See You in the Clouds

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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.

Bright Side in Brief

What’s covered this week?

• See You in the Clouds - How my Dad’s influence became my compass.

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

• Aron Ralston - Finding strength when there’s no way out.

• Bookmarks - Between a rock and a hard place by Aron Ralston

• A Bright Idea to Consider - Live by 3 simple rules.

• A Previous Post - Be mindful of how you approach time.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

This week, I’m letting you in a little closer to the stuff that really matters to me.

With Father’s Day upon us (well, in this part of the world anyway), I’ve been reflecting on the influences that shape us.

Especially the ones that test our strength and remind us who we are.

I’ll share some memories of my Dad, a pilot (and part-time comedian) who taught me to love adventure and embrace life.

Along with insights on how I’ve learned to carry both grief and gratitude together as one.

We also dive into the jaw-dropping story of Aaron Ralston.

The man who turned an impossible situation into a lesson in pure grit and hope.

If you’ve ever wondered what you’re capable of when life gets tough, his story is a must-read.

So, whether you’re honouring someone you miss, climbing your personal mountain, or just in need of a little inspiration, I hope you find something this week that lifts you.

Lastly, to all the Dads and father figures, thank you for your love and dedication in raising the next generation with strength and kindness.

Wishing you all a happy Father’s Day.

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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See You in the Clouds

How my Dad’s influence became my compass.

Father’s Day has always meant a lot to me, but in recent years, it carries a different kind of weight.

These days, I feel everything a little more sharply.

Gratitude, longing, pride, loss and love all tangled together.

Since losing my Dad suddenly in August 2019, I’ve come to understand that grief and gratitude can become companions.

Some days, they even walk hand in hand.

Don’t get me wrong.

I’m a proud father myself, with two kids who mean the world to me.

I’m also incredibly lucky to have several outstanding father figures who remain in my life, men I care for deeply and who continue to inspire me.

But nothing quite fills the space my Dad left behind.

Or matches the influence he had on the way I see the world.

If you’d told me six years ago how much life could change, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you.

I’ve weathered more loss and upheaval than I ever imagined possible.

But through each storm, the one constant has been his presence.

Sometimes in memory, sometimes in the lessons he taught me, always in the way he encouraged me to embrace adventure and live with an open heart.

He’s still with me, in more ways than I can count.

And as the years go by, I find myself returning to the gifts he left behind.

Not just about flying or travel.

But also resilience, love and how to keep moving forward when the ground drops out from under you.

The Pilot Who Taught Me to Soar

Some of my fondest childhood memories involved long summer flights up the Australian coast from Sydney to Cairns.

My younger sister and I, then four and six, clutching our boarding passes nervously, flying by ourselves to visit Dad in North Queensland.

It’s a bit like sending two kids on a flight from New York to Miami, or from London to Rome.

Just the two of us, wide-eyed and excited to depart on an adventure.

The flight attendants always fussed over us, sharing toys and snacks to keep us entertained throughout the journey.

We felt like little celebrities.

Everyone was smiling, sharing stories and making sure we were comfortable.

The best part?

Every year we got to visit the cockpit.

Back when that was still allowed.

I can still see the dials and levers.

Sunlight pouring through the windows and the pilot explaining how the plane stayed in the air.

It felt like stepping into a secret world.

As they spoke we were bursting we pride as we explained that our Dad was a pilot, too.

Dad was flying planes before he could drive a car.

He spent over 12 years of his life in the air.

Dusting crops and assisting farmers across the region while performing at airshows and the odd scenic flight on the side.

After my parents separated and he moved north, he made sure our bond remained strong.

Each visit, after arriving, we’d pile into his old ute (truck), dressed as though he’d come straight from work.

As we navigated the winding roads from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands, he told stories about wild landings and close calls to help us overcome any nervous energy.

Always with a twinkle in his eye.

But those flights weren’t just about seeing Dad.

They sparked my love for exploring and taught me to appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

A lesson I remain grateful for every day, as it has filled my life with countless experiences and memories.

Whether exploring new cultures, meeting diverse people, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, I’ve learned to savour every moment.

Even now, each time I step onto a plane, I’m transported back to those childhood moments.

The hum of the engines.

The thrill of taking off.

And the feeling that anything was possible.

I have him to thank for that.

Grief, Healing and Moving Forward

Almost six years ago, I answered a call nobody wants to receive.

Dad was missing.

He was flying solo from North Queensland to New Guinea for a job and went radio silent.

For two days, we waited, hoping for good news.

Then, finally, another call.

He’d been found, but we’d lost him in a tragic accident.

I was in disbelief.

Devastated and overwhelmed with grief.

The news hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me numb and struggling to process the reality of the situation.

Memories came flooding back, each a reminder of what had been lost.

How could this happen?

Why did this happen?

To such a skilled pilot?

To such an incredible person?

The world lost a gem that day.

I immediately flew home to Australia, spending the next month with close family.

Grief, especially the unexpected kind, is shocking and deeply disorienting.

I’ll be honest.

The first few months after losing Dad were a blur of tears and exhaustion.

I wanted to put on a brave face, but the truth is, I was trying to keep my head above water.

Organising his repatriation, planning the funeral, making sure everyone he meant so much to was supported.

I barely had time to catch my breath, let alone sit with my own grief.

It was a lot to take on.

But over time, I learned I needed to honour my emotions.

Not push them aside.

I learned to honour and celebrate him.

I learned to cherish the memories we shared and find strength in them.

Embracing my emotions allowed me to heal (and grow), transforming my grief into a source of inspiration and resilience.

Now, his memories bring more smiles than tears.

Now, I turn to him for inspiration during my most challenging times.

Whenever I catch myself thinking, “I can’t do that,” I remember his remarkable resilience.

He had a way of meeting adversity with quiet determination.

Never more so than in one moment that I’ll never forget.

In 1999, he suffered a heart attack while flying solo.

He managed to land the plane with his knees, get himself to the hospital and survive bypass surgery.

Read that again.

What a legend.

It’s a story that reminds me we’re all capable of more than we think.

For a period after his passing, every phone call felt like it could bring bad news.

I lived in a state of anxiety for a long time.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that grief is different for everyone.

It’s messy, unpredictable and deeply personal.

There’s no right way to do it, no timeline and no manual.

Any existing information comes purely from that individual’s experience and perspective.

So it’s important to remember that your path, is your path.

Healing involves transforming how we carry our pain, not erasing it.

For me, writing has been a lifeline.

Journaling helped me to process my emotions and reflect on what I was truly feeling.

If you’re struggling, I can’t recommend it enough.

Grab a notebook and just let your thoughts flow.

Resilience isn’t never breaking.

It’s rebuilding after each fall, learning from the experience and becoming stronger and wiser.

My Dad’s life, and his loss, taught me that.

If you’re facing something tough, here are a few things that have helped me greatly:

• Embrace change: Flexibility helps you to adapt.

• Focus on what you can control: Let go of the rest. It’s just noise.

• Keep perspective: Ask yourself how much this will matter in the long run.

• Reach out: Lean on your people, even if it feels awkward. Most people are great.

• Take care of yourself: Rest, move, eat well. Whatever helps you recharge.

• Stay hopeful: Even on the hardest days, hope keeps you moving forward.

Coming Full Circle

Looking back on my life and the places I've explored, I know his influence sparked my adventurous spirit.

He didn’t just teach me to appreciate the journey.

He made me fall in love with the world itself and the people within in.

These days, whenever I find myself in a new city or a far-off country.

I make a point to pause and acknowledge him.

Sometimes it’s a bustling café on a cobblestone street, sometimes it’s a quiet toast on a balcony after a day of exploring.

I picture the two of us swapping stories.

Laughing about the day’s moments and surprises.

Or just sitting in silence together as the world goes by.

It’s a small ritual, but it means everything to me.

In those moments, I feel gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had and acknowledge the ache of missing him.

A feeling deeper than I ever could have imagined.

The pain stems from knowing we lost him too soon.

It’s in the moments he has and will miss.

It’s in the stories of his personality I share with my kids that they’ll never experience firsthand.

A bittersweet reminder of the love that endures beyond time and a testament to his impact.

But I also feel comfort.

Knowing he’s with me everywhere I go.

His love of adventure, humour, curiosity and pure zest for life travel with me.

Woven into every journey.

And wherever life takes me next.

I’ll keep exploring with open eyes, an open heart and a quiet toast to the skies.

A New Perspective

Our past is a lesson, not a life sentence.

It shapes us, but it doesn’t define us.

If you’re navigating challenges right now, remember one thing.

Healing isn’t linear.

It’s a winding path filled with surprises and ups and downs.

Don’t shy away from feeling deeply, because resilience lies on the other side of grief.

Embrace the journey and the lessons it brings.

Of all the advice I’ve received in this realm, learning to acknowledge and experience my emotions has been crucial.

It allows you to understand yourself better, build resilience and develop healthier relationships with others.

Suppressing your emotions won't eliminate them.

They resurface in new ways because your body will remember what your mind tries to forget.

Oh, and no matter what you are going through.

Also, remember this: you are not alone.

Countless others are quietly walking this path with you, and together, we can find strength in our shared experiences.

Let’s honour those we’ve lost by living fully and authentically.

One day at a time.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

I’ll see you in the clouds.

If any part of this story resonates with you, or if you want to share your own, I’d love to hear from you.

Bright Reads

Interesting insights to ignite your inner optimist.

• Mindfulness doesn't work on you? Try optimism.

• Crafty cockatoos learn to use public drinking fountains.

• Why do frozen drinks give you brain freeze?

• Spend one minute in a variety of parks across the globe.

• Renewable energy hits 32% of global electricity in 2024.

Aron Ralston

Finding strength when there’s no way out

Imagine being trapped alone in a canyon.

An 800-pound boulder has trapped your arm.

Miles from help.

What would you do?

This week, we dive into the extraordinary story of Aron Ralston.

A man who redefined what it means to never give up and whose courage has inspired countless others to face their own challenges.

I only recently saw the movie 127 Hours for the first time, which also prompted me to read his book ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’.

So I may be a little late to the party on this one.

But honestly, the timing doesn’t matter.

Better late than never.

The power of his experience(and the message it carries) hit just as hard.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Literally

In April 2003, Aron Ralston, an experienced outdoorsman and climber, set out for a solo adventure in Utah’s Blue John Canyon.

He was chasing the thrill of the wild.

The kind of freedom you only feel with red rock walls towering above and silence surrounding you.

But in a split second, everything changed.

As Aron scrambled down a narrow slot, a massive boulder shifted, pinning his right arm against the canyon wall.

He was stuck.

No cell service.

No one knew where he was.

He had only a little water, two burritos, and a cheap pocket knife.

Most people would’ve panicked.

Aron admits he did, too.

At first.

But then he did something remarkable, he focused on what he could control.

He rationed his food and water.

He tried every trick he could think of to free his arm.

He even had the resolve to record goodbye messages to his family on his video camera.

Through it all, he held on to one of life’s most powerful forces:

Hope.

Regularly envisioning his escape and a triumphant return to his loved ones.

As the days dragged on, Aron’s situation grew more desperate.

Dehydration, hypothermia, and the very real possibility that he wouldn’t make it out alive.

Despite this, his will to survive never faded.

I also wonder why someone would take two burritos on a hike, but that's a question for another day.

The Ultimate Act of Courage

On the sixth day, he had no options left.

Ralston made a decision that would change his life forever.

He performed a self-amputation using his pocketknife to free himself from the boulder.

It’s almost impossible to imagine the courage and determination that would take.

“I chose to live,” he later said.

That choice, made in the darkest of circumstances, makes his story unforgettable.

After freeing himself, he still had to rappel down a 65-foot cliff and hike several miles before finally encountering a family who helped save his life.

Against all odds, he made it out.

After such a traumatic experience, you might think Aron would never want to talk about that canyon again.

But instead, he’s spent his life sharing his story.

Through his bestselling book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and the film 127 Hours, which brought his story to the world.

He’s become a motivational speaker, using his experience to inspire others to face their own challenges with courage and optimism.

His story has led to greater awareness about outdoor safety, responsible solo hiking practices and even inspired changes in emergency response protocols.

Aron didn’t just survive.

He thrived.

He went back to climbing, became the first person to solo all of Colorado’s fourteeners in winter, and even helped design his own prosthetic arm.

He’s used his platform to promote outdoor safety and to encourage others to never give up.

No matter how impossible things seem.

The Other Side of the Story: Lessons in Preparation

Ralston’s ordeal is inspiring, but it’s also a cautionary tale.

Many outdoor experts say that his confidence and experience led to his problem.

He didn’t tell anyone where he was going, brought minimal supplies and didn’t carry a phone or satellite device.

His story may have ended differently if he’d let someone know his plans or packed more water and a way to call for help.

Perhaps with a timely rescue and certainly without the need for such extreme measures.

Ralston himself has been candid about this.

He’s spoken openly about how his overconfidence and lack of preparation led to his predicament and he now uses his platform to advocate for outdoor safety.

As he once put it, “I did everything wrong, but I did one thing right: I didn’t give up.”

Lessons From Aron Ralston

Aron’s story isn’t just about survival.

It’s about the power of the human spirit.

It’s about what happens when you refuse to let circumstances define you.

He reminds us that even when we’re stuck, both literally or figuratively, there’s always a way forward.

If we dare to keep going, that is.

• Resilience isn’t about never falling - it’s about getting back up, no matter how hard it is. We are stronger than we think.

• Optimism can be a lifeline - even in the darkest moments, it has the power to light a path forward, offering hope and resilience when everything else seems uncertain.

• We are all capable of more than we imagine - when pushed to our limits, we discover strengths and abilities we never knew we had. This realisation can lead to a deeper understanding of your potential.

• Turning adversity into purpose helps others find their strength - A light that guides the way, proving that difficulties can become chances to grow and become stronger.

My Takeaway

Ralston’s story is a jaw-dropping reminder that we all have untapped reserves of strength inside us.

They often lie dormant until we’re truly put to the test.

His journey shows that resilience isn’t about never feeling fear or doubt.

It’s about facing those moments head-on and choosing to keep going anyway.

Whether you’re up against a tough week, a personal setback, or something life-changing, Aron’s example proves that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things.

Don’t give up.

Keep moving yourself forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.

Trust that you have what it takes to make it through, even when the odds seem impossible.

Sometimes, it’s only when we’re forced to dig deep that we discover just how strong, resourceful and courageous we can be.

So, what’s the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

How did you find the strength to overcome it?

Maybe you’re still in the middle of it right now.

If so, take heart from Aron’s story.

Sometimes, the way out isn’t easy or obvious, but it’s always worth fighting for.

Your breakthrough could be just around the corner.

Bookmarks

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

by Aron Ralston

After recently watching the intense film 127 Hours, Aron Ralston’s story stuck with me.

I had to dive straight into his book and it didn’t disappoint.

The book goes far beyond the movie.

Giving you a front-row seat to the journey that led to that life-changing moment.

Why the Book Stands Out

The movie captures the intense, life-or-death moment when Aron was trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon.

But the book?

It’s like sitting down with Aron himself and hearing the full story.

His mindset, his fears, his hopes and the years leading up to that fateful day.

You get the full picture of who he is, not just the survival moment.

Ralston’s writing is raw and honest.

He doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or the tough choices he faced.

Also diving deep into what kept him going.

His love for the outdoors, his determination and the will to survive.

His book also explores how that experience changed him afterward.

Physically, mentally and emotionally.

What Makes It Worth Your Time

• More Than a Survival Story: It’s a journey through resilience, self-reliance and the human spirit.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insight: You get to know Aron beyond the headlines and the movie dramatisation

• Life Lessons: This story is packed with reflections on risk, responsibility and what it means to face your limits.

• Inspiring and Thought-Provoking: It challenges you to think about how you handle adversity and what you’re capable of when pushed to the edge.

My Takeaway

This read felt like an intimate conversation with someone who faced unimaginable odds and came out the other side with a new perspective on life.

It’s not only about the dramatic moment of survival.

It’s about the quiet strength, the moments of doubt and the fierce determination that carried Aron through.

If you’re looking for a powerful story about resilience and the human spirit, Aron’s book is a must-read.

It’s a reminder that even in the toughest situations, strength comes from within.

And sometimes, that’s enough to change everything.

Got a recommendation?

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

A Bright Idea to Consider

Live by 3 Simple Rules

The Lesson

When it comes to building strong relationships.

Whether it be with friends, family or partners.

Words matter, but action matters more.

There are three simple rules that can turn good intentions into real connection:

Love needs action. Trust needs proof. Sorry needs change.

Let’s go a little deeper into each one and look at some easy ways to put them into practice.

Love Needs Action

Love isn’t just something we say, it’s something we do.

It’s easy to say “I love you,” but what really counts is how you show up for people.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures.

A quick check-in, a thoughtful note, a helping hand, that make the biggest impact.

Love grows through everyday actions that say, “You matter to me.”

Try this:

• Show up for the people you care about, even if it’s just a quick call or message.

• Do small things that make someone’s day, like leaving a note or helping with a task.

• Listen fully, put away distractions and really hear what someone is saying.

• Express appreciation and tell people what you love or admire about them.

Trust Needs Proof

Trust is built, not given.

It’s about being reliable, keeping our promises and showing up even when it’s inconvenient.

Trust doesn’t come from grand declarations.

It comes from steady, consistent actions over time.

Every time you follow through, you’re adding another brick to the foundation of trust.

Try this:

• Keep your promises, no matter how small.

• Be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Show up consistently and act in line with your values.

• If you make a mistake, own it and make it right.

Sorry Needs Change

A true apology is more than just words.

Saying “I’m sorry” is important but what really matters is what happens next.

If you want your apology to mean something, let your actions show it.

Make a change, however small, to show you’ve learned and are committed to doing better.

Try this:

• Be specific about what you’re sorry for and acknowledge the impact.

• Ask what you can do differently to make things right.

• Make a concrete plan for change, even if it’s just one small step.

• Follow through and show, over time, that you’re committed to doing better.

My Takeaway

These three rules are simple but they challenge us to be genuine and accountable.

They remind us that real connection isn’t about perfection.

It’s about putting in the effort, day after day.

When you back up your words with action, you create relationships built on trust and respect.

When you prove your trustworthiness, you invite others to trust you in return.

And when your apologies lead to real change, you show that you value growth over ego.

This week, try choosing one of these rules and putting it into practice.

Maybe it’s a small act of love, a promise kept, or a change made after a heartfelt “I’m sorry.”

Notice how these small shifts can deepen your connections and bring more meaning to your relationships.

Which of these three rules speaks to you most right now?

I’d love to hear how you’re living them out.

A previous post …

Positively Hilarious

A quick laugh as we part ways this week.

Daily Gratitude Journal

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Start (or end) each day with a moment of reflection and positivity.

As you develop daily your 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?

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