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Oasis in the Rain
The night music became a living, breathing force.
Chris Alders
September 14th, 2025
In partnership with
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: 15-20 minutes.
Oasis in the Rain - The night music became a living, breathing force.
Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.
Mel Robbins - Turning hesitation into action in 5 seconds.
Elevated Viewing - Get Back (Disney+).
A Bright Idea to Consider - Choosing to lead with your higher self.
A Previous Post - Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.
Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.
Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️
I’m glad you’re here.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to experience Oasis’ 2025 comeback tour.
It was a powerful reminder of how music can unite and inspire hope even after years of ups and downs.
We humans, we love a redemption story.
Following that, we explore Mel Robbins’s simple yet transformative “5 Second Rule” that helps turn hesitation into action.
And if you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in one of the world’s greatest bands, Get Back offers an intimate look at The Beatles’ creative highs and lows.
Let’s dive into these stories that celebrate connection, resilience and the everyday magic of showing up.
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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After 16 years, the brothers reunite on stage in Cardiff. (Image sourced from Billboard.com)
I love music.
On so many levels.
Among the many shows I’ve attended over the years, few have moved me as deeply as the Oasis comeback in Toronto 2 weeks ago.
This was more than just a reunion or nostalgia trip.
It was a raw, joyful testament to optimism, unity and the power of music to bring people together.
Let me be clear from the start: Oasis isn’t overrated.
They are rated.
Music is deeply subjective, you either feel it or you don’t.
Judging those tastes only cuts off possibilities for connection and joy.
This tour showed me why embracing that fact matters.
Music is life.
Live it.
You don’t have to be a die-hard Oasis fan to appreciate what they’ve pulled off.
As a band they’ve weathered plenty of storms and, most importantly, own their (many) mistakes.
That kind of accountability is rare and real, and it lays the foundation for fresh beginnings.
For decades, Oasis was as much defined by their music as by their brotherly feuds and splits that kept fans guessing if and when they’d ever reunite.
Many thought this tour was impossible.
A pipe dream in a fractured band’s history.
Yet here we are, witnessing a comeback born not from nostalgia, but from hard-earned forgiveness and growth.
A lesson we should all absorb.
The band’s willingness to confront their past and come together authentically makes this reunion profoundly human.
It shows us that healing isn’t easy, but it’s possible.
And that forgiveness can unlock new chapters filled with hope and connection.
This tour isn’t solely about reviving the past though.
Moreso embracing what it takes to move forward.
Becoming stronger, together, through the messy, beautiful complexity of being human.
“I’m completely blown away — everyone is. Every night feels like the crowd’s first experience, you know what I mean? It’s been genuinely incredible... It’s fantastic to be back playing with Liam. I had forgotten how enjoyable he is.”
The Rainstorm
Standing side by side with my friends at the first Toronto show, we were part of a 50,000 strong crowd that felt like one single, united soul.
We were just people, united by something bigger, shared joy and presence.
How do I know?
Because a torrential rainstorm swept over us, drenching everyone to the bone.
Yet not a single person left.
The rain swept through during the show and could easily have washed away the atmosphere.
It did the opposite.
Fans sang louder, danced harder and connected deeper.
The pure joy of that crowd, drenched but undeterred, was electrifying.
The epic performance of "Live Forever" in the driving rain is a moment that will remain a vivid memory as long as I live.
I managed to find this video to share, but no photo, video or exaggerated story could ever do this show justice.
It was epic.
You had to be there.
So friggin’ good.
I took a few photos before the show, capturing the buzz in anticipation of the show.
But the moment the brothers hit the stage, my phone remained lodged in my pocket.
I was fully there.
Every second etched in memory.
That kind of presence is priceless.
This wasn’t just Oasis returning after 16 years.
It was a rallying cry for hope when the world feels uncertain.
Their sound felt more alive than ever.
Their message as relevant as it was in their heyday.
Resonating with both longtime fans and a new generation.
Early on the crowd screamed the chorus to “Acquiesce” with unbridled energy.
50,000 fans screaming “Because we need each other, we believe in one another.”
Those words echoed through every note.
“A rain-soaked night in Toronto became a communal liberation as thousands sang and danced together under the storm.”
The Unstoppable Power of Togetherness
At that Toronto show, the crowd’s emotional release was overwhelming.
Rain tumbling down, soaking everyone, yet no one stopped singing.
It felt like the sky itself applauded.
“Live Forever”, a hit from their first album was written as a weapon against the darkness of the 90s grunge scene, an anthem written to celebrate life amidst despair.
Hearing thousands in song with teary voices was a powerful display of shared hope.
The unpredictable energy was electric.
Liam Gallagher was at his quirky best.
Yelling random words, balancing instruments on his head, bringing a chaotic humanity that no AI or algorithm could ever mimic.
The stadium became what felt like the world's largest pub singalong.
A massive human chorus of voices, in the relentless, driving rain.
It was perfect.
A Message Beyond Music
This tour celebrates something that is becoming more and more rare.
Pure human connection.
Here, no one cared where you came from, who you loved, or how you voted.
Everyone was invited to be themselves and revel in shared music.
No one cared how they looked, or how they sounded.
They just danced and sang like no one was watching.
The crowd’s mix was beautiful. Everything from 90s veterans to young first-time fans, all united.
Parents with kids, teenagers screaming lyrics, grown men openly emotional.
It was a moment that proved music’s irreplaceable power to break down walls.
The show was pure rock at its core.
No frills, no gimmicks, no flashy distractions.
Just classic songs delivered with raw, honest passion.
No dancers or big stage tricks trying to grab attention.
They just let the music do the talking.
And wow, did it tell one hell of a story.
Having lived in the UK during Oasis’s peak.
I expected passion at the UK shows but remained skeptical about North America.
Toronto blew those doubts away.
The energy, emotion and shared joy were undeniable.
The rain felt like a cleansing ritual, easing up as they delivered classic after classic.
Everything from “Don’t Look Back in Anger” to “Champagne Supernova” uplifting us beyond time.
Now that the show is behind us, my wife and kids can finally catch a break from Oasis playing nonstop.
Well, at least for a bit.
But music is life.
Live it.
Choosing Optimism: Simple lessons from Oasis
Oasis and this tour embody optimism.
Not as naive hope, but as a deliberate choice to live fully.
With our eyes wide open and hearts engaged.
But optimism isn’t just a feeling that comes and goes, it’s a practice.
Here’s what I’ve learned from this experience that may help you embrace it too:
Be Present: Let go of all distractions. Put down your phone, stop rehearsing your worries and fully engage in what is happening right now. Life is lived in moments & experiences.
Own Your Story: Oasis has made mistakes (many), but owning them openly made their comeback authentic and powerful. We all stumble at times. What matters is taking responsibility and learning rather than hiding or blaming.
Choose Connection Over Division. It doesn’t matter who you love, where you’re from, or what you believe. Life’s magic comes from embracing differences and celebrating what unites us. Because we need each other, we believe in one another.
Position Yourself for Opportunities. Optimism opens doors, but you still need to step through them. Show up where life is happening, take chances and make space for possibility.
Celebrate Small Victories. Not every day will be spectacular, but every moment you choose optimism is a win. Like thousands singing together, small acts of shared joy accumulate into something life-changing.
This show and global tour is a strong reminder that optimism fuels hope.
It fuels creativity and solutions when uncertainty looms.
It is a choice to lean into life and find meaning in connection.
And to keep moving forward.
No matter what.
Embracing optimism isn’t easy at times, but it’s the most powerful way to live.
To not only endure, but to thrive.
Oasis reminded me what that looks like in its most vivid, joyful form.
“These shows aren’t about being cool or fancy. It’s about singing loud, being fully alive and sharing something that lasts beyond the music.”
My Takeaway
If there’s one thing this experience made crystal clear, it’s that we crave connection and moments to celebrate life together.
We need these bursts of release and joy as much as we need breath itself.
Music has the power to break down walls and lift spirits.
To unite us beyond our differences.
It reminds us of who we are at our core.
Human beings seeking meaning, hope and belonging.
Music is a force that moves souls, heals wounds and sparks revolutions of the heart.
While our world can often feel fractured and fast, music slows us down.
It brings us close.
It is the ultimate messenger of our shared humanity, speaking truths that no words alone can capture.
Embrace life with passion, love with intensity and always remember the profound impact music has in transforming our lives.
There’s a soundtrack for every mood.
Every moment has its melody, and every experience is enhanced by the rhythm that accompanies it.
Whether it's the gentle strum of a guitar during quiet reflection or the upbeat tempo of a dance track that lifts our spirits.
Music is a universal language that connects us all.
So turn it up, sing loud and live loud.
If you have the means and access to experience this tour, I encourage you to make it happen.
Because music isn’t just life.
It’s the heartbeat that connects us all.
“Oasis, holy crap, was really back. And it was, against all odds, better than you could have hoped for … Noel sings lines like he is levitating and for a split second, the entire audience seems to be levitating, too”.
Want proof of the atmosphere? Trust me, check out the crowd as they took the stage:
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Helping someone who’s grieving.
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Mel Robbins - born 6th October 1968 - Kansas City, USA.
5-4-3-2-1 …
What if the secret to transforming your life is as simple as counting down from five?
If there’s one thing Mel Robbins teaches?
It’s that the biggest breakthroughs come when we take the most straightforward, no-nonsense approach to our problems.
But don’t let that simplicity fool you.
Mel’s story is packed with grit, challenges and an unwavering determination to rewrite her life script.
Before becoming a powerhouse motivational speaker, bestselling author and coach, Mel faced her own share of tough times.
Battling financial challenges, overwhelm, anxiety and insecurity.
She found herself stuck, unsure how to move forward despite her knowledge and lofty ambitions.
The moment everything changed?
When she discovered the power of a simple habit.
The “5 Second Rule”.
Not the 5 second rule you’re used to though, she created a technique that turns hesitation into action.
“What I’ve learned the hard way is that having the courage to pursue your dreams is way more important than actually achieving them.”
The 5 Second Rule: Your Life’s New Secret Weapon
At the core of Mel’s message is a deceptively simple rule.
When you have an instinct to act on a goal or a desire, you must physically move within five seconds or your brain will kill the idea.
That’s it.
Five seconds to break the habit loop of procrastination, doubt or fear.
And take action.
Let’s try an example.
Say you’re hesitant to get out of bed when your alarm rings.
Instead of scrolling your phone or snoozing, you count down 5-4-3-2-1 and immediately swing your legs over the side and stand up.
Job done.
You’re also very unlikely to return to bed after that point.
Or imagine you want to start a difficult conversation?
You count down and pick up the phone right away without letting fear stop you.
As Mel explains, our brains are wired to protect us, creating excuses and overthinking to avoid discomfort.
The 5 Second Rule interrupts that process.
Giving us a tiny window to act before doubt creeps in.
It doesn’t require motivation (which is unreliable) but a simple push to build momentum and grow your confidence.
Her book The 5 Second Rule exploded in popularity, selling millions of copies worldwide.
It’s readers have transformed into an enthusiastic community that have reclaimed control over their lives.
One five-second countdown at a time.
More Than Just a Rule: Mel’s Larger Mission
While the 5 second rule thrust her into the spotlight, Robbins is more than a single-idea coach.
She is an all-encompassing source of motivation, one who encourages facing discomfort and imperfection head-on.
Whether she’s helping new mums navigate anxiety, leaders at career crossroads, or anyone wanting to break free from self-sabotage, her message is clear.
You don’t have to be perfect to start and you don’t have to wait to feel ready.
Her speaking style is sprinkled with humour, relatable stories and practical exercises that have made her a favorite on TEDx, Netflix specials and countless high-profile corporate events.
Beyond the 5 Second Rule though, her empowering presence comes from sharing her own, very human story.
Navigating panic attacks.
Overcoming a difficult divorce.
Wrestling with self-doubt.
But still choosing to leap despite uncertainty.
Honesty and courage are a powerful combination.
“Your life will take you to remarkable places if you believe in your abilities and encourage yourself to keep moving forward.”
Career Highlights and Recognition
Robbins has become a global phenomenon in the realm of personal growth and motivation.
She hosts The Mel Robbins Podcast, one of the world’s most successful and award-winning podcasts, with millions of listeners worldwide.
Her books have been translated into over 60 languages, including bestselling titles such as The 5 Second Rule, The High 5 Habit, and her latest, The Let Them Theory, which became Amazon’s bestselling book of 2025 shortly after it’s release.
She’s been recognised as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential Digital Voices and was honoured on the Forbes 50 Over 50 list.
Her content production company, 143 Studios, produces award-winning media and educational content for major partners like Starbucks, Audible and LinkedIn.
USA Today described her as “a force to be reckoned with,” while The Wall Street Journal dubbed her a “billion-view podcaster.”
All of this cements her status as one of the most respected experts in mindset, behaviour change and life improvement today.
Practical Lessons from Mel Robbins
Action shrinks fear: When fear or hesitation strikes, don’t wait for comfort. Count down 5-4-3-2-1 and just move. Action, however small, deflates anxiety.
Progress over perfection: You don’t have to nail it the first time or have everything figured out. Starting imperfectly builds momentum and confidence to keep going.
Focus on habits, not motivation: Motivation is fleeting. Habits, triggered by simple frameworks like the 5 Second Rule, create lasting change.
Own your narrative: Don’t let fear or limiting beliefs dictate your life. You’re the author of your own story and every choice rewrites the future.
Self-compassion fuels resilience: Hold yourself accountable, yes. But with kindness. Celebrate progress, forgive setbacks and keep showing up.
My Takeaway
Mel Robbins is a reminder that sometimes it’s the simplest ideas are exactly what we need to reclaim control and courage in our lives.
Life isn’t complicated.
We are.
Her magic doesn’t live within complicated psychology terms or lofty goals.
It comes from offering practical, accessible tools to anyone who's ever felt stuck or unsure.
This is how I actively choose to approach new challenges, and have done so for many years now.
With an open mind and a willingness to learn from every experience.
Imagine what could happen if (every time hesitation creeps in) you actually started moving within five seconds.
No more endless worrying or doubting.
Suddenly, choices become less paralysing.
Moments become opportunities and you become your own catalyst for change.
Her story shows that behind every confident voice is a person who’s wrestled with doubt, pain and fear.
But chose action anyway.
Courage, Mel reminds us, isn’t the absence of fear but moving forward despite it.
So here’s a challenge for you?
What five-second move can you make today to push your life forward?
It won’t solve everything overnight, but it just might spark the change you’ve been waiting for.
"The time is now. Stop hitting the snooze button on your life."
Want to hear more from Mel? Check out this 11 minute video:
Strength training made for this stage of life.
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If you thought you knew The Beatles, Get Back will surprise you.
It offers a fresh, intimate look at their turbulent (but brilliant) final months.
This nearly eight-hour documentary pulls back the curtain on their creative process during one of their most challenging, and iconic, periods.
It reveals candid moments that are both endearing and revealing, making it perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Get Back goes beyond the usual greatest-hits narrative, which is rare because they have so many hits.
Directed by Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), it presents snippets from over 50 hours of unseen footage from January 1969.
Capturing The Beatles as they rehearsed, bickered, laughed and ultimately crafted the iconic album, Let It Be, followed by a rooftop concert.
What makes it special is the raw, unfiltered portrayal of their band dynamics.
Displaying their creativity, friendship and the pressures that surface with immense fame.
I’ve always had an affiliation with British music.
Why?
Because it’s just so damn good.
The Beatles were a phenomenon.
Years ahead of their time.
Producing some of the most iconic albums and songs ever, all in such a short period.
It’s wild to think they were only together as a band for nine years.
Every time I visit Liverpool for a football game, I find myself wandering through The Beatles museum and rocking out to live music in bars along Mathew Street.
This documentary deepens that awe by taking you inside those final months together.
What Makes It Stand Out
Jackson’s restoration work delivers stunning clarity in both visuals and sound, making the experience quite immersive.
You’re not just a spectator.
It’s like being in the room with John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Witnessing songwriting sessions, playful exchanges and the occasional frustration.
For Beatles fans, it provides incredible moments like the first live performance of “Get Back” and their iconic rooftop gig.
But beyond music lovers.
It’s a story about collaboration, creative struggles and how a band on the brink of breaking up managed to come together one last time.
You see what I did there?
I’ll see myself out, thanks.
Practical Lessons
Amid the chords and conversations, they deliver countless lessons about creativity and collaboration that are worth noting:
Creativity is messy: Great art often emerges through conflict, trial, error and patience. Not just inspiration and smooth sailing.
Teamwork matters: Despite their differences, The Beatles kept pushing forward, a reminder that collaboration can survive through challenge and tension.
Spontaneity can lead to greatness: The rooftop concert was a last-minute idea and became one of music history’s most legendary performances.
Pressure of legacy: Fame and expectation weighed heavily on them, yet they found ways to keep the music alive and vibrant.
The humanity behind legends: The documentary humanises these global icons, exposing their humour, flaws, vulnerability and genius side by side.
My Takeaway
Get Back strips away the myth of effortless genius.
As a result, it reveals the real, often messy work behind The Beatles’ creativity.
Watching them wrestle with doubts and immense pressure reminded me that no matter how talented we are, breakthroughs require patience, resilience and the courage to face discomfort.
Head on.
Their story is a masterclass in how relationships, struggles and persistence can shape great art.
What lingers most is the humanity beneath the legend.
Four individuals trying to create together despite tension and uncertainty.
As the final rooftop notes fade, you're left reflecting not just on an era-defining band, but on a deeper truth.
That meaningful creation demands vulnerability and perseverance.
Get Back is an invitation to embrace imperfection.
To navigate forward through conflict and keep pushing toward something greater.
No matter the odds.
“Any random 10-minute stretch of this documentary is crammed with quotable quotes and musical details ... It’s a vivid look at their creative process and the complex dynamics that shaped some of the greatest songs ever.”
Want to hear from Peter Jackson himself? Check out his interview with Variey:
Got a recommendation?
Please share; I'm always keen for great suggestions.
The Lesson
Every day, we face a choice.
Do we let our “ego self” take the lead, or do we listen to our “higher self”?
This might sound like spiritual jargon but it really boils down to two very real ways we experience and respond to life.
The ego self can often be our toughest critic.
It complains about everything, focuses mainly on mistakes (sometimes blowing them out of proportion) and traps us in a scarcity mindset.
The belief that time, energy or resources are always limited.
When the ego runs the show, it’s easy to slip into a victim mentality and feel powerless in the face of circumstances.
This mindset keeps us stuck in frustration and negativity, blinding us to possibilities and joy.
Not ideal.
In contrast, the higher self leads with gratitude and openness.
Even in tough moments, it finds reasons to be thankful and spots small joys that the ego misses.
It sees mistakes not as failures but as chances to learn and grow.
This mindset invites abundance, the belief that opportunities and resources are plentiful even when it doesn’t seem that way.
Importantly, the higher self takes accountability, recognising that while we can’t control everything, we do have the power to influence our reality through our choices and attitude.
Why does this matter?
Because the voice we choose to listen to shapes how we navigate our life each day.
When the ego dominates, we can become stuck in negativity loops that drain our energy (and shrink our potential).
Flip the coin though.
When we step into our higher self?
We grow more resilient, more empowered and ready to turn challenges into opportunities.
Practical ways to connect with your higher self:
First, notice your thoughts: Are you mostly complaining or finding faults, or looking for solutions and hope? Awareness is the first step.
Create a habit of gratitude: Even finding one small thing to appreciate each day can shift your perspective.
See mistakes and setbacks as teachers, not proof you’ve failed: Ask yourself, “What’s this teaching me?”
Challenge scarcity thinking: When you think “There’s not enough,” try spotting where abundance already exists. In relationships, skills and chances.
Take ownership of your choices: Instead of blaming others or circumstances, focus on what you can do to shape the life you want.
My Takeaway
In my opinion, choosing your higher self isn’t denying challenges but meeting them head-on.
With kindness, humility and the trust that support and hope shine even in dark times.
This shift can be tough.
Especially when our ego self is loud, persistent and loves the spotlight.
But the more we tune in, the more natural it becomes.
It creates a foundation for living authentically and fully, grounded in hope & possibility rather than fear.
This week, try noticing which self you listen to more often.
Then lean into the higher self a little more.
The difference it makes in how you feel (and move) through life can be quite profound.
Even small changes in mindset or habits lead to significant improvements in overall well-being and outlook.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
🖊️ - Lao Tzu 🔅
— Chris | The Brighter Side of Everything (@thebsofe)
11:21 AM • Aug 22, 2025
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