#InternetGrandpa

Here is why I don't talk about politics on this account--or online in general. It's just my own thing, but I do think being more intentional about the spaces where we talk about and ingest political stuff is a generally healthy thing to do for our minds, souls, and honestly, our democracy. But that's just me. We can differ peacefully and respectfully, and that's a wonderful thing about this country. Sending you all love and peace, happiness and joy. Much Love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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A somewhat vulnerable story about how I learned that when you feel important things aren’t being done or said, it may be your cue to step up and be what and who you feel is missing, even when you don’t feel like you’re very good at it! Even imperfect efforts may end up changing things for the better for someone else, and also, almost surely, for yourself! And that is a great way to be happy! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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Life is hard! It just takes a long time to get life together and to learn how to do it well. In fact, it takes a lifetime! If you’re not quite where you want to be or where you think you should be, first of all, I suspect you’re doing better than you think. But secondly, give yourself a little grace and focus on some small and simple steps to grow a little bit. I think you’re wonderful! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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Here’s my final message for you, just in case TikTok shuts down and we lose touch. There are a few things I hope and pray that you will remember and this is my attempt to distill all of that into one short message. I genuinely want you to be happy and I’m genuinely sending you all of my love. Sincerely, Your #internetgrandpa#

If you want to keep in touch: Instagram: your.internet grandpaSpotify/Apple Podcasts: #InternetGrandpawww.bradenbell.com

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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’ve never been a big New Year’s resolutions person and I don’t find a year to be very helpful marker of time for self-improvement. But I do find that I’m happier when I try to be better and keep growing. For me, though, a week and even a day, works far better as the period of time I’m using to frame my growth. And of course, I want all of you to be happy! I’m sending you so much love, love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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I’ve been really discouraged to see the way our compassion for people is often influenced by their perceived political beliefs. This is not healthy for our humanity or for us. This really risks hurting our humanity—which hurts our souls and will not make us happy. And I want you to be happy! So much love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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I was very different than almost every other boy I knew, growing up. I was used to being and outsider. They were actually pretty nice to me, but I worried about fitting in and what they might say or think about me. So, I basically let them define me and what I did and who I was. When I was about 14, I came to a turning point and I remember it very clearly: a specific phrase came to my mind and served as a key that sort of unlocked an internal, mental gate, so to speak. Since then, I've been free and able to make my own cohices and be myself without reference to what other people may )or may not) think about me. This is a a huge step to being self-actualized and happy in life, and I do so want you to be happy! Sending you all my love, Your #InternetGrandpa #fyp

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I’m not a big one for checklists or goals, but I do think growth and self-improvement are important keys to happiness and meaning. I like to focus my actions on trying to be better and more fully live my values. I find that asking myself a few questions on Monday mornings helps me do that better.

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Happy Friday! I’m proud of you for making it through another week. Here’s a simple thing I do each Friday at the end of the workweek that’s helped me be more intentional in my life and less just punching the clock. Also, what are you proud of yourself for doing this week? Love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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I was joking with some teacher friends about the fact that we don't make a lot of money, so many of our clothes are worn and even a bit shabby. But, then we have a few really nice, new, even high-end things in our closets that were gifts from generous families. It's sort of a funny contrast. This random conversation reminded me that all of us have areas in our lives and souls that are shabby, and some that are shiny and new. There are three tricks to help us manage this reality in a productive way, a good way to engage with our own shabby places, those of other people around us, and end up all the better for it! This is a key to happiness and finding meaning and self-actualization in your life--and I want you to be happy! Love you, 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