Beyond What (We Think) We Know

In partnership with

Welcome to The Brighter Side of Everything.

This newsletter serves a simple purpose → To help you build optimism, resilience and a solution-focused perspective.

Each week, I’ll share actionable insights that not only brighten your day but position you to be a leader within your own life and seize life’s opportunities.

Read time: 12-15 minutes.

Bright Side in Brief

What’s covered this week?

• Beyond What (We Think) We Know - The role of mental flexibility in growth.

• Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.

• Luis Soriano - Donkeys, determination and the power of stories.

• Worth a Follow - Lifethology.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - The unlived life.

• A Previous Post - Opinions.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

• Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

Mother’s Day always feels like a big, warm hug from the universe.

A day to celebrate the incredible women who shape us.

This year, it’s a little different for me.

It’s my first Mother’s Day without my mum, so there’s a quiet ache beneath the celebration.

But that ache is wrapped in gratitude for all the amazing mothers in my life who keep inspiring me with their strength, love, and laughter.

Here’s to them - and to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

This week, we focus on the power of staying open to new ideas and updating our understanding to keep moving forward.

By being open to new ideas and different viewpoints, we can encourage innovation and growth in our personal and work lives.

You’ll also meet Luis Soriano, whose incredible story of providing books to remote villages in Colombia reminds us of the impact of creativity and determination.

I’m also excited to introduce you to Lifethology, an account that provides a fresh perspective on honesty and is well worth a follow.

To each of you, whether you’ve been with me from the start or have just joined, thank you for bringing your curiosity, optimism and open hearts.

This community wouldn’t be the same without each of you.

See you on the Brighter Side,

Chris

P.S. Please feel free to send me feedback on how I can improve. I respond to every email.

Brought to you by: 1440

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Beyond What (We Think) We Know

The role of mental flexibility in growth

Do you remember when Pluto was a planet?

I sure do.

Born in 1978, I grew up learning facts that seemed set in stone.

Until they weren’t.

Over the years, so many “truths” from my childhood have been turned upside down or completely redefined.

Pluto is just one example.

Recently, astronomers have been buzzing about the possible discovery of another planet.

Sometimes referred to as “Planet Nine”, it lurks at the far edge of our solar system.

For decades, we thought we had our solar system mapped out.

New evidence suggests there could be a massive, distant planet we’ve missed all along.

If confirmed, this would rewrite textbooks and remind us that even the most basic facts about our universe are open to revision.

The truth is, facts aren’t always as permanent as we’d like to believe.

Sometimes, what we learned as kids is rewritten as new evidence emerges or as our understanding deepens.

It can feel unsettling but also a sign that we’re growing.

Think of your mind like a GPS navigation system.

When you first set out on a journey, your GPS uses the best information available to plot your route.

But what happens if there’s a sudden road closure, a new detour, or a faster highway that didn’t exist before?

If your GPS stubbornly insists on following the old directions, you’ll get lost, delayed, or stuck in traffic, no matter how much you want the original route to work.

The only way to reach your destination efficiently is to let your GPS update itself with the latest information, even if it means admitting the old route is no longer the best.

Just like a GPS, your mind needs to be willing to “recalculate” when new, reliable information comes in.

Refusing to update your mental map because you’re attached to the old one doesn’t get you where you want to go.

It just keeps you stuck, in multiple ways.

Real insight and forward movement come from allowing yourself to adapt, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Here’s the truth.

Most of us like to feel certain.

We want to think we’ve got a handle on how the world works.

But certainty can be a trap.

It’s easy to get stuck in our ways, clinging to what we learned first and dismissing anything new.

Why?

Because change is uncomfortable.

It forces us to admit we might have been wrong, or that the world is more complicated than we thought.

But when you really think about it, our ability to thrive, both personally and as a society, depends on our willingness to keep our minds flexible.

If we dig in our heels and refuse to budge, even when the facts are staring us in the face, we’re not just being stubborn.

We’re shutting ourselves off from discovery, improvement and deeper connections with others.

Why Flexibility of Thought Leads to Growth

Being open-minded doesn’t mean you lack conviction or that you’re wishy-washy.

It’s about being receptive to new ideas and information, even when they challenge what you believe.

It’s about listening, asking questions and considering that you might not have the whole picture.

It’s about humility.

Recognising that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.

I get it, though.

It’s not easy.

Our brains are wired to fit new information into the categories we already have.

Psychologists call this “assimilation.”

But sometimes, new information doesn’t fit, and we must change our mental filing system entirely.

A process called “accommodation.”

That’s hard work.

It means reevaluating our memories and past experiences in light of what we’ve learned.

And let’s be real, nobody likes to be wrong.

In fact, research shows that when people are confronted with facts that contradict their beliefs, they often double down instead of reconsidering.

It’s a natural defence mechanism.

We want to save face, avoid looking foolish and protect our sense of self.

But if we never allow ourselves to be challenged, we miss out on so much.

The Challenge of Information Overload

A constant flow of information exists all around us.

We have access to more knowledge, and more opinions, than any generation before us.

But that also means we’re constantly bombarded by messages tailored to specific audiences, sometimes designed to reinforce what we already think.

It takes real effort to step outside our bubble and consider other perspectives.

So, what does it really mean to be open-minded in practice?

It means:

• Being curious about what others think, even when you disagree

• Allowing your ideas to be challenged without getting defensive

• Not feeling angry or threatened when you’re wrong

• Having empathy for other people’s experiences and viewpoints

• Being humble about your own knowledge and expertise

• Wanting to hear new ideas, even if they’re uncomfortable

• Believing that everyone has a right to share their beliefs, even if you don’t agree

Open-mindedness isn’t just about being tolerant.

It’s about staying curious and adaptable as the world keeps shifting.

It helps us make wiser decisions, build stronger relationships and keep learning.

Now this is the kicker, people who are more open to new perspectives tend to be more optimistic and resilient.

Why?

Because they’re not threatened by new ideas.

They see them as opportunities to expand their horizons.

How to Stay Open-Minded Without Being Gullible

Of course, there are limits.

Being open-minded doesn’t mean you have to accept every idea as valid.

Especially if it threatens your safety or well-being.

But even then, understanding where others are coming from can help us find common ground or at least communicate more effectively.

Want to become more open-minded?

The good news is, you can practice and get better at it.

Just like any other skill.

Give yourself time to consider new information.

Set aside your judgments and really look at the evidence.

Admit when you’re wrong.

It’s not a weakness, it’s a sign of strength and maturity.

And remember, even experts can fall into the trap of thinking they know it all.

True experts are often the most humble, because they understand how much is left to learn.

Next time you find yourself clinging to a belief just because it’s what you’ve always known, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself: Is this still true?

Am I open to the possibility that things have shifted?

Am I willing to learn something new, even if it means letting go of an old certainty?

Because the benefits of being adaptable and open-minded outweigh the comfort of clinging to outdated beliefs.

Embracing change leads to growth, new opportunities and a greater connection to the world around us.

My Takeaway

Staying open-minded isn’t always easy.

It means admitting we don’t have all the answers and sometimes letting go of beliefs we’ve held onto tightly.

But this willingness to stay curious and flexible is one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating life’s uncertainties.

When you keep your mind open, you invite new perspectives, fresh ideas and unexpected opportunities into your world.

You become more adaptable, resilient and better equipped to handle change.

Open-mindedness grows your relationships and deepens your understanding of others.

It helps you grow.

Not just intellectually but also emotionally.

So here’s to embracing adaptability.

Not as a sign of weakness, but as a pathway to a better life.

And if Pluto’s changing status reminds us of anything, it’s that even the truths we hold dear are part of a bigger, ever-evolving story.

One that we’re all invited to explore with an open heart and mind.

Because when we let go of certainty, we make room for wonder.

And the most powerful journey is the one that begins with a willingness to change.

Bright Reads

Interesting insights to ignite your inner optimist.

• How to make someone feel seen and heard.

• The 8 absolute weirdest places in the Universe.

• Actors who auditioned for the first ‘Back to the Future’ movie.

• 38 colourful birds you didn’t know existed.

• This is what happens when your stomach drops on a roller coaster.

Luis Soriano

Donkeys, determination and the power of stories

Imagine waiting all week for the sound of hooves and the sight of two donkeys.

Not because you’re expecting supplies, but because your favourite stories are about to arrive.

For kids in rural Colombia, that’s real life, thanks to a teacher named Luis Soriano and his unforgettable “Biblioburro.”

Luis Soriano isn’t your average librarian.

He’s a schoolteacher with a big heart and even bigger ideas.

Growing up in Colombia, Luis knew how much a single book could mean to a child.

But in the villages where he taught, books were rare treasures.

Libraries were far away and many families couldn’t afford to buy even one book for their children.

Luis didn’t wait for a miracle.

Instead, he created one.

He loaded up his donkeys, Alfa and Beto, with a handful of books and started walking.

His mission?

To bring stories, learning and a sense of adventure to kids who would otherwise miss out.

More Than Just Books

At first, the Biblioburro was just Luis, two donkeys, and about 70 books.

But that was enough.

Children ran to meet him, eyes wide with excitement, eager to pick a story or listen as Luis read aloud in the shade.

The Biblioburro quickly became the highlight of their week.

Word spread.

People from all over Colombia, and even beyond, started sending Luis more books.

The collection grew, and so did the impact.

Today, the Biblioburro Foundation has over 8,000 books, and Luis has helped build a permanent library in his hometown.

Still, he keeps making those donkey-powered trips.

Because, he knows that for some kids, the library has to come to them.

What makes Luis’s story so special isn’t just the books, or even the donkeys (though they are pretty awesome).

It’s the way he brings hope and possibility into places where it’s needed most.

Some of the kids he visits have never owned a book.

Some are growing up in areas affected by violence or poverty.

For them, the Biblioburro isn’t just a library.

It’s a lifeline to imagination and a bigger world.

Luis has faced plenty of obstacles.

He’s travelled dangerous roads, braved storms and even lost a leg in a riding accident.

But nothing has stopped him from delivering books, and smiles, to the children who wait for him.

Why This Story Matters

Luis’ story shows that making a difference doesn’t require fame, fortune, or grand plans.

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea.

A couple of donkeys and the determination to keep going, no matter the obstacles.

His journey is a wonderful example of creativity, resilience and the incredible power of sharing what you love.

By bringing books to children in remote Colombian villages, Luis has opened new worlds of possibility.

One child, one book, one visit at a time.

His story reminds us that real change often starts small.

The most extraordinary heroes are often those who quietly show up week after week, with a bag full of books and a heart full of hope.

Lessons From Luis Soriano

From Luis’s example, here are some important lessons we can all take to heart:

• Never underestimate the impact of a simple act. Even small gestures can create big ripples in someone’s life.

• Creativity can turn obstacles into opportunities. Sometimes, the best solutions come from thinking outside the box.

• Passion is contagious (share yours)! When you share what you love, you inspire others to do the same.

• Don’t wait for someone else to fix a problem. If you see a need, take the first step yourself.

• Resilience matters. Keep going, even when the path is complex or uncertain.

• Change often starts small and grows over time. One person’s consistent effort can transform entire communities.

My Takeaway

The next time you pick up a book, I hope you’ll think of Luis, Alfa and Beto making their way down a dusty Colombian road.

Bringing stories and dreams to children who can’t wait to read.

Their journey is proof that kindness and imagination can reach places that seem out of reach, and that sometimes, the best libraries really do travel on four legs.

You never know whose world you might open up, just by sharing a story or taking a chance on a simple idea.

That’s the true magic of what Luis does.

And it’s something we can all be inspired by.

Worth A Follow

Lifethology

by Blazka

Every so often, you come across a story that stops you in your tracks.

Blazka’s is exactly that.

Last March, she set herself a challenge that sounds deceptively simple:

Speak only the truth for 365 days straight and document every step.

No white lies, no glossing over, no hiding behind polite half-truths.

Just radical, unfiltered honesty, day after day.

It’s the kind of experiment most of us might joke about but never actually attempt.

Because, let’s face it, living without a single lie for a whole year is about as easy as walking a tightrope in a windstorm.

What started as a personal experiment quickly became a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and, ultimately, freedom.

Blazka didn’t just talk about truth.

She lived it, sharing the highs, the lows and the awkward in-betweens.

The result?

A feed that feels like a masterclass in being human, messy and magnificent all at once.

Why Lifethology Is Worth Your Time

1. Real Talk, Real Growth
Blazka doesn’t sugarcoat the process. Her reflections are honest, sometimes raw and always relatable. She invites you to get curious about your own patterns and beliefs, offering a gentle nudge to face the truth. Even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. Tools for True Self-Awareness
Lifethology is packed with prompts, frameworks and questions that help you dig deeper. Whether she’s talking about breaking free from old conditioning or embracing radical honesty, her content sparks real change, not just fleeting inspiration.

3. Community That Feels Like a Group Hug
The comment sections are full of thoughtful, open-hearted people on their own journeys. It’s a reminder that while the inner work is personal, we don’t have to do it alone.

4. Permission to Be Human
Blazka shares her own struggles and aha moments, making it clear that growth isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, asking better questions and being gentle with yourself along the way.

Meet Blazka

A former journalist turned entrepreneur, Blazka created Lifethology as a space to explore what it really means to live consciously and truthfully.

Alongside her husband Greg, she’s on a mission to help others unlearn old conditioning, embrace their true selves and find magic in the everyday.

Her 365-day truth challenge didn’t just change her life, it’s inspired her growing community to do the same.

• Instagram: @blazka_lifethology

• X (Twitter): @B_Lifethology

• Threads: @blazka_lifethology

• Website & Newsletter: lifethology.com

My Takeaway

If you’re craving more depth and honesty in your life, Lifethology is the account to follow.

Blazka’s posts are like little invitations to pause and reconnect with what matters most.

She reminds us that self-awareness isn’t a destination.

It’s a lifelong adventure, full of detours, surprises and plenty of room for grace.

Give Lifethology a follow if you want your feed to feel less like a competition and more like a cozy, inspiring chat with a wise friend.

Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Got a recommendation?

Please share; I'm always keen for great suggestions.

Your best practice starts with accepting insurance

When looking for a mental health provider, over half of patients want one who takes their insurance.

Headway helps you do it with ease. Get credentialed, secure better rates with top plans, and earn a steadier income with bi-weekly payments.

It's all on one free-to-use platform, no commitment required.

Join our network for free

A Bright Idea to Consider

The Unlived Life

The Lesson

Let’s be honest.

Most of us have, at some point, felt the ache of something unlived inside us.

A dream shelved, a passion ignored, a risk never taken.

It’s a tough truth.

Carl Jung wrote that the world is full of people suffering from the effects of their own unlived life.

If you look around, you’ll see it: people who become bitter, rigid, or overly critical-not because life has been uniquely cruel to them, but because, somewhere along the way, they betrayed their own possibilities.

The artist who never makes art can become cynical about those who do.
The lover who never risks loving might mock romance.
The thinker who never stands for an idea may sneer at belief itself.

And yet, beneath the surface, there’s suffering-because deep down, we know the life we dismiss is the one we were meant to live.

Jung called this “the unlived life.”

It’s not just about missed chances or failed attempts.

It’s about the parts of ourselves we never even allowed to try, often out of fear, conformity, or the endless busyness of daily life.

Sometimes, this unlived life isn’t just our own burden.

It gets passed on.

Jung said, “Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.”

When we refuse our own callings, we can unintentionally hand that weight to the next generation, who may feel compelled to chase what we never did or, worse, inherit our limitations.

But here’s the thing: it’s never too late to listen for those quiet callings.

To pick up the paintbrush.

To say “I love you.”

To stand for something you believe in-even if your voice shakes.

Living fully isn’t about grand gestures.

It’s about honouring the small, persistent parts of yourself that want to be expressed.

Tips to Reclaim Your Unlived Life

• Reflect on Your “What Ifs”:
  Take a quiet moment to ask yourself-what have I always wanted to try, but never did? Write it down, without judgment.

• Start Small:
  You don’t have to change everything overnight. Pick one small step toward something you’ve ignored or put off.

• Notice Where You Judge Others:
  Sometimes, our criticism of others reveals what we secretly wish for ourselves. Use this as a clue.

• Talk About It:
  Share your unlived dreams with someone you trust. Saying it out loud can make it real-and less scary.

• Encourage Others:
  Support friends and family in pursuing their passions. Their courage might inspire your own.

My Takeaway

The unlived life is a quiet ache, but it’s also a call-a reminder that it’s never too late to begin.

If you find yourself feeling bitter, restless, or critical, pause and ask:

What part of me have I left unexplored?

Maybe the life you envy in others is the one you’re meant to claim for yourself.

What’s one small way you could honour your unlived life this week?

A previous post …

Positively Hilarious

A quick laugh as we part ways this week.

Daily Gratitude Journal

Transform your daily routine with my specially crafted gratitude journal.

Start (or end) each day with a moment of reflection and positivity.

As you develop daily your gratitude, you're also helping grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

It's a powerful cycle of hope and optimism.

🌟 What's Inside:

• Thoughtful prompts to inspire daily gratitude.

• Space for personal reflections and affirmations.

• Beautifully designed pages to make each entry a delightful experience.

Ready to embrace the power of gratitude?

Click here to order a copy now!

Recommended Newsletters:

Let’s stay connected.

New to this newsletter? - Subscribe for free and join the Brighter Side!

Follow on Threads & Instagram (coming soon) for daily insights from the Brighter Side.

Follow me on Medium for longer form content - @TheBSofE

Follow me on X for daily insights from the Brighter Side - @TheBSofE