#InternetGrandpa

I never want the Christmas tree to come down, but I’m inevitably glad when I walk out and see how open the space, how clean and fresh the room looks. I feel like that’s a good metaphor for life. So often I don’t want something to end, but, once they do, it turns out there’s a new and exciting opening in my life, room for fresh and exciting things, unburdened my the past’s clutter.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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