Life Will Kick 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.

• Life Will Kick You - So you might as well have a little fun.

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

• Giuseppe Paternò - Proving dreams have no age limit.

• Bookmarks - The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - Beyond positivity. Meet genuine optimism.

• A Previous Post - The right ear at the right time.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

Thanks for being here and rolling through life’s ups & downs with me.

This week, we’re getting real about the punches life throws.

How dancing through the chaos is the real win and why showing up again (and again) is our greatest strength.

We’ll also celebrate the incredible story of Giuseppe Paternò’s inspiring late-in-life achievements and timeless lessons from The Inner Game of Tennis.

Here’s to embracing the unpredictable and finding strength in every step forward.

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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Life will kick you.

Hard.

It won’t warn you.

And no, it won’t be fair about it.

That’s a harsh truth no one prepares you for.

It doesn’t bend to your plans or pause for your feelings.

Life doesn’t play by rules that you decide.

And often, the worst hits come when you think you’re steady.

I’ve been made redundant three times in my career.

Each occasion felt like a punch to the gut.

The uncertainty.

The questions racing through my mind.

They hit hard.

But here’s what’s surprising.

Each knockdown fueled me with even greater strength than before.

They were moments that forced me to reckon with an uncomfortable truth.

Life isn’t fair.

Someone I respect deeply (one of those voices of raw clarity who never sugarcoats things) often says:

“Life isn’t fair or just. Once you acknowledge this, it all becomes a little easier”

At first, I didn’t want to hear it.

It felt heavy, even discouraging.

But the more I sat with that reality, the more I realised something freeing.

The minute you accept that life won’t play fair, the weight becomes lighter.

The way forward brighter.

That’s because when you stop expecting life to go your way, you start seeing those punches less like punishment and more as part of the process.

So, if life is going to throw haymakers anyway?

You may as well enjoy the ride.

Laugh when you stumble.

Dance through the awkward steps.

Celebrate the messiness because it means you’re in the game.

Not standing on the sidelines watching everyone else play.

The Illusion of Playing It Safe

Our natural reaction to life’s unpredictability is to crave safety.

We try to plan every detail, stick to routines and avoid risks so nothing can knock us down.

But if I’m being totally honest, playing it safe is an illusion.

The storm will come, regardless.

Safety won’t stop the hits.

It just makes you less ready to absorb them.

Do you leave the training wheels on your bike forever?

One day, you have to back yourself.

Put yourself out there and risk falling off.

We often hear that someone “got lucky” or made it look easy.

Spoiler alert.

It’s not luck.

It’s preparation.

It’s action.

Those who seem to win at life don’t avoid failure.

They step into it again and again.

They know the hits are worth the chance to grow.

Life Is a Dance, Not a Battle

You can view life as a fight, full of hits and knockdowns.

I choose to see it more like a dance.

Sometimes you glide perfectly to the music.

Sometimes you step on toes, trip, or spin out of rhythm.

The key?

Just keep moving.

Laugh at the missteps.

Keep dancing, even when you feel clumsy.

That’s what winning really looks like.

Not perfection or a flawless highlight reel.

But persistence.

An unwavering determination to keep moving forward.

Regardless of the tune.

Four Practical Ways to Seize Opportunities

A key piece to remember here is that by acknowledging life ain’t fair isn’t the same as settling.

It’s just a starting point.

What really matters is what you do next.

Here are four ways to put yourself in a position to succeed, even when the odds aren’t perfect:

1. Take Action Toward Your Dreams

Life rewards movement. You won’t get what you want by sitting still. Action is the bridge between intention and reality.

Want to start a business? Take the first step, you don’t need the whole plan figured out now. Want to live healthier? Put on your shoes and go for a walk today.

Whatever your dream, chase it with determination.

2. Ask for What You Need

Most missed chances happen because no one asks.

A raise. Help. A chance. Feedback. Opportunity often starts with simply speaking up.

If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Silence isn’t rejection, it’s just that they didn’t know.

So ask. Say what you want. Make it impossible to overlook you.

3. Step Forward, Not Back

Staying comfortable is tempting, but it’s a trap. Staying still means no growth, no new wins and ultimately leads to regret.

Even the smallest step forward matters. Apply for that new role, try the class, say yes instead of maybe later.

Progress doesn’t require giant leaps but a commitment to move, consistently.

4. Be Proactive and Adaptable

Opportunities are like sunrises. Wait too long and you miss them.

Don’t wait for perfect timing. It rarely comes.

Instead, position yourself to move when the moment arrives.

At the same time, stay flexible. Life will rewrite your script, but if you bend instead of break, you’ll keep moving forward.

The Real Meaning of Winning

Winning isn’t about perfection or avoiding hardship.

It’s about refusing to let hardship have the last word.

The blows you take today?

They’ll be the stepping stones you didn’t see coming.

Life will knock you flat.

That’s guaranteed.

But refusing to stay down?

That’s power.

The real win is showing up again, dancing again, daring again.

When you stop expecting fairness and start leaning into action and adaptability, you stop being fragile.

You start winning.

So the next time life kicks you sideways (and it will), take a breath.

Find your footing.

And ask yourself:

Why not have fun with it?

Why not laugh when you stumble?

Why not take the shot, knowing you might miss?

Why not keep dancing, even if your rhythm’s off?

Because if you keep moving, keep asking, keep stepping forward.

It becomes very hard to lose.

My Takeaway

If there’s one thing I want you to walk away with, it’s this.

Life will never be perfectly fair or predictable.

Not because something is broken, it’s just how the game is played.

But there’s an exciting truth buried inside that reality.

You choose how you play.

You can shrink back, wait for perfect conditions and avoid risk.

Watching opportunity after opportunity pass you by.

Or you can throw off those training wheels, step into the messiness and dare to dance anyway.

Because here’s what I’ve learned in every tough moment, each blow makes you stronger.

Every miss teaches you something (if you allow it to).

And every stumble builds resilience like no comfort zone ever will.

You don’t have to be flawless or undefeated.

You just have to get up one more time than you fall.

So when life kicks you next, remember, you’re not just surviving the punches.

You’re growing stronger.

You’re not just enduring.

You’re learning a dance only the brave dare to perform.

And you’re never alone.

Never.

Every hit you take.

Every laugh you share through the chaos.

Proves you’re in the arena, growing more confident with every move.

That’s how we not just live life.

But thrive.

When those redundancies knocked me down.

It wasn’t the events themselves that defined what came next.

It was how I chose to react.

In those moments, people are watching.

Some might be waiting to judge or laugh, but others are paying close attention to how you handle things.

When you respond with grace, fortitude and a readiness to adapt, suddenly you’re on the radar for new opportunities.

I’ve seen it happen and lived it myself.

Three times over.

Are there areas in your life that you’re waiting for it to be fair, safe or easy?

What if you decided to dance anyway?

And … one last thing, if your thinking you’ve left it too late?

Maybe you should read the next article 😉 

• How to take things less personally.

• People in the happiest relationships talk about 5 things every day.

• Giant octopus grabs camera from diver and films itself.

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

• 5 illusions that reveal how your brain warps reality.

At the age of 96, most people are slowing down.

Or more likely, have come to a complete stop.

Not Giuseppe Paternò.

At 96, he was making history as Italy’s oldest university graduate.

Proving dreams don’t expire with age.

Born in 1923 into a poor family in Sicily, Giuseppe’s chance to attend university as a young man was blocked by financial hardship.

As a child, he worked in his father’s brewery and served as a telegrapher in the Italian navy during World War II.

After the war, he spent decades working for the state railway and supporting his family.

A life filled with responsibility which delayed his dreams (but never dimmed them).

Starting Late, Aspiring Higher

By age 31, Giuseppe earned his high school diploma after balancing evening classes with full-time work.

But it wasn’t until 2017, when he was 92 years old, that he took the bold step to enroll at the University of Palermo to study history and philosophy.

With limited digital skills, he relied on an old manual typewriter given to him by his mother.

He studied printed books rather than online resources.

His MUCH younger classmates admired his dedication.

His perseverance.

Despite the age difference, he managed to bridge the gap.

Becoming a source of both inspiration and guidance.

When a confused classmate would ask why he is bothering?

Giuseppe’s simple reply was, “Dreams matter, no matter your age.”

In 2020, Giuseppe didn’t just graduate.

He finished at the top of his class with first-class honours, becoming Italy’s oldest university graduate.

But he didn’t stop there.

Again, at age 98, he earned a master’s degree in history and philosophy from the same university.

Again achieving top marks and proving that age has no claim over ambition or achievement.

He planned to dedicate himself to writing with the aim to explore texts he’d never had the chance to study earlier.

All on his trusty old typewriter.

Practical Lessons from Giuseppe

Giuseppe’s journey is more than just a story of perseverance.

It’s a brilliant reminder of how to overcome obstacles and thrive no matter where we are in life:

• It’s never too late to start. Age is no barrier to pursuing what matters to you. Giuseppe shows that starting late doesn’t mean settling, it can still mean reaching your best. Just on your own timeline.

• Persistence outshines convenience. Completing assignments on a manual typewriter amid a sea of digital tools proves commitment can overcome any tech hurdle.

• Dreams survive life’s distractions. Work and responsibilities may take the spotlight, but quietly holding onto dreams fuels lasting achievement. It’s powerful to have something to look forward to.

• Learning is a lifelong treasure. Giuseppe calls knowledge a “suitcase” he carries. He believes knowledge is a treasure that enriches every stage of life.

My Takeaway

Giuseppe Paternò’s story destroys every excuse about being “too old” or “too late.”

Age isn’t a number.

It’s an attitude.

Don’t let stereotypes or others’ assumptions stand in your way.

Passion and persistence don’t fade with time.

They light up your life.

If this 98-year-old can earn two degrees, on a manual typewriter alongside classmates multiple decades younger.

Then there’s no reason you can’t chase that long-held dream.

So what dream have you shelved?

What’s one small step you can take today to bring it back into focus?

Giuseppe roars a simple truth: our time is now.

The only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves.

Inspired by Giuseppe’s story? Check out this 3 minute video:

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Over twenty years ago, I first stepped into my first professional leadership role.

The Inner Game of Tennis was one of the very first books recommended to me and a read that has stayed with me over the years.

It stuck with me as a powerful reminder that you already have what it takes within you.

That when you trust and lean into your natural ability, good things happen.

Though often thought of as a sports book, its lessons on mindset and focus are timeless and universal.

I revisited it recently and it became clear why this classic continues to inspire people across all walks of life.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

At its core, The Inner Game of Tennis isn’t just about tennis.

It’s about what goes on inside your head when you’re trying to perform.

Whether in sports, work or life.

Gallwey offers a fresh perspective on focus, self-doubt and confidence.

His idea that your biggest opponent is often yourself rings true far beyond the tennis court.

He offers straightforward advice on quieting the chatter in your mind so you can perform at your best (without becoming overwhelmed or second-guessing yourself).

What I love is how simple Gallwey makes this tricky topic.

Instead of complicated psychology jargon, he breaks it down into clear ideas like “Self 1”(the part that tries to control and criticise) and “Self 2” (the part that knows how to execute).

It encourages trusting your body and instincts and letting go of your inner critic.

The exercises and stories are practical and easy to apply, making them helpful not only on the court but in any situation where self-doubt plays a role.

Practical Lessons

• Trust your natural ability: Overthinking often gets in the way. Often the best move is to stop trying so hard and let your body do what it already knows how to do. This helps you perform smoothly and confidently.

• Stay present: Focusing on past mistakes or future worries will only distract you. Bringing your attention back to the present helps you be your best moment by moment.

• Quiet the inner critic: The nagging voice inside your head will drain your confidence. Learning to recognise and calm that voice is crucial to performing better and most importantly, enjoying the process.

• Learning is a mental game: Improvement isn’t just about practicing more but about how you think while practicing. Patience and a relaxed mindset will speed up your progress.

• Observe without judgment: Watching how you perform with curiosity instead of harsh judgment helps you identify what really needs adjusting and keeps you motivated.

My Takeaway

The Inner Game of Tennis is not just for athletes.

It’s a guide to mastering any skill with less stress and more confidence.

Gallwey’s straightforward and calming approach made me rethink how I deal with pressure and my inner dialogue in everyday life.

This was the book that first made me aware of that nagging feeling of self-doubt and “not being enough”.

What many now call imposter syndrome, long before the term was popular.

It helped me understand how worrying wastes energy without moving you forward.

A powerful lesson for any young leader.

If you want a book that guides you to quiet your mind and unlock your potential, this is a really solid choice.

Got a recommendation?

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

The Lesson

You’ve likely heard the words, “Just stay positive” or “Look on the bright side” when life gets tough.

It’s generally said with good intentions (but this kind of advice can feel dismissive or isolating) like you’re supposed to sweep your real struggles under the rug.

This is what toxic positivity often looks like.

It shuts down honest feelings and conversations, creating distance just when connection matters most.

Fortunately, there’s a better way.

Something I refer to as genuine optimism.

Genuine optimism isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine.

It honours the full range of human emotions, making room for hope along with hardship.

When someone is struggling, genuine optimism says, “I see you. I care. I’m here to sit with you through this.”

It’s not cheerleading or rushing to fix things.

It’s about empathy, patience and encouragement.

Sometimes, the most supportive words are simple: “It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.”

True optimism sees the bumps in the road and believes we can work through them, instead of pretending they aren’t there.

It’s rooted in kindness.

Reminding someone that their feelings are valid, offering comfort or connection and sharing hope without pressure.

When you listen with genuine optimism, you might ask, “Would you like to talk about it, or maybe do something lighter?”

It offers choices and lets people take the lead.

Instead of steering the conversation away from pain, it gets closer, gently, with compassion.

Practical Lessons

Here’s what genuine optimism looks like in action:

• Listening without immediately trying to fix or judge

• Validating emotions instead of comparing pain

• Offering practical help or just companionship

• Being honest. Ssometimes things are tough, but you’re not alone

Showing up this way builds trust and creates relationships where people know they’re safe being their full selves, even on hard days.

It’s an ongoing practice, something we can offer to others and also extend to ourselves.

Things like holding space for our emotions, being patient as we move through them and trusting that hope isn’t lost just because it hides sometimes.

My Takeaway

To me, genuine optimism isn’t about denying difficulties.

It’s about facing life head-on (with kindness, humility and the belief that even in the darkest times, support and hope will shine through).

It’s about finding solutions rather than talking in circles about the problem itself.

It’s the difference between telling someone “you’ll get over it” and saying “Damn you’re strong, I’m here, let’s get through this together.”

This week, consider showing up for others (and yourself) with compassion first.

Ask what helps, listen deeply and remind everyone (including yourself) that all emotions matter.

That’s how we turn encouragement from a hollow phrase into a true lifeline.

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