I Love You and I Believe in You

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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.

• I Love You and I Believe in You - These words matter more than you think.

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

• Terry Fox - Running for something greater.

• Bookmarks - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - Being different is a strength.

• A Previous Post - If they wanted to, they would.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

Sometimes the right words can lift us up when we need it most.

This week, we’re diving into why encouragement has the power to shift our outlook and deepen our connections.

Simple words like “I love you and I believe in you” carry so much weight.

We’ll also explore the remarkable journey of Terry Fox.

The iconic Canadian whose unwavering hope and determination continue to inspire.

Plus, I share my thoughts on When Breath Becomes Air, an exceptional book that offers a moving reflection on life, purpose, and what it means to live fully.

Because sometimes, the simplest words (and the bravest lives) remind us that hope is something we share with others and a strength we also carry inside ourselves.

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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Words fly out of our mouths every day.

“See you soon.”

“Take care.”

“Have a nice day.”

They’re polite, but sometimes they feel more like background noise.

A filler between moments.

Once in a while, though, someone will say something so honest and powerful it shakes you awake: “I love you and I believe in you.”

So simple.

Yet so rare.

Why do these words matter?

Why do we all need them?

And why do we get tongue-tied trying to say them?

More Than Words

Think back to a time when your doubts piled higher than the dishes in the sink.

Maybe it was before a big exam, trying something for the first time, or simply facing a tough day.

Someone you respect greatly says these words: “I love you and I believe in you.”

Something shifts.

Suddenly, the world isn’t full of judges and critics.

It’s a little less lonely.

You know at least one person is supporting you.

Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you.

That kind of support is rare.

Most of us are better at cheerleading for others than for ourselves.

But when someone says it with heart, you remember.

Inside, you stand a little taller.

Beyond Romance

Let’s start with “I love you.”

Forget Hallmark holidays or movie scripts for a second.

Love is far bigger than that.

It’s what weaves families together, powers friendships and even lifts coworkers in the trenches.

Saying “I love you” is another way of saying: I see you.

All of you.

The sweet, the awkward, the stubborn, the hopeful.

Most of us try to hide the messy bits.

Covering them up with highlight reels and practiced smiles.

But love, real love, invites us to drop the mask and show up as ourselves.

Imagine offering this to someone:

“I love you, not because you sparkle, but because you’re real.”

When was the last time you told someone outside of romance that you loved them?

Feels risky, right?

Maybe vulnerable, but also liberating.

It’s brave because it’s genuine.

If you do love them, that is 😉 

Secret Superpower

Now for the second half: “I believe in you.”

These words are like a power-up in a video game.

Think of a moment when you doubted yourself, then, out of nowhere, someone said they believed in you.

Did your heart steady a bit?

Your worries lost some bite.

Belief spreads.

When you hear stories of people succeeding against the odds.

Not just famous folks, but everyday heroes, think about who is behind the scenes offering support and inspiration.

Look for the person in the background saying, “I believe in you.”

These unsung individuals often work tirelessly, without seeking recognition, to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Whether it's a teacher who goes the extra mile, or a friend who always lends a listening ear, the impact can make a significant difference in our lives.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes for someone to go further than they thought they ever could.

In fact, borrowing belief is how most of us get started.

Whether we’re learning to ride a bike, speaking up for the first time in class, or chasing a new dream.

It’s training wheels for the soul.

And it works at every age.

What’s So Hard About Saying It?

Let’s be honest.

These aren’t words most folks say every day.

Why?

Maybe we think people already know how we feel, or we worry it’ll sound corny.

Sometimes we’re afraid to risk being vulnerable, or that we’ll get awkward silence in return.

But here’s the catch.

That shyness is exactly why we should push through.

Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection.

Every time you tell someone you love them and believe in them, you’re choosing courage.

You’re saying, “I care enough to go first.”

And if the person isn’t sure how to receive it?

That’s okay.

Seeds take time to sprout.

You never know what someone is battling, or how your words might become their lifeline.

Practical Ways to Deliver Radical Encouragement

Want to make these words more than just theory?

Try these:

• Make eye contact: When encouraging someone, look them in the eye. It shows you mean it. Looking away adds a sense of insincerity or distraction.

• Back words with deeds: Say it, but also show up. Help with a challenge, send a reassuring text, or listen deeply (often the most valuable gift you can offer).

• Get specific: Tell someone why you believe in them: “I’ve seen how hard you work,” or “I admire your creativity.” Details make it real.

• Speak (or write) it aloud: Yes, it can feel awkward at first. The more you do it, the easier it gets (and the more meaningful it is to the receiver).

Don’t Forget Yourself

Here’s a twist!

These words aren’t just for other people.

When was the last time you told yourself (I’m being serious) that you love and believe in yourself?

Most of us are tougher on ourselves than anyone else is.

We replay mistakes and shrink dreams out of fear.

What if you became your own biggest fan?

Remind yourself: You are worthy of love and belief, messiness and all.

If you showed up for yourself with the same kindness you give others, what might shift?

What impossible thing would you try?

Knowing you’ve got your own back.

My Takeaway

These words shouldn’t be reserved for dramatic movies or emergencies.

They belong in ordinary days.

When someone needs a lift, when your confidence fades.

Start close.

Notice who could use encouragement.

Practice in small doses.

At work, among friends, with family.

It adds up.

Say it to the people around you.

Whisper it to yourself.

Because here’s the honest truth.

The world is full of critics and performance anxiety.

The antidote isn’t building more walls.

It’s raw, honest encouragement.

Sometimes, just hearing “I love you” makes the day a little lighter.

Sometimes, it changes everything.

So go ahead, let someone know.

You may be surprised at how much lighter the world feels.

For them and you.

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• The science of why you should use your dishwasher.

• The platypus is indeed the world’s strangest mammal.

• How to have a difficult conversation.

Terry Fox is a Canadian icon.

His name is synonymous with hope, resilience and the spirit of unity across the country.

It occurred to me recently how Terry's story, while legendary here in Canada, isn’t nearly as well-known outside these borders.

That’s a shame, because his journey is one the world deserves to hear.

When Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean on a chilly April morning in 1980, few could have imagined the journey about to unfold.

Armed only with stubborn determination and a heart filled with hope, Terry set out to run coast to coast across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

What started as a solitary challenge soon sparked one of Canada’s most cherished movements and a torch of optimism that still burns bright today.

Terry Fox was an ordinary kid from British Columbia.

Passionate about basketball and running, fiercely competitive and known for his easy smile and kindness.

Everything changed when bone cancer forced the amputation of his right leg above the knee at just 18.

Brutal.

Faced with a new reality and gruelling treatments, Terry could have withdrawn.

He could have chosen to focus on his own struggles and retreat from the world.

Instead of giving in to despair, Terry decided to channel his energy into something greater.

He set a bold goal.

To run a marathon every day, from St. John’s to Vancouver, raising awareness and funds for cancer research with each stride.

For Terry, this wasn't related to personal glory.

It was about shifting the world’s perspective on what was possible.

Long, difficult hours spent in cancer wards left Terry with more than just scars.

He witnessed children enduring challenges far worse than his own.

Driven by empathy and a burning desire to help, he planned what he called the Marathon of Hope.

Terry believed ordinary people could create extraordinary change.

When purpose and grit take the lead.

This wasn’t for publicity or sympathy, but to prove that optimism and action can transform pain into progress.

The Marathon of Hope

He started in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Confidently dipping his foot into the water and collecting a sample.

A sample he planned to pour into the Pacific upon reaching the West Coast.

It wasn’t going to be easy.

Terry faced unpredictable weather and endless pain.

His unique hop-step gait became a testament to pure willpower.

Each day demanded resilience.

Delivering exhaustion, soreness and countless logistical roadblocks.

But as Terry travelled west, a remarkable thing occurred.

Canada rallied.

People lined the highways to cheer him on.

Schools organised fundraisers, strangers offered kind words and donations.

Terry’s fascinating journey united a famously vast and diverse country, turning spectators into active participants.

After 143 days and more than 5,000 kilometers, Terry’s run ended near Thunder Bay, Ontario.

His cancer had returned, this time spreading through his lungs.

He passed away less than a year later, on June 28, 1981, at just 22.

Though his run had stopped, the impact of his courage and vision has never faded.

The nation was heartbroken, but his impact continued to grow stronger.

Since Terry’s historic run, the annual Terry Fox Run has grown into a global movement.

Today, approximately 5.2 million people participate worldwide every year, with over 3.2 million in Canada alone.

The event spans about 9,800 locations across 25 countries and has raised more than $950 million CAD to date for cancer research.

Terry’s courage and optimism delivered a lasting legacy.

Reminding all generations that one person’s vision can spark hope on a monumental scale.

His footsteps may have stopped, but the fire he ignited continues to blaze.

Inspiring courage and hope in every corner across the country.

Lessons from Terry Fox

• Hope ignites action: When we choose hope (even in the darkest moments) we unleash the potential for change.

• Resilience means showing up every day: Terry’s Marathon wasn’t about winning or perfection. It was about commitment, grit and refusing to quit.

• Ordinary people spark extraordinary change: You don’t have to wait for heroic circumstances. Meaningful action starts right where you are.

• Community multiplies courage: Terry drew immeasurable strength from the wave of support behind him, proving that together, our impact grows.

My Takeaway

You know what moves me most about Terry Fox?

He didn’t wait for permission, or for perfect conditions, or for applause.

He acted from a place of raw vulnerability and hope.

Transforming personal pain into a display of generosity and connection for all.

Terry’s journey was far from glamorous.

It was gritty, real and sometimes even heartbreaking.

But through each setback, every mile, and every moment shared with fellow Canadians, he turned adversity into unity.

He sparked a level of momentum that reverberates to this day.

His initial goal of raising $1 Million ballooned into $24 million.

A dollar raised for every Canadian at the time.

Fox’s legacy reminds us that one person’s courage can ripple outward, igniting a chain reaction of compassion and action.

He asks us to dream beyond what seems possible.

To step forward, even when our legs are heavy, our hearts uncertain and our obstacles daunting.

You don’t have to cross an entire country to make a difference.

Sometimes, the bravest step is simpy deciding to begin.

So … begin.

What is your “Marathon of Hope”?

Where can you turn adversity into action?

Not just for yourself, but for others who need a champion?

Because if Terry showed us anything, it’s that every step forward sends hope surging through the world.

Let’s make our next steps matter.

Together.

Want to learn more about Terry Fox and his story? Check out this 10 minute video:

This is a book that I’ve been recommended multiple times and now understand why.

I finally read When Breath Becomes Air.

From the first chapter, I was gripped.

If you’re looking for a story that’s as moving as it is insightful, this is one that will linger with you well after you put it down.

Paul Kalanithi was a gifted neurosurgeon with a love for language and literature.

He spent years studying the human mind, searching for where identity and meaning reside.

Then, at age 36, just as he was finishing his medical training and on the cusp of the career he’d dreamed about, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

The memoir he wrote is more than just a chronicle of illness.

It’s a meditation on what it means to live fully and face mortality with honesty.

His book moves seamlessly between the world of medicine and the world of philosophy, between the technical challenges of neurosurgery and the emotional complexity of living with a diagnosis.

Kalanithi’s writing is poetic but clear and philosophical but grounded.

It’s the kind of storytelling that feels both personal and boundless.

Stretches beyond the horizon, embracing everything in its path.

What Makes It Stand Out

What struck me most was his openness.

He shares his life’s hardest transitions, from doctor to patient, with breathtaking vulnerability.

We're right there with him behind the scenes.

Prepping for surgery, sitting with patients and families, coming to terms with his own limitations and striving to embrace new joys even as his life narrows.

Kalanithi’s reflections aren’t just about what it means to die, but about what it means to really live.

His ability to hold both sorrow and hope, both the clinical and the personal, give his memoir a warmth that’s unforgettable but a weight that lingers.

The relationships in the book, especially with his wife Lucy, are honest and pure.

You see the impact that illness has on marriage, family and also his identity.

You really feel his push to cherish the people that matter most.

Practical Lessons

• Life’s fragility and meaning: When things spiral out of control, we can still create meaning through small moments. Conversations, work, love, presence.

• Radical honesty: Sharing your experience authentically, even when it’s painful, can bring healing and connection. The key is authenticity, it removes barriers.

• Embracing change: Our identity and sense of self aren’t fixed. Learning to adapt is key, even (or especially) in hard times.

• Empathy in medicine…and life: Listening, truly, is sometimes the most important gift we can offer. I cannot stress this point enough.

• Purpose above achievements: In the end, life’s achievements are less about accolades and more about how we show up for others.

My Takeaway

I expected When Breath Becomes Air to be sad, heartbreakingly sad.

And yes, it is.

But it’s also incredibly energising and deeply affirming.

Kalanithi’s voice is sincere, courageous and wise.

Finishing this memoir made me reflect on the everyday gifts in my life and the way I connect with people around me.

If you’re looking for a read that pushes you to think bigger (and feel deeper), this is it.

Breathe it in.

Let it shake up your perspective.

And prepare to see your own life through new eyes.

Has a book ever shifted the way you think about life or loss?

Have you read When Breath Becomes Air?

I’d love to know how it impacted you, or other stories you’d recommend that bravely tackle life’s biggest questions.

Got a recommendation?

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

The Lesson

Let’s talk about what makes you unique, and why it really matters.

We all have traits, interests and perspectives that set us apart.

Sometimes, these differences can leave us feeling awkward or wishing we could fit in more easily.

But the truth is, the qualities that make us different often help us form the most genuine connections and open us to new opportunities.

Embracing your differences is more than self-acceptance.

It’s recognising that your quirks and unconventional ways of seeing the world are real strengths.

They help you approach challenges creatively, build authentic relationships and bring fresh ideas wherever you go.

I’ve always been curious about what makes us different and what we can learn from one another.

That curiosity has led to deeper friendships, improved experiences and a greater appreciation for the variety in people’s perspectives.

When we lean into what makes us who we are (even if it feels a bit risky) awkwardness can shift into confidence and openness.

Being authentic not only attracts people who appreciate the authentic you, but also helps you build confidence as a result.

The more you celebrate your differences, the less you rely on others’ opinions and the more you create a fulfilling life.

Practical Steps

• Take a few minutes to reflect on what makes your approach or personality unique. Is it a special skill, a passion that’s a little unconventional or unique, or a perspective others might not share?

• Try one small act each week to express your authentic self. Maybe it’s sharing a different idea, wearing something that feels true to you, or pursuing an interest others may not understand right away.

• Surround yourself with people who encourage authenticity and celebrate individuality.

• Compliment and support others for what makes them different. You’ll help build a more welcoming community.

My Takeaway

Being open to learning from my own differences (and appreciating those in others) has led to greater perspective and a much stronger sense of belonging.

Life is rich and interesting because of our diversity.

That’s something worth embracing.

Next time you notice something a little different about yourself, pause and consider how it can be a strength.

Your unique perspective matters and it’s exactly what helps you shine.

Don’t hold back on what makes you you.

What’s something unique about you that brings you joy?

I’d love to hear it.

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