun Stuff!

• The physiological sigh — everyone should know how to do this.

• Really loved reading Brooklyn (2009) and I’m about to start the sequel, Long Island (2024).

• Need a kitchen dance? You Never Can Tell…

• Santa put stationery from Muji in our stockings and it’s so, so lovely at a fabulous price point! My son (the bodybuilder) also loves their t-shirts. Apparently this one has a brilliant fit, but he removed the pocket… Muji also has gorgeous simple homewares. The photos are not that inspiring, but the products are really lovely.

• Greek Chicken Risoni for work lunches next week? Yes, please!