You Are Not The Problem

Today, join me in a small shift in thinking.

So simple.

There is a problem. Yes?

You may have contributed. You may have even started it. The responsibility may be yours.

Regardless — this is true:

We get this mixed up all the time.

The person becomes the problem.

It’s not true.

The problem is the problem — and it’s best to start there.

You are an imperfect, loveable human — like everyone else. Most of the time, most of us are doing the best we can. So enjoy this day for everything it has to offer.

Separate people from problems.

Let’s love our age and live beautifully.

Catherine x

So Much Depends Upon a Yellow Raincoat

Hey, it’s RAINING in Sydney!

This is such great news. We need rain so badly, and also this: it gives me a chance to wear my yellow raincoat.

Do you have one piece of clothing that makes everyone happy?

For me, it’s my yellow jacket. I guarantee you that when I wear it, perfectly respectable business people rushing around the city will stop and smile at me. Everyone says hello.

Happens every time.

There’s something about certain pieces of clothing that we love. This yellow raincoat is from Ann Taylor and it’s probably 20 years old. But every time I put it on — instant happiness for me and everyone I meet! These are the items to keep and cherish and wear over and over.

Clothes communicate so much. Sometimes they’re for us, and sometimes they’re for others. (Remember, mums…putting on a pretty dress and having your kids say the loveliest things?)

We can dress any way we like, of course, but I think this: dressing well can be a gift for other people.

Today on my way to the office, I plan to make everyone smile.

Love, Catherine x

ps. And for you, here’s the original William Carlos William poem:

Do You Have a Pre-Loved Suitcase?

Today I’m thinking about helping out. The fires here in Australia have been terrible and the response from around the world has been amazing. Thank you! From donations to heroes to something as simple as knitting for wildlife — you can learn more about the knitting project here — the world is answering the call to help our country.

But this morning I learned one more fact and it’s not about bushfires.

It’s about foster kids.

Did you know that foster kids in both Canada and Australia are given black rubbish bags to move their belongings from foster home to foster home? I’m not sure what’s happening in America or other countries, but I’m guessing that it’s similarly bleak.

Adults in this world, let’s just stop and think about that for a moment. We can do so much better.

Do you have pre-loved suitcases to donate? And will you please tell everyone you know that this is happening?

In Sydney, a young Aboriginal man, Isaiah Dawe, has started Bags, Not Bins. Learn how to donate! In Australia, you can call (02) 8396 5300.

In America and Canada, call your local Foster Care agency to arrange a drop off.

And please spread the word.

It’s a lovely thing to give.

Enjoy your Sunday,

love Catherine x

Love Our Age: a Manifesto!

Oh, I could write a book about this!

When I was dreaming up LOVE OUR AGE, I spent nearly 18 months thinking about what it meant to enjoy the last half of my life.

I started with 15 life lessons, and narrowed it down to these — the way I am and the way I want to be.

Let’s Love Our Age ~ a manifesto

1. Choose happiness.

2. Be a beginner.

3. Start today.

4. Have some fun — and be fun to live with.

5. Believe in love.

6. Make honest things (not perfect things).

7. Live beautifully.

8. Love our age.

Thank you for following along on this journey…and please let me know if there’s anything you’d add to the list!

Love Catherine x

Just too tired today? Yes, you...

Hi there, lady who is feeling tired…the one who is the engine of the family train.

I see you.

You’re probably running around being helpful, sharing your thoughts on how to do it faster, fixing leaks and problems before they escalate.

You’ve thrown in some washing, unloaded the dishwasher, put the coffee on and checked that everyone’s up.

You’re thinking about when you’ll walk the dog.

If you’re lucky, there are no impossible mountains today (illness, loss, fear, lack). But still, you feel tired.

Yes, yes, life is good when we’re busy and we’re all thankful to love the people we’ve been given to love. We feel full of purpose and usually grateful that we have washing machines and dishwashers and dogs and kids, coffee to make and cars to fill with gas. All of it.

But we get tired, then it’s time to rest.

Here are my favourite rests. Free and always available to me (or to you!).

1. A quiet cup of coffee. I make my own at home and I love my long blacks from my little Nespresso coffee maker. Inexpensive and so good!

2. Standing in the driveway of our home at twilight, in all seasons. I look up at the gum trees, and the evening sky and remember to take big breaths for the first time all day.

3. Lying flat on my back on the living room carpet. I stretch my arms up and relax my shoulders (always rounded from too much writing!).

The older I get, the more I focus on what I love, and what I can control. Little pockets of rest and peace are available to all of us — usually without a price tag!

All we need to do is figure out what feels like rest. Is it coffee? Nature? Stretching? Sorting a drawer? Then do that!

Work, rest, repeat.

It’s one good way to love our age!

Catherine x

ps. This sweet cup and saucer is Shelley English bone china. I was lucky enough to inherit a set of two from a dear friend. I treasure them and think of her. xo