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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: 10-12 minutes.

Bright Side in Brief

What’s covered this week?

• Fifteen Years and Counting - From friends to forever.

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

• Worth a Follow - Nautilus: Science Connected.

• Insights from an Expert - Dr. Edith Eger

• A Previous Tweet - Contribute to the problem or be part of the solution.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hi everyone,

Thanks once again for reading along ☀️

Next week marks a special milestone for my wife and I as we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

As I reflected on our journey, I couldn’t help but think back to the early days and how we set the table for the life we’ve built together.

I wouldn’t sacrifice what we have for anything.

So far it’s been a life filled with laughter, warmth, adventures and of course, a few challenges along the way.

Through the years, we've learned that strong connections are built on open communication, mutual respect and a whole lot of laughter.

From spontaneous adventures to quiet nights at home, it’s the shared moments that have truly defined our bond.

And yes, even the occasional disagreement has taught us valuable lessons about patience and understanding.

So, in honour of our anniversary, I’m sharing some insights and tips that have helped us stay strong and connected.

All while dedicating this weeks issue to my beautiful wife, Tanya.

Remember though, every relationship is unique.

I’m not saying we've got it all figured out, far from it.

Hopefully, from within our story, you can find something that resonates and improves your own relationships.

Here's to celebrating love, commitment and the beautiful messiness of life.

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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Fifteen Years and Counting

From friends to forever

With our anniversary approaching, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey Tanya and I have experienced together.

While I'm a firm believer in pushing forward, it's equally important to recognise and appreciate the distance we've already traveled.

To acknowledge how far we’ve come.

When I look back at our relationship, only one word comes to mind - gratitude.

It would take forever to capture each moment, every laugh and every challenge we’ve faced.

So, for today, I’ll focus on the early days and how we set the table for an amazing life together.

The Beginning: A Chance Encounter

It all started on October 8, 2004, just her second day at a new job.

Little did I know, this moment would change my life forever.

From the beginning, I was drawn to her.

She was warm, spirited, fun and beautiful.

Each time she stepped into the room, she sparkled with an irresistible radiance.

We quickly became friends, often lingering at work events just to enjoy each other’s company.

Deep conversations and shared laughter became the norm, as we found ourselves confiding in one another about our dreams, fears and everything in between.

Our bond growing stronger with each passing day.

It was during those late nights filled with laughter that I realised something special was brewing.

In July 2005, I took a leap of faith and asked her out.

The next year was filled with unforgettable milestones and first moments.

Our first date at a restaurant in Sydney, our first adventures exploring the city together - it all felt different to any relationship I’d experienced before.

We had an undeniable connection that made everything feel right.

Almost like it was meant to be.

The Great Adventure Begins

About 8 months into our relationship, I travelled solo to attend the wedding of some friends in Whistler, Canada.

It was my first time visiting this stunning part of the world and, as avid traveler, I was captivated by its beauty.

Vancouver’s location is a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural wonder.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky mountains, the city offers breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

The mountains dominate the landscape with their towering peaks seemingly rising up out of the ocean.

My jaw hit the floor time and time again.

Having grown up in Australia, this landscape was not something I was accustomed to.

I was used to mild climates and the sun-drenched beaches of my homeland which was a stark contrast to the dramatic, snow-capped peaks and dense woodlands of Canada.

Each new vista was a revelation, offering a sense of wonder and adventure that was both exhilarating and humbling.

If you have the chance to see this part of the world, do it.

Seriously, don’t hesitate.

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the ‘Sea to Sky’ highway is a spectacular journey that delivers breathtaking views at every turn.

Whether you're a keen hiker, adventurer or casual traveler, the drive offers an unforgettable experience.

The wedding itself was magical.

It took place halfway up Blackcomb mountain before all skiing back down for the evenings festivities.

It was such a memorable week.

I knew I had to come back here and experience more.

And as I sat within my own thoughts, on the looooong plane ride home, my heart yearned for more adventures.

I knew that a lengthy trip to Canada was in my future, but also held a slight concern this desire to leave Australia may create a rift between Tanya and I.

I should never haver doubted her.

On my return, I proposed an idea: “What if we moved to Canada for a year?”

Oh … and what if we also took the opportunity to travel from Rio de Janeiro all the way up the Americas on our way there.

To my delight, she agreed without hesitation.

The first sign that our adventurous spirits were perfectly aligned.

It was as if she had been waiting for this very suggestion, ready to embrace the unknown and explore the world together.

Her excitement mirrored my own, and in that moment, I knew we were embarking on a journey that would not only take us across continents but also deepen our bond.

We spent the following months planning our route, researching destinations and dreaming about the experiences that awaited us.

Our shared vision became the foundation of our next great adventure, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have her by my side.

A Proposal to Remember

Our five-month adventure was nothing short of extraordinary.

We hiked through breathtaking landscapes, wandered the streets of pulsing cities, tasted exotic foods and immersed ourselves in each culture including the language.

Travel reveals the best and worst of you.

And in the most challenging moments you learn to adapt and grow, discovering strengths you never knew you had while also confronting your limitations.

On that trip, I learned that she was resilient, adaptable, open minded and endlessly curious.

Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and find joy in the small moments was truly inspiring.

She taught me the value of patience and the importance of being present, making every experience richer and more meaningful.

Every challenge brought us closer together and solidified my desire to spend my life with her.

A few months into our journey, we reached Cuzco, Peru.

Several days were spent there as we were preparing to hike the Inca Trail.

I knew that Machu Piccu was the perfect place to propose given her sense of adventure.

Knowing we’d remain on the road for several months, I purchased a placeholder ring from a local jeweler and headed to the nearby Internet cafe to contact her parents for their blessing.

The Inca Trail itself was an unbelievable experience.

A challenging 4 day hike that traverses breathtaking landscapes, weaving its way through the Andes Mountains.

Leading us through lush cloud forests, ancient ruins and stunning mountain vistas.

Each day brought new adventures and a deeper appreciation for the rich history and natural beauty that surrounded us.

On the morning of day 4 we took the final steps to the sun gate before the beauty of Machu Piccu revealed itself.

By the beard of Zeus!

It was spectacular.

When it came time to pop the question though, things didn’t go exactly as planned.

Tanya was exhausted from the hike and declined my invitation to tackle the additonal hike up to Huayna Picchu, where I’d planned to propose.

In that quick moment of panic, I thought my opportunity might disappear.

But after choosing to stay back myself, we sat together in the central plaza under the shadow of Huayna Picchu just taking it all in.

We had a heartfelt conversation filled with gratitude for what we were experiencing in one of the most iconic places on Earth.

I asked her to marry me right there on the grass.

Her immediate “yes” filled me with joy (and relief), though she did let me know proposing after four days without a shower was far from ideal 😜.

Building Our Life Together

When we arrived in Vancouver on New Year’s Eve 2007, we were tighter than ever.

What started as a one-year adventure has now transformed into 17 years of living in Canada, this remarkable country we are proud to call home.

We were married on the east coast of Australia on February 13, 2010, surrounded by family and friends.

It was an unforgettable day filled with love and celebration at a winery outside of Port Macquarie, NSW.

Fast forward to today and we’ve built a beautiful life together.

We currently live in Toronto, having moved in 2016 to follow a job opportunity.

We have two amazing kids, who bring us endless joy and fill our days with laughter.

Watching them grow has been one of life’s greatest gifts, a constant reminder of the love that brought us together in the first place.

The four of us love spending time together, and value that fact greatly.

As we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, what stands out most is how much fun we have together.

Life doesn’t always have to be serious.

There are countless evenings where we’ve laughed ourselves to sleep like kids at a sleepover and it’s those moments that truly make life dance.

Life isn’t about collecting meaningless stuff, it’s about collecting moments and experiences with the people that mean the most to you.

When you commit fully, you get to know someone in a way that is deep and meaningful, allowing you to understand their true character, their values and their aspirations.

This level of connection builds trust and intimacy, encourages open communication and mutual respect, allowing you both to feel valued and supported.

Before I waffle on any further, here are a list of tips that will not only help your marriage last, they’ll make it thrive:

10 Simple Marriage Tips that Actually Work

1. No Scorekeeping Allowed
   Forget about tallying who did what around the house. Marriage isn’t a game; it’s a partnership. Instead of keeping score, focus on being each other’s biggest cheerleader.

2. Laugh Until You Cry
   Find those moments that make you laugh so hard you can’t breathe. Whether it’s sharing silly inside jokes or binge-watching a comedy together, laughter is your secret weapon against life’s bumps.

3. Embrace Your Quirky Rituals

   Those little sayings and actions, meaningful only to the two of you, evolve into your unique love language. They become so ingrained that even our kids have noticed and started to join in.

4. Random Acts of Kindness
   Do something nice for your partner every day—even if it’s small—like making their coffee just the way they like it or taking out the trash without being asked. These little gestures show love and respect over time.

5. Take Responsibility

   Be quick to own your mistakes and apologise sincerely. It shows humility and strengthens trust. Nobody's perfect and admitting fault is a sign of strength, not weakness. Never forget that. It also sets a great example for your kids.

6. Don’t Let Conversations Simmer
   If something’s bothering you, don’t let it stew. Bring it up sooner rather than later - trust me; open communication is way better than letting resentment build up.

7. Embrace All the Feels
   Remember, love comes with its ups and downs. Don’t shy away from tough emotions; they often walk hand-in-hand with joy. Grief, sadness, overwhelm, anger - they will all come for you at some stage. Don’t deny them - acknowledge them, address them and move yourself forward.

8. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
   When challenges pop up (and they will!), tackle them as a team. Arguing won’t get you anywhere; instead, face issues together and come up with solutions that work for both of you.

9. Flexibility is Key
   Marriage isn’t always 50/50; sometimes it’s 90/10 or even 10/90. What matters is that you both feel supported and valued no matter how the balance shifts.

10. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
    You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you’re both taking care of yourselves both physically and mentally. A healthy partner makes for a happy marriage.

11. Never Compare Your Relationship to Others

    Compare it to your relationship yesterday. Every relationship is unique. Focus on what makes yours special and build on that, rather than comparing it to someone else's highlight reel.

12. Stay Curious & Explore

    Travelling is about getting a little lost (and found) together. Figuring things out as a team and making memories that are totally yours. It will create bonds and stories that last a lifetime, turning unexpected detours into an adventure and every shared experience into powerful memories.

The beauty of a strong realtionship is having a strong sense of self along with a deep understanding and appreciation of the other person.

I‘m eternally grateful for every moment we’ve shared - from spontaneous adventures to quiet nights at home - and everything in between.

My hope is that everyone can experience such profound human connection at some point in their lives.

So here’s to you, Tanya.

Thank you for being you, for your love, support, laughter and unwavering belief in us.

You are not just my partner; you are my greatest adventure.

I love you more than words can express, Happy Anniversary! 😍 

Bright Reads

Interesting insights to ignite your inner optimist.

• Why don’t you remember all your dreams?

• Stinky bloom of 'corpse flower' enthrals thousands.

• Strangers flood 103-year-old woman with cards and gifts on her birthday.

• How multi-tasking drains your brain.

• A breakdown of how we spend our time.

Worth a Follow

Nautilus : Science Connected

By Various scientists, writers, journalists, philosophers and authors.

If you’re anything like me, you love learning about the wonders of our incredible home, Earth.

I recently came across Nautilus magazine, and let me tell you, it’s a gem.

Launched in 2013, Nautilus blends deep storytelling with a cross-disciplinary approach that explores science, philosophy and culture in ways that are both engaging and enlightening.

The Unique Features of Nautilus

1. Narrative Storytelling

   Nautilus isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about telling stories that captivate and inspire. Each article dives deep into complex scientific topics, making them accessible and relatable. You’ll find yourself engrossed in narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity about the world around us.

2. Thematic Issues

   One of the coolest things about Nautilus is that each issue revolves around a specific theme - think "Consciousness," "Aging," or "Noise." This thematic focus allows for a rich exploration of each topic from multiple angles, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

3. Artistic Presentation

   Forget the usual stock photos; Nautilus shines with its stunning illustrations that enhance the reading experience. This artistic choice not only makes the magazine visually appealing but also gives it a collectible feel, reminiscent of classic publications like National Geographic.

4. Digital and Print Integration

   Whether you love flipping through pages or prefer reading on your device, Nautilus has you covered. With both digital and print subscriptions available, you can enjoy unlimited access to articles, videos and past issues while also receiving six beautifully crafted print editions each year.

5. Award-Winning Content

   It’s no surprise that Nautilus has snagged numerous awards for its outstanding content and design. The recognition speaks volumes about its commitment to quality journalism and innovative storytelling.

Nautilus Newsletter

Nautilus also comes in newsletter form. With over 500,000 subscribers, it delivers inspiring stories three times a week, breaking down complex scientific ideas into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest.

My Takeaway

Nautilus stands out in the field of science communication by prioritising deep storytelling, artistic presentation and thematic coherence.

It makes science not just accessible but genuinely enjoyable.

If you’re curious about exploring our world through a scientific lens, or simply want to be entertained while learning something new, give Nautilus a try.

You won’t be disappointed.

Got a recommendation?

Please share; I'm always keen to learn from great suggestions.

Insights from an Expert

Dr. Edith Eger

The Lesson

Dr. Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor and clinical psychologist, has a powerful message for all of us: no matter what life throws our way, we always have the ability to choose our response.

This insight is at the heart of emotional intelligence and a great reminder that while we can’t control everything around us, we can control how we react.

The Power of Choice

In a world filled with challenges, whether it’s a tough day at work, personal struggles, or unexpected setbacks, Dr. Eger's words resonate deeply.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and let circumstances dictate our emotions.

But here’s the empowering part: we can choose resilience over despair, growth over stagnation and hope over fear.

It’s all about shifting your mindset.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Management

Understanding your emotional responses is key to navigating life’s ups and downs.

Dr. Eger encourages you to be self-aware and recognise when you’re feeling frustrated or trapped.

By acknowledging those feelings, you can take a step back and consciously decide how to respond instead of reacting impulsively.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Response

1. Reflect Daily:

   Take a few minutes each day to think about how you handled challenges. Ask yourself: How did I respond? What choices did I make? This reflection can help you spot patterns in your behaviour.

2. Reframe Your Thoughts:

   When things go wrong, try to focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t. For example, instead of stressing about a missed deadline, think about how you can manage your time better next time.

3. Cultivate Gratitude: Make it a habit to recognise the good things in your life. Focusing on gratitude shifts your mindset and helps you approach challenges with a more positive outlook.

4. Talk It Out:

   Share your feelings with friends or family. Sometimes, just voicing your thoughts can provide clarity and remind you that you have choices in how to respond.

A Guiding Principle

As you navigate life’s twists and turns, keep the following guiding principle in mind.

Everything in life can be categorised into things that you can:

• Control: Focus your energy here. These are the aspects where your actions matter most.

• Influence: Identify these situations and choose your battles wisely. You might not have full control, but you can still make an impact.

• Accept: Some things just need acceptance. Save your energy for what truly matters and let go of what you can’t change.

This simple framework helps you to channel your efforts effectively, ensuring that you invest your time and emotions where they’ll make the biggest difference.

My Takeaway

Dr. Eger’s insight reminds us that while we can't control everything in life, we do have the power to choose how we respond.

Embracing this choice is essential for personal growth and emotional intelligence.

So next time you face a challenge, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:What will I choose today?

And remember to focus on what you can control, influence or accept as you move forward.

A previous tweet …

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.

Thank you to all who have purchased a copy so far, I am truly grateful and for every journal sold, I will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

This means that as you develop daily 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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