Caroline, as David said, this post is a gift, and it will keep giving as I read it several times.
I loved what you said about No being a complete sentence. We often think we need to justify our No.
Some time ago, when others would press me, asking “why not?” to my No, I developed the reply, “it just doesn’t work for me.” The douche bags might follow up with another “why?” To which I enjoyed replying with, “I’m not sure. It just doesn’t.”
Happy holidays. I’m grateful the universe connected us.
Happy holidays, Caroline! This newsletter and your beautiful writing is something that certainly brings me joy and always love a post that includes two Mary Oliver quotes 🤍.
When I grow up I want to be Caroline! Until then, I find a great deal of JOY - and wisdom - in your words. I copied many down to remind myself of in the future.
Thank you for sharing. I very much look forward to Sunday evenings because of your newsletter and I always leave a better human. Hope you have a lovely holiday. 💕
Jena, that means more than I can say. (Still waiting to grow up myself... any day now... :) Thanks so much for reading, and for the kind words. Here's to an amazing new year. 💕
I could not love this essay more. I want to share it with everyone I know. Gumption is a fabulous word. Also my new favorite word, learned in 2024--Munay. It means love, grounded in will. You're writing is just the best!
YESSS 58 but 57! Yes to the middle but maybe I AM a pickle that needs to relish in the marinade (sorry not sorry had to!) Cheers to you, Caroline! To the end and the beginning but mostly the middle!
Ah Caroline! You’ve done it again. Thank you for sharing your gifts of insight, prose and sensibility. I like the stickers idea. I will print it out and post inside my coffee mug cupboard. Then share it with my kids. Brillant! Perfect timing. So grateful for you and to wake up to this. Here’s to 2025. You are my favorite Substacker. Looking forward to another year of you. Many, many thanks.
I once had a conversation with a complete stranger on the bus in which we agreed that The New Yorker exists to make us feel guilty that we can't read all of it. I wrote a verse about it.
Caroline, as David said, this post is a gift, and it will keep giving as I read it several times.
I loved what you said about No being a complete sentence. We often think we need to justify our No.
Some time ago, when others would press me, asking “why not?” to my No, I developed the reply, “it just doesn’t work for me.” The douche bags might follow up with another “why?” To which I enjoyed replying with, “I’m not sure. It just doesn’t.”
Happy holidays. I’m grateful the universe connected us.
Thank you so much, James. You are very appreciated. Happy holidays to you and yours. I look forward to more writing (and meaning) in 2025.
I want to make stickers out of all of these and paste them on my computer!
Thank you! That is the best compliment ever!
Between a rock and a card place merch line in 2025???
"I love you, keep going" now has a permanent place in my brain, and I can't thank you enough!
I love hearing this. Much gratitude for Alex (and her yoga teacher) for sharing it with us all. :)
Happy holidays, Caroline! This newsletter and your beautiful writing is something that certainly brings me joy and always love a post that includes two Mary Oliver quotes 🤍.
Thank you, Heather! That makes me so happy to hear. Happy holidays. ❤️
So much of this touched my heart! As always thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Helen. ❤️
Home from a trip, sick with a cold that seemed to thrive on airplane-induced stuffiness. Your post made me feel better! Thanks Caroline.
Sorry to hear about the cold, but glad it helped! Thank you, David.
#44. #58. OK, all of it. YOU. Thank you for your wisdom, your candor, your poetic prose, and for filling me with hope and helping me exhale. ♥️🎁
When I grow up I want to be Caroline! Until then, I find a great deal of JOY - and wisdom - in your words. I copied many down to remind myself of in the future.
Thank you for sharing. I very much look forward to Sunday evenings because of your newsletter and I always leave a better human. Hope you have a lovely holiday. 💕
Jena, that means more than I can say. (Still waiting to grow up myself... any day now... :) Thanks so much for reading, and for the kind words. Here's to an amazing new year. 💕
I could not love this essay more. I want to share it with everyone I know. Gumption is a fabulous word. Also my new favorite word, learned in 2024--Munay. It means love, grounded in will. You're writing is just the best!
Adored reading this. True and real. Thank you so much Caroline ❤️
Fantastic post! I copied so many snippets onto my notes app and titled it "2025 Intentions." Happy holidays and thank you for this wonderful gift.
Thank you! This makes me so happy to hear. Happy holidays and happy New Year to you.
YESSS 58 but 57! Yes to the middle but maybe I AM a pickle that needs to relish in the marinade (sorry not sorry had to!) Cheers to you, Caroline! To the end and the beginning but mostly the middle!
You are wonderful. I hope you have had the best Christmas in your new home x
Ah Caroline! You’ve done it again. Thank you for sharing your gifts of insight, prose and sensibility. I like the stickers idea. I will print it out and post inside my coffee mug cupboard. Then share it with my kids. Brillant! Perfect timing. So grateful for you and to wake up to this. Here’s to 2025. You are my favorite Substacker. Looking forward to another year of you. Many, many thanks.
PS. It made me cry. Happy tears.
I once had a conversation with a complete stranger on the bus in which we agreed that The New Yorker exists to make us feel guilty that we can't read all of it. I wrote a verse about it.
What is it with the New Yorker?
Each issue loaded with fact,
Fine writing, fiction, opinion—
And all of it beyond my grasp.
Just so lovely ❤️ grateful to have spent another year with your writing — here's to a joyful holiday season and new year!