Kindness is a Choice

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.

• Kindness is a Choice - Not just a trait.

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

• Diogo Jota - Setting an example we should all follow.

• Now Spinning - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - The lines of life, choose wisely.

• A Previous Post - Embrace every chapter.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

You know those people who make the world feel a little brighter?

The ones whose character and joy ripple out far beyond their circle?

This week, we’re celebrating those great humans.

The everyday legends who show us what it means to lead with heart, lift others and leave the world better than they found it.

We’re digging into why kindness isn’t just a personality trait.

It’s a choice.

One you make in the challenging moments, the ordinary days and the times when you could just as easily walk away.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the stories in this week’s edition, it’s that choosing kindness is never wasted.

So, whether you’re here to remember a legend or need a little nudge to be the good in someone else’s day.

I’m glad you’re here. 

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.

What do Andre Agassi, Lego, The Sopranos, Starbucks and Martha Stewart all have in common?

They’ve featured in The Resilience Brief as real-life examples of how to get through the most challenging times.

We all wait for life to get easier, but it doesn’t.

Instead, we need to learn how to handle hard better.

The Resilience Brief is a twice-a-week newsletter stacked with real-life examples of resilience and down-to-earth practical tools that readers can use immediately.

 Because resilience isn’t just a mindset.

It’s a skill set that we can all build.

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We often think kindness is something you’re born with.

Like it’s just part of your personality.

But honestly, the kindest people I’ve met didn’t get that way by chance.

They’ve faced real struggles, been knocked down and seen the darker sides of life.

What sets them apart is their choice.

They decide not to let those experiences harden their hearts.

Instead, they choose compassion as a way to stay connected.

Hopeful and human.

Kindness Is a Choice, Not Just a Trait

Being kind isn’t a fixed trait you either have or you don’t.

It’s a decision we make, often in the face of difficulty.

When life gets tough, it’s easy to shut down or get bitter.

But kindness asks us to do the opposite.

To stay open-minded, to respond with empathy and to give even when it’s hard.

This choice isn’t about being soft or naive.

It takes an enormous amount of courage.

Showing warmth when you’ve been hurt or disappointed means showing up with your heart open.

Even when you could protect yourself by closing off.

How do I know it’s a choice?

Because I’ve seen that choice in action.

A Moment That Changed My Perspective

I’ll never forget running the 2016 New York City Marathon.

There’s nothing quite like it.

The air buzzes with anticipation as thousands of runners gather at the start, wrapped in layers against the early chill.

Nerves and excitement mixed with the distant sound of gathering crowds.

The city feels both enormous and intimate.

Strangers exchanging smiles, sharing stories and stretching side by side.

All ready to make the journey through New York City’s five boroughs.

I started well, keeping a strong pace and feeling energised.

Then it happened.

I had just turned onto the Queensboro Bridge from Queens.

In a split second, another runner cut in front of me.

I tripped over his feet, fell forward and instinctively stretched out my arm to break my fall.

Dislocating my shoulder in the process.

Now, for those who have been following my story, you’ll know this is a recurring injury, but that’s beside the point here.

What struck me most wasn’t the pain or the setback itself.

It was the man who tripped me.

He stopped.

He forgot about his race, came back and made sure I was okay.

He helped me up, then walked with me for a few minutes while I tried to get my shoulder back into place.

Which I managed to do.

Once I felt comfortable, I encouraged him to continue and thanked him repeatedly.

From that point, I wasn’t able to run at my usual pace, but managed to jog through the pain and finish the race.

I’ll never forget that man.

His selflessness and calm demeanour in a moment of panic made all the difference.

He made a choice.

And I’m glad he did.

Why Kindness Is Actually a Sign of Strength

There’s a common misconception that kindness equals weakness.

You might have heard someone say, “Be careful, being too kind makes you a target.”

But genuine kindness is anything but weak.

The truth is, choosing to respond with warmth and patience is often the more challenging path.

It takes serious restraint and resolve to remain kind when faced with rudeness, frustration, or outright disrespect.

It’s easy, almost automatic, to snap back.

Reacting with anger or bitterness.

Anyone can be harsh or dismissive.

It takes minimal effort to be unpleasant.

However, it takes great strength to hold your ground, stay optimistic and inspire hope in others.

Despite the challenges.

Kindness demands a deep well of inner strength.

It means resisting the urge to lash out, choosing patience when you’re tired and offering understanding when it’s easier to judge.

Choosing compassion is hardly ever the easy choice, but it’s the one that leads to the most meaningful and lasting rewards.

There are countless benefits to this approach.

Not just for those on the receiving end, but also for the giver.

It builds trust.

It nurtures relationships.

It gives you a sense of purpose.

On the other hand, responding with bitterness or disrespect can escalate a situation, making it more difficult to find a constructive resolution.

It will damage connections.

It will increase stress and even harm your mental and physical health over time.

So next time you’re tempted to react harshly, remember: gentleness isn’t a weakness.

It’s a powerful act of courage and strength.

The hard path may be tougher to walk, but it’s the one that truly makes a difference.

For you and everyone around you.

Kindness doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you.

It means setting boundaries and standing firm while still treating others with respect and dignity.

That balance is where actual strength lives.

The calm and confidence it takes to be consistently kind, especially when life is hard, is as strong as anyone gets.

It’s a quiet power that changes relationships and communities.

The Science Behind Kindness: Why It Feels So Good

Now this is pretty cool.

Well, I think so.

There is plenty of scientific evidence to support what we all sense.

Acts of kindness make us feel good.

When you do something thoughtful for someone else, your brain releases serotonin and dopamine (the chemicals that boost your mood and help you feel calm).

At the same time, these actions lower stress hormones, like cortisol.

Caring behaviour also activates the vagus nerve, which helps your body relax and connects you to others.

This biological response explains why helping others reduces anxiety, eases loneliness and builds stronger social bonds.

And it’s not just mental health.

Being kind also benefits your physical health.

Studies indicate it can lower blood pressure and inflammation, reducing risks for heart disease.

So showing warmth is a win-win.

Good for others.

Good for you.

Being Kind to Yourself Matters Most

We often talk about being kind to others, but what about being kind to ourselves?

Self-compassion is just as important.

Negative self-talk can drag you down and increase anxiety or depression.

But treating yourself with the same patience and understanding you’d offer a friend can change your whole outlook.

I like to think of it as the “good neighbour rule.”

Imagine how you’d talk to a neighbour going through a tough time.

You’d be gentle, encouraging and patient.

Now try giving yourself that same care.

It’s a simple but powerful shift.

Once you’ve nurtured kindness within yourself, you can then extend it outward.

Even then, doing something thoughtful doesn’t just help the other person.

It helps you too.

Research shows that acts of goodwill boost your self-esteem, your sense of purpose and overall happiness more than material possessions or superficial achievements.

Kind and altruistic behaviours not only benefit others but also enhance your own emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

Warmth and generosity build connections that make our lives more meaningful.

When you choose to act with compassion, you’re not only lifting others.

You’re lifting yourself.

How to Bring More Kindness Into Your Life

If you want to be kinder but aren’t sure where to start, keep it simple:

• Start with yourself: Notice when you’re being self-critical and try to speak kindly to yourself instead. You can’t fill another’s cup without first filling your own.

• Small acts count: Hold the door, smile, or listen without distractions. Then make sure to acknowledge yourself for making the effort.

• Reflect on your story: Think about the challenges you've faced, the lessons you've learned and how these have shaped your empathy and understanding of others.

• Reach out: Connect with friends, family, or even strangers. Compassion grows within and builds relationships.

• Be patient: Kindness is a choice and requires practice, not perfection. Some days will be easier than others.

Don’t Fall for the Myth That the World Is Unkind

It’s REALLY easy to get caught up in the idea that the world is a harsh, unkind place.

But the truth is, most people are awesome.

When you treat others with respect and warmth, they often surprise you by opening up.

Suddenly, opportunities to connect and build something meaningful start to appear.

On the flip side, if you approach people with bitterness or disrespect, you’re more likely to see the worst in them.

It’s a self-fulfilling cycle that only makes the world feel colder.

What we need is more people stepping up to be part of the solution.

Not adding to the problem.

And guess what?

You can start that cycle right now.

Hold the door for someone.

Make a stranger smile.

Give a genuine compliment.

Ask someone how they’re doing, and actually mean it.

There are so many simple ways to brighten someone’s day.

And those small moments?

They add up.

They ripple out.

Making the world a little kinder, one moment at a time.

My Takeaway

The most caring people aren’t perfect or untouched by hardship.

They’re just the ones who decide, again and again, to respond with warmth.

They choose hope over bitterness, connection over isolation.

Compassion is powerful.

It heals wounds, builds bridges and makes life better.

For everyone.

And the best part?

It’s a choice anyone can make, every single day.

So when life gets tough, remember one thing.

Being kind isn’t just something you do.

It’s something you choose.

And that choice can change everything.

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It’s hard to find the right words when someone like Diogo Jota is taken so suddenly.

He was so young.

Just 28 years old.

A recent accident that claimed the lives of both Diogo’s and his younger brother André Silva, has left an unfillable void for many.

Not only for their family and friends, but also for everyone touched by their story.

For those who may not know, Diogo Jota was a Portuguese footballer whose journey took him from the youth fields of Gondomar and Paços de Ferreira all the way to the bright lights of Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team.

But his story, and the story of his brother André Silva, who was also lost in the same tragic accident, is about so much more than football.

Brothers On and Off the Pitch

Diogo, born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, grew up in Porto, Portugal, and shared a deep bond with his brother André.

Both boys loved the game from an early age, pushing each other to be better and supporting one another through every challenge.

Diogo’s rise was never easy, he was overlooked by bigger clubs for being small.

And even faced a heart condition as a teenager, but with perseverance and the support of his family, he broke through.

André, too, shared a love for the game.

Playing at a semi-professional level and always supporting Diogo every step of the way.

Their relationship was more than just sibling rivalry.

It was a partnership built on respect, encouragement and shared dreams.

Diogo’s Journey

Diogo’s career is a testament to resilience.

Rejected for his size, he signed with Paços de Ferreira’s youth system, made his professional debut in 2014, and quickly became the club’s youngest scorer in the top division.

His talent took him to Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers (where he helped secure Premier League promotion) and finally to Liverpool FC.

Here, he became a fan favourite and was a crucial part of their title-winning squad.

What set Diogo apart was his character.

He was humble, kind, caring and supportive.

A teammate who celebrated others’ successes, a friend who lifted spirits and a family man devoted to his loved ones.

Off the pitch, he was in a beautiful moment of life, recently married and a proud father of three.

He had his whole life in front of him.

The football world has come together in grief but also in celebration of Diogo and André’s lives.

Teammates, coaches, fans and even rivals have shared stories of their generosity, humility and the positive energy they brought wherever they went.

The tributes are a reminder that greatness isn’t just measured in goals or trophies, but in the way you treat people.

On and off the field.

Diogo’s Impact

One thing that has truly moved me during this difficult time is the incredible response from the global football community.

The outpouring of love and support from clubs, players, fans, even rivals across the world has been nothing short of inspiring.

Messages and tributes have poured in from every corner of the footballing map, proof that Diogo’s influence reached far beyond his own team or country.

I can only speak for myself, but I haven’t come across a single negative or thoughtless comment.

In 2025, this is a rare thing.

While social media can sometimes bring out the worst in people, this collective response has been a powerful reflection of who Diogo was and the reputation he built.

It speaks volumes that, in his passing, people have chosen empathy, gratitude and unity over anything else.

It’s a reminder that, at its best, sport brings us together.

Not just to celebrate talent, but to honour character and humanity.

It makes me proud to be part of this community and even prouder to have been a fan of someone so widely respected and loved.

Why Character Matters

We all notice the difference.

Whether it’s on the football pitch, in the boardroom, at school, or in everyday life.

It’s easy to spot when someone is driven by ego.

When they’re a poor sport, or when it’s all about them.

But the opposite stands out even more.

The humility, the quiet encouragement, the genuine happiness for someone else’s success.

We notice when someone is a good person.

We remember the classmate who included everyone, the colleague who always had your back, the neighbor who lent a hand without being asked.

These are the people who make teams stronger, workplaces kinder and communities closer.

Diogo was that person.

The teammate everyone wanted, the friend everyone trusted, the son and brother who made his family proud.

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices or the biggest egos, we need to make a greater example of good people.

We need to lift up those who lead with kindness, support others, play fair and live true.

The world needs more Diogos.

People whose character shines brighter than any trophy or headline.

Lessons From Diogo’s Life

From what we’ve experienced in recent days, Diogo approached life with a rare blend of humility and joy.

Two principles that align perfectly with my outlook on life.

Here are a few lessons we can take from him:

• Be Humble: No matter how talented or successful, Diogo stayed grounded and approachable.

• Support Others: He was known for his camaraderie, always encouraging teammates and celebrating collective success.

• Be Kind: His kindness wasn’t just a public face, it was genuine, felt deeply by those close to him.

• Enjoy the Moment: Diogo brought lightness and laughter to those around him, reminding us that joy is part of the journey.

• Stay True: Integrity was at his core. He played hard but fair and lived with honesty.

As one former teammate put it, “Diogo was the first to celebrate your goal and the last to leave your side when things went wrong.”

That’s the kind of teammate, and person, he was.

A Personal Reflection

Having lost people close to me in recent years, I really feel for those close to Diogo and André.

I also see in their stories a legacy of love, laughter and strength that will carry on.

Diogo’s life, though brief, was full.

And that fullness came from who he was, not just what he did.

As fans, as fellow human beings, we are better for having witnessed his spirit.

The world needs more Diogos.

More people who lead with heart, who lift others up, who remind us that greatness is as much about character as it is about skill.

In honouring Diogo and André, we can ask ourselves:

• How can I be more humble in my own life?

• Who around me needs encouragement or support today?

• Am I bringing kindness and joy into the world, even in small ways?

• How can I stay true to my values, no matter the pressures I face?

Diogo’s story is a call to live with integrity and heart.

It’s a reminder that the impact we leave behind is measured not just in achievements.

But in the love and respect we inspire around us.

My Takeaway

Diogo Jota was the epitome of the person I strive to write about each week.

The joyful, optimistic, caring, thoughtful, hard-working and quietly strong individual who lifts up everyone around them.

He played the game with a smile, lived life with gratitude and treated others with genuine kindness.

Diogo showed us, week after week, what it means to be a good human.

On the pitch, at home and in the world.

To everyone who knew and loved Diogo and André, I send peace and love.

You’ll never walk alone.

Let’s sing his song like it’s never been sung before.

Loud, proud and full of heart.

And to the rest of us, let’s honour their spirit.

Not just in memory, but through action.

By choosing to be the good humans they showed us how to be.

Every single day.

Even if you aren’t a football fan, I recommend you watch this short video:

If you graduated high school in the mid-90s, there’s a good chance you’ve heard this album more times than you realise.

For me, this album was on constant rotation.

Every track felt like it was written for those long, sunburnt afternoons and late-night hangs with friends.

Now, nearly three decades later, I’m gearing up to see Oasis live in Toronto next month as they reunite for a world tour sixteen years in the making.

The nostalgia is real, and this show promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I can’t wait to belt out the classics with thousands of friends.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Let’s be honest: some albums are just built different.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? isn’t just a collection of songs.

It’s a cultural landmark that helped define the Britpop era and inspired countless artists since.

From the opening chords of “Hello” to the singalong finale of “Champagne Supernova,” every track slaps.

This album is the sound of Britpop at its absolute peak.

Blending swagger, vulnerability and pure, melodic genius.

Even if you missed the original release, the music is timeless.

Instantly familiar and still capable of giving you goosebumps with every listen.

What sets this album apart, even among Oasis’s stellar discography, is its sheer consistency and emotional punch.

“Wonderwall” might be the world’s karaoke staple, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find gems like “Cast No Shadow,” “Some Might Say,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger”.

Each one a mini-anthem in its own right.

Noel Gallagher’s songwriting is at its sharpest and Liam’s vocals have never sounded more urgent or iconic.

There’s a rawness and honesty here.

A sense of heartbreak in “Champagne Supernova,” pure attitude in “Morning Glory” and hope in “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”

Each listen feels like a return to a cozy, familiar place.

Lessons from Morning Glory

Revisiting (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? always leaves me with a few reminders:

• Music is a time machine: the right song can instantly transport you back to a moment, a feeling or a place you thought you’d forgotten.

• Anthems matter: sometimes you need a song that lets you sing at the top of your lungs, no matter your vocal skills.

• Great albums are built to last: trends come and go, but true classics never lose their shine.

• Shared experiences are everything: there’s nothing like being in a crowd, united by a chorus everyone knows by heart.

• It’s okay to get swept up in nostalgia: sometimes, looking back helps you appreciate just how far you’ve come. Just don’t live there.

And honestly, getting to relive these songs live, surrounded by fellow fans, is the kind of experience you never forget.

My Takeaway

For me, this isn’t just an album, it’s been a lifelong companion.

It’s was part of the soundtrack of my youth and now, an unforgettable summer night in Toronto.

Oasis have always been more than just a band.

They’re a reminder that music bring’s people together.

Across continents, decades and even generations.

This tour is a beautiful moment for so many people right across the globe.

I can’t wait to be in that crowd, feel the energy and sing along until I’m hoarse.

These are the moments that make life special.

Keen to see some of the opening night? Check out this video:

Got a recommendation?

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

The Lesson

Ever noticed how easy it is to join in when someone’s criticising or gossiping?

I came across this image the other day and it made me pause.

Picture this: five doors, each with a line in front.

The signs above the doors read:

• “To criticise”

• “To gossip”

• “To get involved”

• “To encourage”

• “To help”

The lines for criticising and gossiping are packed.

While hardly anyone is waiting to get involved, encourage or help.

It got me thinking.

The most meaningful things we can do are often the ones with the shortest lines.

It’s easy to go with the crowd and join in the chatter, but it takes a little more heart (and sometimes a little more courage) to step up, get involved, encourage or help out.

Those are the doors that really matter.

Go Deeper

Why do we so often find ourselves in the long lines?

Maybe it’s just habit, or maybe it feels safer to blend in.

Criticising and gossiping can be a quick way to connect or let off steam, but let’s be honest, when was the last time it actually made you feel good?

On the flip side, getting involved or offering encouragement takes a bit more effort and can sometimes feels awkward to be the one stepping up.

But think about the last time someone encouraged you or lent a hand.

Even if it was something small, I bet it stuck with you.

Those actions might not draw a crowd, but they can change someone’s whole day, even their life.

You don’t always see the ripple effect right away.

Practical Steps

Here’s how you can “stand in the shorter line” this week:

1. Pause Before You Join In: Next time you hear criticism or gossip, take a breath. Ask yourself if you want to add to the noise, or try something different.

2. Offer Encouragement: Look for someone who could use a kind word. A coworker, a friend, even a stranger. A simple “You’re doing great, keep pushing” can go a long way.

3. Get Involved: If you see a chance to help or participate, even in a small way, take it. Volunteer for a task, lend a hand, or just show up.

4. Be the Example: Sometimes all it takes is one person to change the tone of a conversation. Why not let it be you?

My Takeaway

I’ll be honest.

At times I’ve caught myself in the long lines, too.

It’s human nature.

But every time I choose to encourage or help instead, I feel better and the world feels a little brighter.

The lines may be shorter.

But the impact is so much bigger.

So this week, notice which lines you’re standing in.

And when the lines are empty, which one are you moving toward?

Try stepping into one of the shorter ones, you’ll be surprised by how good it feels.

And if you do, I’d love to hear about it.

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