Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: Trapped by Thoughts? Here’s a Suggestion

Posted on February 20, 2022 by RealityCheck

No time to think? Feel that you can’t stop what you’re doing for one minute? People are depending on you. Things must be done; we can think later. If that’s your perception, you know it’s hard to stop, step back … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing, Thinking, Feeling, Physiology | Tagged anxiety, choosing influences, choosing thoughts, worry | Comments Off

Reality Check: To Fill a Caring Gap

Posted on February 13, 2022 by RealityCheck

When we’re not able to satisfy our basic needs, we’re unhappy. So I proposed examining our needs. Find out whether our needs are being met. If not, where are the gaps? You may be thinking, it’s all well and good … Continue reading →

Posted in Belonging | Tagged gratitude, happiness, improving relationships, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: What’s your outlook for today?

Posted on February 6, 2022 by RealityCheck

How are you doing today? We ask and answer that question so many times in our lives—at home, at work, with friends, in casual conversations. Often it’s a throwaway question; just a way of saying something to be polite. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged anxiety, basic needs, comparing with others, frustration | Comments Off

Reality Check: Past and Future Worries

Posted on January 31, 2022 by RealityCheck

“One trip through the misery is more than enough for most people.” That’s a quote from Dr. Wm. Glasser where he discusses the value—or lack of value—of dwelling on past miseries. The past is over. We can’t change what we … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged anxiety, discouragement, perception, self-evaluation, worry | Comments Off

Reality Check: More Alike Than Different

Posted on January 24, 2022 by RealityCheck

In his bestseller, “All Things Being Equal,” author John Mighton proposes that widespread math competence could be the key to a better, more just world. What’s your reaction to that? I’m guessing that it might be anywhere from, “Yes, obviously!” … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged conflict, criticism, frustration, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: A New Year; A New System

Posted on January 17, 2022 by RealityCheck

It’s understandable that New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap. The inevitable February stories of people who’ve abandoned their resolutions sends a message of, “Why bother?” Regardless of the time of year, however, it’s worthwhile to think about what you … Continue reading →

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged choosing actions, making choices, persistence | Comments Off

Reality Check: A Spirit of Hope

Posted on January 9, 2022 by RealityCheck

“Work without Hope draws nectar in a sieve.” If you are a poetry fan, then you may know this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge entitled, “Work without Hope.” Work is more satisfying when it comes with the hope that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged choosing actions, choosing thoughts, encouragement, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Pep Talk

Posted on January 3, 2022 by RealityCheck

Could you use a pep talk? When you look around, does it seem that everyone is in festive spirits but you? Whether you are having life-changing struggles or just feeling vaguely uneasy, you may have days when it’s hard to … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged choosing actions, encouragement, improving relationships, perception, self-evaluation | Comments Off

Reality Check: A Real Gift

Posted on December 26, 2021 by RealityCheck

Gift-giving is top of mind for many people at this time of year. While the unusual circumstances of the last two years may have changed some perspectives about what is important, gift purchases are still common. We buy products or … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged blame, choosing influences, conflict, criticism, examining wants | Comments Off

Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment

Posted on December 19, 2021 by RealityCheck

Do you feel weird when giving someone a compliment? If so, you’re not alone. I know this because Dan Pink, best-selling motivational author, created a short video on “How to compliment people without feeling like a weasel.” This sounds a … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged choosing thoughts, confidence, encouragement, gratitude, improving relationships | Comments Off