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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?
Facing Your Fears - Moving forward when doubt holds you back
Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.
Arieh Smith - Building bridges one language at a time.
Now Spinning - Disco & Boogie From Brazil, Vol. 1 by Horse Meat Disco.
A Bright Idea to Consider - Living in alignment.
A Previous Post - Try, fail, iterate, try again.
Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.
Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.
Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️
If you’re new here, welcome, and a big thank you to those who continue to read along.
This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about fear.
How it can hold us back, but also how, more often than not, something incredible awaits on the other side.
Opportunity, growth, a fresh perspective.
Sometimes all it takes is a little courage to step through that door.
Personally, I don’t have to look far for motivation.
Earlier this week, I walked into the kitchen and found a note waiting for me on the table.
It was written in my daughter’s unmistakable handwriting and read: “Hi Dad, I love you. You are the best Dad in the world.”
Cue the happy tears.
I just stood there, heart full.
Overwhelmed with gratitude.
For her, for our relationship and for the privilege of watching her grow into her own person.
These small, unexpected moments remind me why it’s worth facing my fears.
They prove that the best things in life, the ones that stick, often come when we open ourselves up, let our guard down and take a chance.
Here’s to finding the courage to step through fear and into possibility.
And also to the little reminders that make it all worthwhile.
Let’s dig in.
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.
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Facing Your Fears
Moving Forward When Doubt Holds You Back
Fear.
It’s a word that carries weight.
We all know the feeling: racing heart, sweaty palms, a mind spinning with “what ifs.”
Fear has been a constant companion for me, showing up at every major crossroad.
Moving to new countries, stepping into leadership before I ‘felt’ ready, travelling solo, or even stepping away from a successful travel career to try something new.
Fear was always there, whispering doubts in my ear.
But here’s what I’ve learned.
Fear isn’t a sign you should turn back.
More often than not, it signals that you’re standing on the edge of something meaningful.
The secret to moving forward isn’t banishing fear itself.
It’s building resilience and learning how to keep going.
Even when you’re scared.
“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.”
Why Fear Shows Up When You’re Growing
Ever noticed it’s the most meaningful opportunities that make your heart pound?
That’s no accident.
Fear is your mind’s way of alerting you to change and the unknown.
It’s a natural, protective mechanism.
But it can become a barrier if you let it stop you from taking risks or pursuing growth.
I came across an incredible video from Trevor Ragan (included further below) which explains in very simple terms, that much of our fear comes from the oldest part of our brain.
The amygdala, sometimes called the “lizard brain.”
This tiny, almond-shaped cluster detects threats and triggers our fight, flight and freeze response.
It’s wired to keep us safe, but it can’t always tell the difference between real danger and the discomfort of trying something new.
That’s why public speaking, starting a new job, or voicing your opinion in a meeting can feel just as scary as a genuine threat.
Your amygdala is simply doing its job.
Protecting you from the unknown.
A 2020 meta-analysis reviewing data from over 27,000 people uncovered something fascinating.
That fear, when paired with practical advice and a sense of urgency, can actually motivate us to change our attitudes and behaviours for the better.
The researchers concluded that fear isn’t just something to avoid.
When used thoughtfully and combined with clear and actionable steps, it's a tool that helps us move forward and make meaningful change.
This truly struck a chord with me as it aligns perfectly with my own experience.
The lesson: fear can be a powerful motivator for growth if we choose to work with it.
The Many Faces of Fear
Fear doesn’t always show up as panic or terror.
Sometimes it’s subtle procrastination.
Or self-doubt.
Or perfectionism, or even anger.
Ragan points out that fear can wear many disguises.
Have you ever put something off, convinced yourself you’re not ready, or avoided a tough conversation?
That’s fear, too.
Recognising its different forms is the first step toward working with it.
When you can name it, you take away some of its power.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by fear.
Sometimes it’s so intense you want to cry, scream, or quit.
And that’s okay.
What’s not okay is letting those feelings stop you from trying again tomorrow.
You’ve survived every tough day so far.
You will survive this one, too.
Courage isn’t about being fearless.
It’s about moving forward with hope, even in uncertainty.
When fear arises, be honest with yourself.
Instead of battling it or pretending it’s not there, recognise it as a natural response to doing something new or important.
Something that will benefit you.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
The Choices We Have
When fear shows up, we have three choices: freeze, retreat, or move forward.
Ragan emphasises that the most meaningful growth happens when we choose to move forward, even if it’s just a small step.
The amygdala’s alarm will ring.
But with practice, you can teach your brain that it’s safe to proceed.
Real-life examples:
Throughout the video, Ragan shares stories of athletes, performers and everyday people who felt fear before big moments.
Moments like stepping onto a stage, making a game-winning play, or speaking up for the first time.
The difference wasn’t that they lacked fear, but that they acted anyway.
Each time you do something despite the fear, you’re teaching your brain to see challenge as opportunity.
Practical Ways to Work With Fear
So, how do we move beyond fear?
Here are some practical, science-backed strategies to help you move forward:
Break It Down: Set small, achievable goals. If fear feels overwhelming, break it into small steps. Each win builds confidence and chips away at fear’s power.
Visualise Success: Picture yourself handling the situation well. Visualisation reduces anxiety and makes challenges feel more manageable.
Reframe Fear as Excitement: Fear and excitement feel similar in the body. Try telling yourself, “I’m excited,” to flip your brain’s response and turn anxiety into anticipation. This one really works for me.
Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself with affirmations like “I can do this.” Even simple pep talks can shift your mindset from dread to determination.
Face Your Fears Gradually: Don’t leap into the deep end right away. Start with manageable challenges and build up. Gradual exposure shows you that your fears are often bigger in your mind than in reality.
Reflect on Your Progress: Pause and look back at what you’ve already faced and survived. Let those memories remind you that you’re more capable than fear would have you believe.
Celebrate Your Wins: Mark the moments that matter, no matter how small. Celebrating progress builds confidence and motivation to keep going.
My Takeaway
When you embrace fear and choose courage, you open yourself to possibilities you never imagined.
Resilience builds as you keep showing up.
But the real magic lies in the willingness to face fear head-on.
And by doing so, you separate yourself from a sizable chunk of the human population.
Simply put, you set yourself up for progress when you acknowledge and combine your fear with a plan.
Fear is a natural part of growth.
It’s not a sign you should stop.
It’s a sign you’re about to do something meaningful.
By acknowledging it, leaning into discomfort and moving forward anyway you allow yourself to expand beyond your current limitations and discover new strengths.
With each victory over fear, resilience plays a key supporting role, giving you the strength to try again tomorrow.
When you do this, you expand your life in ways you never thought possible.
Because on the other side of fear lies opportunity.
What’s one fear you’re facing right now?
I’d love to hear your story.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
Check out Trevor’s brilliant 22 minute video here:
Bright Reads
Interesting insights to ignite your inner optimist.
How curiosity rewires your brain for change.
How we're about to solve the world’s greatest puzzle.
Chimpanzee drumming shares the building blocks of human musicality.
How to be open-minded and why it matters.
Scientists claim to have discovered 'new colour' no one has seen before.
Xiaoma (Arieh Smith)
Building Bridges One Language at a Time
Arieh Smith, born 20th July 1990, New York City.
Have you ever tried speaking someone’s language?
Like really trying?
Even if it’s just a few words?
The way people light up is incredible.
That’s the type of magic Arieh Smith, better known as XiaomaNYC on YouTube, brings to life in his viral videos.
He’s a polyglot and creator who’s made a career out of connecting with people in their own language.
Whether it’s Mandarin, Yoruba, or, in his latest adventure, Gen Alpha slang.
The Video That Speaks Volumes
In a recent viral video, XiaomaNYC takes on a challenge few people would dare.
Mastering the fast-evolving slang of today’s youngest generation, Gen Alpha, and delivering a full speech to a high school auditorium in their “native tongue.”
For those who aren’t aware, Gen Alpha slang is a mashup of memes, TikTok trends and inside jokes that many adults can’t decipher.
The result?
A room full of teens who go from skeptical to delighted in seconds.
Their reactions, surprise, laughter and genuine engagement, show just how powerful it is when you make the effort to meet people where they are.
But this wasn’t just a stunt.
XiaomaNYC spent weeks learning the slang and immersing himself in the culture behind it.
When he spoke, it wasn’t just about words.
It was about building a bridge between generations, breaking down walls and inviting real connection.
Why This Matters
As someone who travels regularly, I’ve seen this same kind of magic play out all over the world.
When you try, even imperfectly, to speak someone’s language, you earn their respect and open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
Expecting everyone to speak your language?
That’s a recipe for missed opportunities and closed-off encounters.
I see this dynamic every day at home with my son.
Our conversations often include Gen Alpha slang, and honestly, it’s pretty cringey when I try to join in.
But when I make more of an effort, really listening, learning the lingo and using it sincerely, he engages more.
He opens up and we connect on a whole new level.
It’s a small but powerful reminder that language isn’t just about words.
It’s about respect and connection.
XiaomaNYC’s approach is a reminder that language is so much more than vocabulary and grammar.
It’s about respect, curiosity and the willingness to step into someone else’s world.
By embracing their slang, he showed that language is always evolving and that meeting people on their terms is the best way to connect.
Lessons From the Video and the Man Behind It
Effort beats perfection: You don’t have to be fluent, just willing to try.
Language is alive and always changing: From memes to slang, every generation adds its own flavour.
Respect comes through understanding: Speaking someone’s language, even their slang, says “I see you.”
Humour is a universal connector: Laughter breaks down barriers faster than anything else.
Bridges are built by meeting people where they are: Whether it’s a remote village or a high school auditorium, connection starts with effort.
Learning languages is more than communication: It’s empathy and about stepping into someone else’s world.
My Takeaway
Watching XiaomaNYC deliver that speech, I was reminded that the heart of language is connection.
It’s not about flawless grammar or perfect pronunciation.
It’s about showing up, trying and valuing the people you meet.
Whether you’re travelling across the globe or chatting with someone from a different generation.
Speaking their language will open hearts and minds in ways you never expected.
So next time you’re tempted to stick with what’s comfortable, think of XiaomaNYC and his Gen Alpha speech.
Take the leap.
Learn a phrase.
A slang word.
Or just say hello in someone’s language.
You might be surprised at how quickly barriers fall and honest conversations begin.
Check out the video here (I highly recommend it), to jump right to the speech, skip to the 2-minute mark:
Now Spinning
Disco & Boogie From Brazil, Vol. 1
by Horse Meat Disco
If you’ve ever wished your playlist had a built-in sunshine button, this album is it.
Disco & Boogie From Brazil, Vol. 1 feels like a warm breeze on a lazy afternoon, a spontaneous dance party in your living room and a colourful nod to carnival all rolled into one.
It’s the kind of record that makes you want to forget your worries, pour yourself a drink and just let go.
Even if you’ve got nowhere to go and no one to impress.
Why It’s Worth a Listen
1. Infectious Grooves
This album is pure sunshine. Every track is packed with the kind of funky basslines and irresistible rhythms that make you want to move. Even if you’re just stirring a pot of pasta. It’s impossible to stay still, and to be honest, why would you want to?
2. A Sonic Passport to Brazil
Horse Meat Disco has curated a collection that feels like a musical vacation. You get a taste of Brazil’s vibrant disco and boogie scene from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. A sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Even if you’ve never set foot in Rio, this album transports you right to a sun-soaked dance floor.
3. Perfect for Any Mood
Whether you need a pick-me-up during a busy day or a soundtrack for your next dinner party, this album fits right in. It’s upbeat enough to energise your mornings, but smooth enough to wind down your evenings.
4. Hidden Gems and Deep Cuts
This isn’t just a greatest hits collection. They dig deep, bringing together rare and lesser-known tracks you probably haven’t heard. It’s a crate-digger’s dream and a treasure chest for anyone who loves discovering new (but old) music.
Get to Know: Horse Meat Disco
Horse Meat Disco is a DJ collective from London, known for their legendary parties and deep love for all things disco.
Since the early 2000s, they’ve been on a mission to revive and celebrate the genre, unearthing forgotten classics and sharing them with new audiences.
Their knack for curation is second to none as they’re crate diggers, music historians and party-starters all rolled into one.
Now, about that name: “Horse Meat Disco” might sound a bit unusual, right?
It has a quite a quirky origin story.
While tidying up, James Hillard spotted a newspaper headline that read “Horse Meat Discovered in Salami.”
By chance, part of the headline was hidden, leaving just “Horse Meat Disco” visible.
A phrase so odd and catchy it stuck.
My Takeaway
At its core, this album is about joy, connection and letting loose.
It’s playful, warm and a little bit cheeky.
Many tracks capture the spirit of a Brazilian summer, blending soulful vocals with grooves that just won’t quit.
Each song is an invitation to dance and smile while the album is a reminder that music doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Sometimes, all you need is a great groove and a little bit of sunshine.
Give it a spin.
I dare you to resist the urge to boogie🕺
"This is disco with a tropical twist-warm, funky, and endlessly danceable. Horse Meat Disco have curated a set of tracks that feel both timeless and fresh, showcasing the rich diversity of Brazilian boogie and disco from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Whether you’re a seasoned disco lover or new to the genre, this album is guaranteed to get you moving."
Got a recommendation?
Please share; I'm always keen for great suggestions.
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A Bright Idea to Consider
Living in Alignment
Image from ozo.art.com
The Lesson
Ever noticed how much lighter life feels when your words, actions, thoughts and beliefs are all pointing in the same direction?
That’s what struck me when I saw this week’s image.
Right in the middle sits “What Matters Most,” surrounded by four simple but powerful squares.
What we say, what we do, what we think and what we believe.
It’s a gentle nudge to pause and reflect.
Are we living in a way that’s true to who we are, or are we pulled in different directions by habit, expectation or even fear?
It’s easy to talk about what we value.
It’s another thing entirely to let those values show up in our everyday choices.
Sometimes, we say things we don’t fully mean.
Other times, our actions don’t quite reflect our beliefs.
Maybe we think one thing but act another way to fit in or avoid conflict.
When those pieces don’t line up, it can leave us feeling unsettled.
It can leave us out of sync and even a little lost.
But when they start to overlap, something shifts.
Life feels more authentic.
Decisions come a bit easier.
There’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’re living in alignment with what matters most to you.
Of course, nobody gets this right all the time.
We slip up, change our minds, or realise we’ve been drifting.
The important thing is to notice when it happens and gently steer ourselves back into position.
Living in alignment isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being honest with ourselves.
Being honest with others, and making small, intentional choices that reflect our values.
Simple Tips for Living in Alignment
Here are some practical ways to live more in alignment:
Pause for a Gut Check:
Before making a decision or responding, ask yourself: Does this reflect what I really believe?Notice the Gaps:
Pay attention to moments when your actions or words feel out of sync with your values. Use them as gentle reminders, not reasons for guilt.Start with One Area:
Choose one part of your life or work, your relationships, or even self-care and focus there this week.Speak Your Truth:
Practice sharing your honest thoughts, even if it feels a little vulnerable.Reflect and Adjust:
At the end of the day, take a moment to notice where you felt most “yourself.” What helped? Where could you shift tomorrow?
My Takeaway
Living in alignment isn’t a destination.
It’s a practice.
It’s about checking in, making small course corrections and giving yourself grace along the way.
When your words, actions, thoughts and beliefs start to meet in the middle, you’ll find more peace and meaning in your days.
Where do you feel most aligned right now?
And where might you want to bring things a little closer together?
I’d love to hear what you discover.
“Integrity is making sure that the things you say and the things you do are in alignment.”
A previous post …
Try, fail, iterate, try again.
Rinse and repeat.
The simplest and most effective progress equation.
— Chris | The Brighter Side of Everything (@thebsofe)
1:14 PM • Apr 30, 2025
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!
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