The Last Seconds Before Midnight

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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.

• The Last Seconds Before Midnight - Gratitude in a messy, beautiful world.

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

• Dean Karnazes - Redefining what’s possible.

• Now Spinning - Dime by Serebii.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - 7 types of rest.

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

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

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

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

This week we’re exploring the strength that sits behind gratitude.

So, let’s start by saying a big thank you to you.

For being here, for reading and for choosing optimism as a path.

You’re the reason I keep writing and for that, I’m really grateful.

We also draw inspiration from Dean Karnazes.

The ultrarunner who shows us that the only limits are those we put on ourselves.

Plus, I’m excited to share a new favourite album, perfect for chilling out or getting yourself into that deep work flow.

It’s important to remember that sometimes, the right mindset (and the right tunes) can take you further than you think.

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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Lately, I’ve come to see gratitude not just as comfort, but as strength.

A way to stand firm when the world feels chaotic and uncertain.

Whether it’s the recent anniversary of my mum’s passing, the relentless barrage of troubling headlines, or the raw learning that comes with age, I keep returning to this:

It takes courage to choose hope.

It takes courage to recognise beauty and to let gratitude fuel you through adversity.

Perspective

Consider this.

If the entire history of the universe were shrunk down to a single day.

Humans would appear only for the last four seconds before midnight.

That’s wild to think about.

In the vastness of 13.7 billion years, our time here has been a fleeting moment.

Yet, during those few cosmic seconds we carry the privilege (and the responsibility) to connect, to learn and to leave something meaningful behind.

This perspective is a call to action.

For us to value every second and act deliberately.

Amid a constant barrage of conflict, inequality, climate change and uncertainty, choosing gratitude is the strongest form of protest against indifference.

It’s a bold refusal to allow despair to define us.

There isn’t a day that I don’t feel an unyielding gratitude, in some way.

It rarely arrives in a grand way.

More often, it’s a small, fierce moment.

A smile from my daughter.

An unexpected message from someone I love.

A laugh that breaks through the weight of the day.

They each remind me that connection remains the heart of our humanity.

Connection

I recall a moment many years ago at a drive-through.

When the person in front of us generously prepaid for a drink for my wife and I.

No reason, other than kindness.

There was no fanfare, no words exchanged, just a quiet generosity that caught me off guard and lifted my spirits.

These small, effortless acts remind me how goodness persists.

Goodness?

Yeah, let’s go with goodness 😃 

Often in its softest, most surprising forms.

Being grateful doesn’t mean walking through life blind to its hardships or pretending relationships are problem free.

There will be struggles and pain.

Friendships will ebb and flow.

Some days will feel overwhelming.

Yet, even in the darkest moments, many people quietly exist in a world that is less harsh, more hopeful.

It’s a remarkable thing to be alive today.

In an era where we can reach across the globe in seconds, with access to boundless creativity and knowledge.

Yes, the pace can overwhelm us at times.

But this flood of connection can also spread kindness, ideas and understanding faster than ever before.

If we choose to use it that way, that is.

Sometimes, I question if genuine connection can survive this generation, but then it appears.

A thoughtful message, a song that has me singing out loud, a memory that shifts my view.

These reminders prove that, no matter the noise, the core of humanity endures.

That hunger for connection, joy, laughter and the assurance that someone else stands with us.

I try to lean into connection as much as I can, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Sending a message, sharing a laugh, reaching out in small ways.

Both giving and receiving fuel resilience and remind us we’re not alone.

Very few people I meet, whether for a brief moment or decades, fail to broaden my perspective.

Friends who challenge me.

Family, whose love can be complex.

Colleagues, mentors and strangers who prove that decency still shapes our world.

We shape each other in ways we rarely see.

A brief comment can shift our thinking.

A hand on the shoulder can keep us from turning away.

Another person’s example can inspire courage and presence.

Gratitude

Today, we face information overload.

Polarised views and challenges that can encourage cynicism.

Making it easy to lose sight of what remains good.

Yet gratitude’s quiet power centres us.

It draws our focus back to small, enduring truths beyond the chaos.

Because gratitude, I’ve learned, is more than feeling thankful.

It’s a stance of courage.

It asks us to notice the good even when it’s tempting to overlook it.

To marvel at ordinary kindness and recognise the profound impact it can have on another person.

My most treasured memories, the ones that stay with me, rarely involve possessions.

They tend to be moments, with others, and the light they bring.

Choosing Gratitude When It’s Hard

Even when life feels heavy, keeping a heart open to gratitude is powerful.

Here are some lessons that help you stand firm and choose appreciation in difficult times:

1. Notice the Small Moments
   Gratitude hides in everyday details. A smile, a kind word. Train yourself to pause and really see these moments, especially when times are tough.

2. Practice Quiet Thanks
   Appreciation need not always be spoken out loud. Sometimes, a mental nod to the good around you is enough to shift your mindset toward resilience.

3. Lean Into Connection
   Reach out in small ways. A message, a shared laugh, a note. Both giving and receiving kindness build strength and remind us we’re not alone.

4. Accept Imperfection
   Life and people are flawed. If they weren’t, how boring would life be? Choosing gratitude means embracing others as they are and facing the messy reality of human connection with courage.

5. Pay It Forward
   When kindness touches you, let it inspire you. Extend that kindness to others. This ripple effect strengthens the bonds that hold firm through hard times.

6. Create a Ritual
   Whether journaling what you’re thankful for, sharing reflections or pausing daily, find a simple practice that keeps your gratitude alive and active.

My Takeaway

None of us are perfect.

We all have flaws and experience hardship.

Yet even in imperfection, we keep choosing to support and lift each other up.

That’s what makes gratitude a powerful act.

An act of resilience that refuses to surrender.

It’s easy to be grateful when things are good, though it takes strength and courage to be thankful when life is challenging.

Embracing gratitude during difficult times transforms our perspective.

If you let it.

It helps us find solutions, silver linings and maintain hope.

Even in adversity.

Sometimes, words fail to capture the depth of my thankfulness.

Think about it?

How do you properly thank someone for being steady when your world feels shaky?

For making life possible when it feels impossible?

Perhaps the answer is simple.

Show up.

Pay kindness forward.

Not because it’s owed, but because it is human.

So here’s my hope.

That this moment inspires you to pause, and recognise the good around you, even if it's just a flicker.

You have to start somewhere.

The lift it provides you will inspire you to do it more often.

Now more than ever, we need voices willing to stand up.

To defy cynicism.

To amplify kindness and to insist that this world is worth loving and fighting for.

Despite it’s messiness, this era of humanity is remarkable.

The challenges ahead are vast, but so is the power we hold in connection.

We have each other, and that alone, is a force greater than any obstacle.

I’m grateful for laughter and lessons.

For the support and joy, for the chance to begin again each day, and most importantly, for the extraordinary people who walk beside me.

Including you.

If this week’s topic resonated with you, or you want to bring more gratitude into your life, check out the following 7-minute video, it’s quite powerful:

Start each day with intention and embrace gratitude with: The Brighter Side of Everything’s: Daily Gratitude Journal.

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Fifty marathons. Fifty states. Fifty days.

Most people can’t even imagine running one, but Dean Karnazes didn’t just imagine it.

He made it happen.

Known as an ultramarathon legend, he’s spent his life proving that limits are often just starting points.

Inspiring countless people to discover just how far they can go.

Dean Karnazes is an American ultramarathon runner who has taken endurance running to mind-bending extremes.

He’s run 350 miles nonstop over 80 hours without sleep.

Read that again.

Braved the scorching Badwater Ultramarathon across Death Valley which involves running 135 miles in extreme heat at temperatures often reaching temperatures above 120°F.

He also raced a marathon at the South Pole in subzero temperatures.

Without snowshoes.

He’s completed the 4 Deserts Challenge, crossing the hottest, driest, windiest and coldest terrains on Earth.

Achievements like these are otherwordly.

Reminding (or informing) us that endurance is as much about grit and mindset as it is about muscle.

Beyond Racing: An Enduring Influence

Dean Karnazes didn’t start out as a born athlete or competitive runner.

His journey began in college, when a doctor warned him that his sedentary lifestyle was putting his health at serious risk.

Motivated by that wake-up call, Dean took up running.

Not for medals or glory, but simply to avoid illness and change his life.

What started as a way to get healthier soon sparked a deep passion and revealed an unexpected gift for endurance.

He’s a powerful reminder that extraordinary journeys begin with the simple decision to start.

But Dean’s legacy goes beyond his physical feats.

He’s a two-time New York Times bestselling author, his book Ultramarathon Man introduced the thrill and philosophy of endurance running to the mainstream.

TIME magazine recognised him as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” cementing his place as both athlete and inspiration.

Now in his 60s, Dean still runs.

But his focus has shifted.

These days, his miles are as much about connecting with history, culture and people as they are about setting records.

For him, running is a way to understand the world and our place in it.

That is a stance that I love.

Practical Lessons from Dean

• Limits are often just in our minds. Dean proves that “impossible” is often just untested. Push past where you normally stop and you’ll find strength you didn’t know you had. What limit will you challenge this week?

• Endurance is more mental than physical. Big goals are won by showing up again and again, especially when it’s easier to quit. Take the next step—then the one after that.

• Embrace suffering as a teacher. Discomfort builds grit, patience, and adaptability. Instead of avoiding it, use it as proof you’re growing.

• Stay curious and connected. The finish line matters, but so does the journey. Seek the people, places, and lessons along the way.

• You are capable of more than you think. Dean’s feats show that the gap between what you believe you can do and what you can do is larger than you imagine. Push your limits and you might surprise yourself.

My Takeaway

Dean Karnazes isn’t just running crazy long distances.

He redefined what is possible.

He redfined what it means to push limits and keep going when most of us would stop.

His journey reminds us that endurance is a mental game.

It requires consistently showing up and taking every step.

Even when fatigue (or fear) sets in.

What really sticks with me is how he embraces the hard stuff.

The suffering, the pain, the discomfort.

As part of the journey that makes us stronger.

And it’s not just about the race; it’s about connection.

How every run becomes a chance to explore new places, history and ideas.

It’s almost as though he isn’t running an ultra marathon, he’s simply exploring the local sights at pace.

Remarkable.

So this week, ask yourself: What’s my ultra?

What’s one challenge I can face head-on, pushing just a little beyond what feels comfortable?

Because if Dean can keep running for over three days straight, without sleep, there’s no doubt you have soemthing within you waiting to be unleashed.

What will it be?

Inspired by Dean’s story and want to hear more? Check out this short video:

For me, music is more than background noise.

It’s the soundtrack that moves with me through everything I do, from writing and working to just taking a breath and slowing down.

Finding an album that fits the current mood perfectly feels like striking gold.

While listening to the wrong music at any given time can throw your focus and productivity off balance, choosing the right tunes can enhance your concentration and efficiency.

Over the last few weeks, that album has been Dime, the sophomore release from New Zealand artist Serebii (aka Callum Mower).

It’s become my go-to companion during writing sessions, offering the perfect mix of calm and creative spark to help me drop into flow.

And stay there.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Dime isn’t just a random playlist of pretty sounds.

It’s a full-on mood.

The album blends dreamy indie, folk and subtle electronic textures into something that feels both intimate and expansive.

Minimal acoustic guitar lines meet hypnotic percussion, airy harmonies and moments of earthy groove.

The balance is just right.

Interesting enough to reward active listening, but never so demanding that it pulls you out of your focus.

It’s the kind of music that makes you forget time is passing, in the best way.

What Makes It Stand Out

The glue holding it all together is Serebii’s gentle, soulful vocals.

They’re warm and unhurried, like he’s letting you in on a bit of a secret.

Standout tracks include “Lungs,” with its spacious guitar and melodic drift.

The samba-tinged “Goji,” which lifts the energy without breaking the album’s calming spell, and “Might as Well Be Watching” which builds beautifully.

And then there’s The Randan, a spoken word interlude featuring Serebii’s grandfather.

It’s unexpected, quite personal and oddly moving.

Even with the shifts in style, the album maintains a steady, immersive atmosphere.

Making it the perfect sonic background for your day.

Practical Lessons

• Shape your mental space: The right music can set the emotional tone for your work and help you stay there.

• Support your concentration: Dime proves that rich, layered sound doesn’t have to be distracting.

• Tell a cohesive story: Albums with a beginning-to-end arc are often more satisfying than shuffling tracks.

• Find your creative companion: Exploring music outside the mainstream often leads to the music you didn’t know you needed.

My Takeaway

Dime is one of those magical finds that slips perfectly into your life.

You don’t have to plan for it, it just becomes part of your day.

It’s not only made my work sessions more productive, it’s made them joyful.

If you’re hunting for music that feels like a deep exhale while keeping you gently motivated, give this album a listen.

Put it on (preferaby with headphones), settle in and you might just find your own new creative companion.

Have you found a soundtrack that makes work feel less like work?

Got a recommendation?

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

The Lesson

We often think of rest as just getting enough sleep, but proper restoration goes way beyond that.

Our bodies (& minds) need different kinds of rest to feel fully refreshed.

When you slow down and pay attention to the many ways you can rest, you give yourself a better chance to show up as your most energised self.

Here are the 7 essential types of rest to nurture your whole being:

1. Physical Rest
Your body deserves a break. Whether that’s a quick nap, a gentle stretch or an easy walk outside, physical rest helps your muscles, joints and energy recover. Listen to your body’s signals and honour when it needs to pause.

2. Emotional Rest
We all carry feelings that need space to breathe. Emotional rest means giving yourself permission to feel without judgment. Try things like setting healthy boundaries, or regularly journaling your thoughts. This approach creates safety and calm in your inner world.

3. Mental Rest
Our minds can be busy, restless places. Taking mental breaks, like stepping away from work, unplugging from information overload or going for a walk can help quiet the chatter in your head. This refreshes your focus and makes room for clearer thinking (and creativity).

4. Sensory Rest
Now more than ever, your senses can get overwhelmed. Sensory rest means turning off devices, stepping into natural surroundings, reading a good book or simply enjoying stillness. Giving your senses a break soothes your nervous system and will help you feel grounded.

5. Social Rest
Social rest can feel tricky since we’re wired to connect, but it’s perfectly okay to need some time alone to recharge. Balancing solitude with joyful moments spent with great people revitalises your spirit and boosts emotional well-being.

6. Creative Rest
Creative rest happens when you engage in playful or expressive activities like drawing, writing, cooking, music or photography. Simply for the joy of it, without pressure or expectation. This type of rest feeds your soul and sparks a fresh sense of inspiration.

7. Spiritual Rest
This is about connecting to something bigger. It might be through meditation, reflection, prayer, time in nature or simply sitting in stillness. Spiritual rest nurtures your inner peace, aligns you with your values and brings a deep sense of calm and meaning.

My Takeaway

Rest is not a one-size-fits-all deal.

Sometimes it’s a nap, other times it’s silence or creative play.

For me, it’s listening to records, playing with my kids or a long walk where I let my mind wander.

Paying attention to all seven types of rest helps you recharge more deeply and live more fully.

The next time you feel tired or “off,” try pausing for a moment, take a deep breath and tune in to what you need.

Ask yourself: What kind of rest do my body & mind need right now?

Remember, rest is not laziness.

Far from it.

It’s an act of love and respect for yourself.

When you recharge fully, you show up clearer, calmer and more joyful in every part of your life.

And here’s one truth I hold close: a great rest ethic leads to a great work ethic.

When rest becomes a priority, great work follows.

Not because we push harder but because we come from a place of energy and proper renewal.

What’s your favorite way to rest and recharge?

I’d love to hear what works for you.

Transform your daily routine with my specially crafted gratitude journal.

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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