Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: Alternatives to Anger

Last time, I wrote about Dr. Glasser’s rather unusual way of discussing emotional states. He suggests that we use language that reflects that we have choices, such as, “I am choosing to be anxious,” rather than “I am anxious.” It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Alternatives to Anger

Reality Check: Can We Choose Our Feelings?

Do you remember grammar lessons? For most of us, I suspect it’s been a while since we’ve thought much about nouns and verbs and the rest of it. However, anyone whose livelihood depends on selling products, telling stories or influencing … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Can We Choose Our Feelings?

Reality Check: The Thank You Response

Whether or not we deserve it, we are sometimes on the receiving end of criticisms, even putdowns. Some people refer to these types of comments as “feedback,” and we know that thoughtful feedback can give us useful information. However, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Thank You Response

Reality Check: When No Response Is a Good Response

Have you ever been subjected to the sting of putdowns or criticisms? If so, you may have been briefly annoyed. However, in some circumstances, the hurt could persist for a long, long time. There are people who seem to enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: When No Response Is a Good Response

Reality Check: The Deliberate and the Impulsive

Impulsive action or deliberate action? If you’re looking for a standard to guide your life, which do you think will lead to more effective results? Impulsive actions can be appealing. The very word “spontaneous” sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Unexpected … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Deliberate and the Impulsive

Reality Check: Wherever you go

Once upon a time, a woman I’ll call Tilley knew that she had to move. As she went looking for a new home, she came across a nice-looking neighbourhood. Bob happened to be out walking his dog, so Tilley struck … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Wherever you go

Reality Check: The World We Want

Is the world the way you would like it to be? I can think of some possibilities for improvement; you probably can too. Let’s try a less ambitious question, “Is your life the way you would like it to be?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The World We Want

Reality Check: Problems, Questions and Distractions

We can’t know for certain what life will bring to us from one day to the next. Perhaps it will be joy and satisfaction. I hope so. However, it’s likely that sooner or later, every one of us will encounter … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Problems, Questions and Distractions

Reality Check: That’s a Good Question!

Do you spend much time talking to people? Some people spend lots of time in conversation; others very little. Some of us need to talk for work or to fulfill other responsibilities. And you may notice that some people find … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: That’s a Good Question!

Reality Check: Small Achievements? Worth Recognizing

If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to put yourself on a path to getting your life together, then setting and achieving goals will likely be part of that process. Your goals might include habits or attitudes that you want … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Small Achievements? Worth Recognizing