#InternetGrandpa

I have been completely consumed and overwhelmed at work since the beginning of January. But today, I’m finishing the last of three really consuming projects. It’s a reminder to me of three critical lessons that are really helpful to keep in mind when life gets challenging. First,“this too shall pass.” Everything eventually ends and at that point you can catch up on sleep, relax, and so on, but the...

I was asked twice recently to post some thoughts about relationships, both for those not in a relationship who would like to become in those who are in a relationship, but don’t feel it is working out. I don’t pretend to be an expert, but there are basic foundational understandings that used to be just woven into the culture. And, after 33 years of marriage, I have learned a few things myself, and...

If you really want to be empowered and happy, try replacing the words “I have to../“ with “I choose to..” or “ I’m investing in…”I often catch myself, saying, “I have to do such and such,” when there’s a task that I don’t really like or want to do. But the reality is that most of these things are actually just natural results of what I have already chosen to do. Often they are investments in somet...

Sometimes we have problems that are really big and are difficult and hard. But other times, the problems that seem huge may end up not being quite as big as we feared, and the solutions may be easier than we anticipated. It’s just good to remember that and hold out the possibility that maybe it won’t be quite as hard or difficult or bad as we think it is going to be. I had a mentor who always used...

It’s pretty common for us to feel stuck sometimes. Nothing seems to work. Nothing seems to be going well and not only does it seem like it’s not going well it almost seems like things are working against us. Often when this happens to me it feels like this happens across the board in nearly every area of my life. But I have discovered something that works every single time. It’s almost miraculous....

Sometimes life seems to be an utter disaster. It may seem to be falling apart, or it may seem to be such a mess that there’s no room to fall apart because we haven’t gotten anywhere. Let me tell you why I think you don’t need to worry. When things don’t go well look and see if you have good bones so to speak. Are the fundamentals in place? If so, then you just need to be patient and keep going. If...

We can feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Often, however, the things we experience may be the inevitable trade-offs and results of choices we’ve made When we can see our ourselves as an actor—someone who makes choices and then understands the outcomes of those choices, good or bad, we empower ourselves to be better at coping with challenges. And, where necessary, we can see how to make differe...

YOU are lovable! You are worthy of being loved! You are an incredible being of great light and beauty and, I promise you, YOU are loved! If you don’t feel that here’s something I learned from my own experience that will help. In the meantime I am sending you so much love! Sincerely. #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

We all want our lives to be smooth, perhaps having some occasional bumps along the way. The reality is that it’s generally going to be the opposite-but that doesn’t mean life is bad or that we need to be unahppy. We can lament and mourn and rage against that fact, or we can learn to deal with it. When the ocean's too choppy to swim we can learn to surf! The struggle is the way and this too shall p...

When we react and allow our interactions to be based on another person’s actions, we lose power over our lives. And, often, in doing this, we give power to the people who are the worst people to make decisions for us. You get to choose who you are in every interaction. So, set your boundaries — but set them from your aspirations and values, not your anger or frustrations. This is a huge key to bei...

A shout out to all of you super organized people, the ones who step up when no one else will, who take care of an important task, who understand why tasks are important, who read and follow the directions, who remember deadlines, and who work to follow the rules, those who are making sure that not only the trains run on time, but that even the small details are attended to, like making sure there’...

In difficult, challenging times, it's important to stay connected and focused on those closest to us, those to whom we owe the most and the best of our efforts and energies. 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

Anywhere we go, we are bound to have situations with people who annoy us. But these resentments, frustrations, annoyance, feuds, etc. build up into a huge drain on our current happiness, and our future accomplishment and joy. Letting go of these things is critical to happiness, peace, and becoming your very best self in every way. possible now, and in the future. And, I want you to be happy! So mu...

A really important key to happiness in life is learning to tune out voices and people who seem like they know it all, but really will not lead us to success in any given endeavor. In my experience, often the people who know the most are not the most glamorous or exciting. It’s easier to follow people who seem to have some secret insight or who look and sound the most appealing. But we often end up...

Here’s the single best thing I’ve learned that helps me get through work when things are hard for me: when it’s really challenging to focus, or when the day—or week—seems endless. As is so often the case, the most helpful approach is counterintuitive, and, while it is not complicated, it is not always easy to be consistent. But with time and practice, it becomes much easier. It’s an important part...

Life requires us to work. It can feel very daunting when you look ahead and realize how many years you will need to work. I had this conversation last night as one of my children was realizing he had a good 40 or 45 years of work ahead of him. I feel the same even though I have (hopefully) more like 15 or so years ahead of me. Work is a big part of life, so if you can learn to be happy working, th...

Just wanted to send one of my patented, big-guy, encompassing hugs for whoever might need it. So much love, Your Internet Grandpa ​​#YourInternetGrandpa #InternetGrandpa #Lifelessons #Lifeadvice #Positivity #Happiness #VirtualHugs 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 really are amazing. You are a radiant being of light; you are trying to do and be good, and even when you don’t hit that goal all the time, the effort alone makes a difference. Sending you so much love! Your Internet Grandpa ​​ #YourInternetGrandpa #InternetGrandpa #Lifelessons #Lifeadvice #Positivity #Happiness #Growth #Affirmations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...

This year I’m recommitting to avoiding any stuff online--on any platform, in any form--that makes me angry, suspicious, or contemptuous. Anything that makes me feel superior and smug. Anything that tempts me to see another person as anything less than a full human being with all the dignity, nuance, and potential that implies and entitles us to. I’ve been working on this for a long time now, but I...

It can be hard to reach out to others who might need us, because we might not think we have anything to offer. Or, we might not be sure what to do. But it’s still important to try. Here’s why, and here are a few ideas on how to start. This is a huge part of being happy, and I want you to be happy! So much love, #Yourinternetgrandpa #Internetgrandpa #lifeadvice #growth #advice #positivity #lifeless...

Part two of how gratitude is an actual power and how it can help us in our lives. #YourInternetGrandpa #InternetGrandpa #Gratitude #Thanksgiving #Power #Growth #Positivity #Happiness #LifeAdvice #LifeLessons 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

Just a reminder that you matter so much more than you probably realize. I wanted to remind you that YOU are made out of the same material as the most incredible people who have ever lived. YOU are much more than you think! I am sending you all my love! Sincerely, Your #InternetGrandpa This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

When you are doing something worthwhile but hard, attempting and struggling to do something challenging, something that takes time and effort: just keep going. Small steps over time will yield results, even if they aren't quick or obvious, and even if your progress is not in a straight line. Keep going! You will eventually get there--and be all the happier for it. Much Love, #YourInternetGrandpa #...

I have learned that relationships--of any kind, romantic, family, friendship, or professional--often start because of emotion of some kind. But they persist and grow based on apologies and forgiveness. Much love to you all! Sincerely, #YourInternetGrandpa #InternetGrandpa #grandpositivity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis...

I've learned in my marriage that commitment is greater than love. When I was told that, I didn't like it! But I soon found it was true. The thing about that, though, is that this is true in nearly anything in life, in any relationship or activity or endeavor. Commitment is always going to be greater than love, talent, passion, enthusiasm, energy, etc. If you can remember this you are on the way to...