#InternetGrandpa
92 episodes — Page 2 of 2
A small thing that helps me on bleak days, or during longer bleak times.
I’ve learned something very simple that’s really helped me a lot on the bleak, gray days, or the longer bleak, times. It’s a very simple thing but it’s been a big help to me in keeping my spirits up during those times. Sending you so much love., Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
You are uniquely wonderful--TODAY. Growth is good and important, but your inherent worth and infinite value, your dignity and contributions are not dependent on meeting some external benchmark!
You are uniquely wonderful. I know that’s true for YOU! Self-improvement, goals, and growth are all important because they help us be happier and reach our potential more fully. But your worth, your infinite value, your dignity, and your unique contributions are not dependent on meeting some external benchmark eventually. I love you! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Here's why a random guy on the internet (me!) can sincerely tell you he loves you 12/20/24)
Here is why I can, with a straight face, tell you I love you and mean it seriously and sincerely even though I may not have met you personally. Also, why I think this is important and no small thing. so much love, Your ##InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Dear Ones! I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. That said I do believe in self-improvement and have found something simple that works for me and I wanted to share it. Mostly, I’m sending you love and my best wishes for a happy, healthy, joyful, and prosperous New Year! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
I don't celebrate Hanukkah, but I love what it means!
While I don’t actually celebrate Hanukkah, I love the meaning of the holiday. I love the way it reminds me of human freedom and dignity. I also love the idea of lights burning brightly and defiantly in the darkness. Makes me think of trying to bring and be a light in challenging times. Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate, and also, if I don’t see you before, I wish you the happiest of New Years! Much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
A Christmas wish for all of you
Happy Christmas Eve! Whether you do not celebrate Christmas at all, whether you celebrate it in a more secular way, or whether you celebrate the birthday of a baby king, I’m sending all of you love and wishes for light and happiness. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa #fyp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
A wonderful little full-circle moment reminded me that things get better.
I’m having a wonderful little full circle moment, where a memory of being very down and discouraged in the past is connected now to my present in a way that makes me conscious of all my blessings. It also reminds me that things get better. With time and effort and with love, things will get better. Sending you all so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa #fyp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
To those who are sad, struggling, or feel left out at this time of year (12/19/24).
While it can be the most wonderful time of the year for many, this season can be particularly hard for those who are struggling with difficult burdens, tragedies, and even trauma;, people who may suffer from seasonal affective or other depressive disorder, or for those who feel lonely, sick, and left out. Burdens that are normally hard can start to feel crushing at this time of year. I just want you to know I see you and I love you. I’m sending you my concern and prayers. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
In the last few days, I've seen a tragedy, had a close call with a tragedy in my family, and experienced a bittersweet goodbye. This has reminded me of something critical. (12/18)
Several things I’ve experienced or seen lately remind me of a simple fact: we are generally either happy or unhappy, based on the quality of the people around us, and our relationship with them. The presence of good people in our lives is almost always the key green of happiness, The lack of them is almost always a very heavy blow. It is worth it, therefore, to give serious thought to how we treat those around us. If someone’s sudden absence from my life would mean I was deeply sad, shouldn’t I be actively trying to engage with them now, and show my love and gratitude to that person while they are still in my life? Sending you so much love, your. #InternetGrandpa #fyp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Doing good is not a matter of if/how other people respond to us. It is, and always will be, about us and our soul. This is a stretch at first, but it's very liberating! (12/17/2024)
Many years ago, I was in a place that wasn’t great. I had been mistreated and felt taken advantage of. Consequently, I held some grudges and had grown cynical and a little hard-edged. I wasn’t entirely without justification, but the fact remained that I wasn’t happy. I came across a quote shared by Mother Theresa that totally changed my outlook and really helped liberate me. This may be one of the most empowering, soul–stretching, happiness–causing things I’ve ever heard and done. And, as always, I want you to be happy! I’m sending you so very much love. Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
The impact of a light is magnified in dark times--be the light! (12/16/24)
A gray, murky morning reminds me of the impact even a small light can have in the dark. Trying to be a light for others is a happy way to live! And I want to be happy! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
I have found that what seems like a sad ending of something is very often the beginning of something new and wonderful (12/13/2024).
A random, simple, mistaken word choice this morning reminded me of a very hopeful, encouraging truth: I have found very often that what seems like a sad ending of something ends up being the beginning of something new and wonderful. It doesn’t usually feel like it at the time, but if you can learn to hold space for that possibility, it really can help. And of course I just want to tell you how wonderful you are as we end this week! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Hypocrisy: What it is, what it isn't, and why it's important to understand this if we want to grow (12/12/2024)
Hypocrisy is something we all dislike. But I think it’s a lot more complicated than we often frame it. Since none of us can ever fully live up to our values, assuming we’re trying to have high values, it’s important to understand what hypocrisy is, and especially, what it isn’t. Otherwise, we can paralyze ourselves, and we can also completely misjudge others. Neither of those will make us happy— and I do want you to be happy! Sending you so much love, as always, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Apologizing is good for our souls! (12/11/24)
I was recently reminded that it is really good for our souls to apologize! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Bringing magic, joy, and hope to those around us has a deep impact on us! (12/9/24)
A really special Christmas memory. Is about a lot more than Christmas. It reminds me about how acts of kindness create joy, magic, and hope for other people, and how durable and deep those gifts can be. And of course, they also make us happy! I do want you to be happy! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
My grandma wasn't an educated woman, but she was wise enough to know what brought durable happiness and meaning.
My grandma was not an educated woman, but she was wise enough to know what made us really happy in life. Every year at Christmas, she forced me to do something I really disliked, but now I am so grateful to her and love her all the more because of it. Sending you love and joy, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Tough times *will* pass and may even end up being the beginning of a beautiful, happy phase or blessing in your life (12/4/20).
I had a really beautiful memorable experience the other day. It reminded me that our most difficult, grimmest times and hardest struggles will eventually pass—even if it seems it never will. But, also, today’s struggle might end up being the foundation of something beautiful. Life often seems to travel in circles, and these full circles are often very joyful. So try to be open to the possibility of joy eventually. That’s what I want for you, of course! I’m sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Traveling over Thanksgiving reminded me that looking after others is more rewarding and fulfilling than our own comfort (12/3/24)
Traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend reminded me how important kindness is in day-to-day encounters. It also reminded me that being kind and looking after others is more rewarding and fulfilling than simply pursuing our own comfort exclusively. This really is a game changer for being happy—And I do so want you to be happy. Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
My dad taught me a powerful lesson about standing by someone when they need you, and putting your arms around those who are struggling.
I have a memory of something that happened in high school, where my dad literally stood by a struggling, embarrassed old man and helped him find some dignity and feel some love. I was a punky 15-year-old then, but I still remember the impact of that moment. I’ll remember this lesson forever—and he wasn’t even trying to teach me anything. He was just being himself. I think of it every year around this time and I’m grateful to my dad for what he showed me. It’s been pretty transformative. Sending you all so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
An important secret for when you are struggling with challenges and don't feel you have many blessings.
I know this is a little long, but it’s a message of hope for when you seem to have more struggles than blessings. When have times when the challenges seem to outweigh the triumphs, I have really good news for you! Sending you so very much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! Internet Grandma and I are having our very first ever empty-nest Thanksgiving. We were a bit wistful about that, but then we decided to go out and make it an adventure and we’re having a great time! I am sending you so much love I hope it’s a wonderful day for you! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
My Thanksgiving prayer and wishes for you
Good morning, dear ones! Just sending you my warmest wishes and most earnest prayers for your happiness and well-being this Thanksgiving and beyond. As always, I’m sending you so much love! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Something I learned about writing villains in books has helped me deal with difficult people in real life.
Something writers know about creating villains has been really helpful to me in finding grace when I deal with someone I find difficult. That grace hopefully makes ME less difficult, and makes me happier and more aligned with my values. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Treating others how we would want to be treated is critical for a functioning society, but also our own personal growth and happiness.
Something happened yesterday that really reminded me how critical it is that we do for others what we’d want for ourselves. It’s one of the main foundations of basic morality, it’s critical to having a functioning society, but it’s also key for our own individual growth—and growth makes us happy, which is what I want for you! I’m sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
I see YOU. I think YOU are amazing. Keep going!
Forgive me for being a bit rambling this morning, but I just want you to know that I see you and appreciate you. I see all that you do and all that you try to do. I see the times you get up when it’s hard and the times you keep going when you’re discouraged. I see all the contributions you make. I see your unlimited potential And I just think you’re great! Love, Your ##InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
No one is only one thing. Not those we love; not those we dislike
Forgive me for being a bit rambling this morning, but I just want you to know that I see you and appreciate you. I see all that you do and all that you try to do. I see the times you get up when it’s hard and the times you keep going when you’re discouraged. I see all the contributions you make. I see your unlimited potential And I just think you’re great! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Being aware of and accountable to a higher power brings many benefits, particularly being your best self--which leads to happiness (11-18-24).
I’m convinced that being aware of a higher power, and feeling accountable to the ethical and moral expectations of the higher power, are a key to lifelong growth and happiness. Constant expectations that don’t change can be a great gift and can create a very positive stretch and keep us constantly grappling to find and follow the better angels of our nature. This has been a game changer for me. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
A song with my wishes for you (sorry if it's cringe!) (11-15-24).
I was making a post with all of the things I wish for you and as I was speaking, I realize that there was a song that my grandmother loved that expressed all of these things. So I thought I would try singing it even though I’m not warmed up and there’s no accompaniment, and my car is bumpy. Sorry if it’s cringe, but it comes from the heart. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Here's a specific act of gratitude that will have a big impact on you--and someone around you (11-14-24).
A type for about how life-changing gratitude can be. Here is a very simple, quick act of gratitude that can have a big impact on you and those around you. Sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Learning to take feedback/criticism is hard, but it's a huge part of growing and, therefore, happiness. Especially when we keep hearing similar things over and over (11-13-24)
Over the years, I have seen a lot of people react to getting feedback and correction. This isn’t something anyone finds pleasant, but the way we respond to this can have a huge impact on our growth and ultimate happiness. It’s especially sad when people hear similar things over and over from many different sources, but push it all away. Sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Small steps sustained over time can lead to big and positive changes (11-12-24).
Small changes and small steps sustained over a period of time can have a surprisingly big payoff. It’s a great way to empower yourself. As always, I’m sending you so much love! Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
It's easy to make yourself think you're being heroic when you're just being ornery.
It’s really easy to take your own preferences and justify them, coming up with some sort of lofty moral reason that you are right. When I’m annoyed at someone, I can easily come up with a narrative that makes me feel like I’m standing up for something important, when I’m just being grumpy. This is easy to fall into. I think it’s just human nature. But it can really lead us astray easily and keep us from important growth and meaningful relationships. It’s hard to resist, but the best way I know how is to try to be able to laugh at myself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
When you want to be better than you actually can manage at the moment
If you are growing, learning, and trying to do and be better in any area of your life, you will inevitably run up against times when the gap between your aspirations and your ability will be big. This gap can be painful and frustrating. It may even bring guilt. Hang in there!This means you are actually making progress and eventually, you will bridge that gap! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
When you do something really embarrassing, here's how to cope
I did something so incredibly embarrassing the other night. It still pains me to think about. But it happens to us all. Here’s the one thing I have found that actually helps me when I am so mortified that I just want to have a mountain fall on me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
A few thoughts on not letting other people control our lives
It is incredibly disempowering to let other people’s actions define and dictate our response. It’s also very natural and easy to slip into!Power comes from making our choices based on our own ideals and values, and then acting accordingly. It’s not easy but it’s worth the struggle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
The joy and value of showing mercy
Being merciful is just one of the most empowering, liberating, cheering things I can do.It’s one of those things that may seem about doing something for someone else, but it ends up really helping me. The giver is blessed more than the recipient. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Are your choices bringing the outcomes you want?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
On finding cultivating lasting meaning and enduring value in an instant and highly disposable world.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Mentally balancing our strengths and weaknesses
If we are to be truly self-actualized and happy, it is critical that we are at least as clear-eyed about our strengths, virtues, and good efforts as we are about our flaws, failings, and weaknesses. I suggest that our good efforts should actually count for more than our flaws—but they should get at least equal credit in our mental calculus and self-concept. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Things will get better!
A lovely Sunday afternoon with my family reminded me of an important lesson I’ve seen over and over again: when things are difficult—sometimes crushingly so—they almost always get better: usually much better. But it takes time and persistence. So, please, don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. Sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
Things will get better! Usually MUCH better.
A lovely Sunday afternoon with my family reminded me of an important lesson I’ve seen over and over again: when things are difficult—sometimes crushingly so—they almost always get better.Usually much better. But it takes time and persistence. So, please, don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. Sending you so much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com
A gentle reminder to women about how much you matter.
Dear Women of all ages, I just want to put out a gentle reminder about your infinite value and worth. I wanted to say just how much you matter, and how unique and important you are. I know our culture can be so stifling and cruel in so many ways So, I wanted to just say how incredible and wonderful you are, inherently, intrinsically, eternally. So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bradenbell.substack.com