Catherine and I go way back. I first discovered her when I was dreaming up a children’s book of my own—something I secretly aspired to do as a former teacher who has always adored picture books. At the time, Catherine had just published her beautiful debut Jacaranda Snow, and was offering classes on how to bring your own story to life. Since then, I’ve followed her journey as a writer, creator, and pro-aging advocate who brings warmth and wisdom to everything she does.

Over the years, I’ve become an avid reader of her blog Love Your Age, which is exactly what it sounds like—a little ray of sunshine in the world of self-development. Her writing radiates positivity and pro-aging wisdom, offering gentle, uplifting nudges toward joy, authenticity, and personal growth. Catherine believes that living well comes down to this: showing up in a way that makes you feel good, taking up all the space you need to thrive.

She’s the perfect addition to our SEEN series. A successful author, devoted mother, and all-around force of light, Catherine has a new novel—The Bittersweet Bakery Café—and I truly can’t wait to read it. 

Q & A with Catherine:

1.What are you most proud of so far in your life, and how does it make you feel? 

I think like many women, I’d have to say my family. Whether it’s the family you create, the one you find, or the one you’re born into, building a meaningful family life is sacred. But a close second would be starting a writing career in my 50s. That felt big. I could have done it earlier, sure—but I didn’t have the same vision or life experience then. Writing now, I have something to say. I’m proud of beginning again, on my terms, with a clearer sense of self and what I want to contribute.

2. What’s been a challenge you’ve faced in your life—and what did it teach you?

Swimming in my own lane has been one of the biggest challenges. Especially in creative work, the temptation to compare yourself to others is constant. It’s easy to get pulled into what’s trending or expected—but the real growth happens when you tune out the noise and trust your voice. That’s hard to do, especially in a world so saturated with opinions. But creating something that’s truly yours? That’s the work—and the reward.

3. What’s an important and unexpected change you’ve made in your life?

Moving from Canada to Australia. It was never on my radar. I wasn’t a traveler and didn’t even dream of living abroad. But I met someone, and life shifted. That one decision completely altered the trajectory of my life—in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It’s funny how sometimes the most unexpected turns end up being the most defining.

4. When did you first feel truly seen for who you are—not just how others perceived you?

Through writing—without a doubt. When you write a book, it’s you. Your thoughts, your voice, your values. Whether fiction or nonfiction, there’s something powerful about having someone read your words and really hear you. A book is a one-to-one conversation with the reader. That intimacy and clarity makes me feel truly understood.

5. In what ways do you feel more authentically yourself now than ever before?

In every way. Growing older has given me permission to stop fighting who I am. I went gray early, and embracing that—rather than constantly coloring my hair—was incredibly freeing. I looked older than many of my peers, and yes, that was hard at first. But it also became a statement: this is me. I stopped editing myself for others and started showing up more fully as myself. That’s the gift of age—owning who you are.

6. Is your life what you thought it would be? Why or why not?

In some ways, yes—I always knew I’d be a writer. But in other ways, no. I grew up in a tiny farming community in Canada, the youngest of six, where most people stayed close to home. I was the only one who left. So while I always had big dreams, I wasn’t sure I’d get to live them. The fact that I have is something I’m deeply grateful for.

7. What advice would you give your younger self?

Stop looking to men for validation. Invest in yourself. Know your worth. No one is going to knock on your door and offer to make your life easy. You have to be your own best chance. Learn to stand up for yourself early—and have your own back, always. That’s a life lesson I wish I’d learned sooner.

8. What wisdom have you gained that could only come through living these years?

I’ve learned how to love people better—more generously, more calmly. And I’ve learned how to love myself without grasping for validation. Aging teaches you to tread more lightly, both on the planet and in your relationships. When you know who you are, you need less from others—and you’re better able to give.

9. What do you want your legacy to be?

Joy. I want people to remember how well I loved them. I want to be remembered for bringing celebration and happiness into the everyday—family dinners, laughter, simple moments. I think about that question often: Are you fun to live with? I hope the answer is yes. That’s the kind of energy I want to leave behind.

10. Which medallion from the SEEN collection resonates most with you—and why?

STARGAZER, absolutely. Your jewelry captures something rare, Jennifer—it’s both art and earth, modern and nostalgic. Stargazer speaks to wonder and possibility, to beauty in the natural world. There’s something breathtaking about your work, and STARGAZER reflects that. It reminds me to stay open, to keep dreaming, and to marvel at the world around me.

Catherine can be found over on her website: www.catherinegreer.com and her blog, Love Our Age.