#InternetGrandpa

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

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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

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

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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

I was recently reminded that it is really good for our souls to apologize! Love, Your #InternetGrandpa

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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 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

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 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

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