Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: Reflections from the Storm

In these posts, I’ve often mentioned power as one of our basic needs. The power I refer to is the need to feel that we are recognized and have value. However, when we had “a bit of a blow” here … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Different wants for different folks

“I don’t know why you think you need all that stuff.” From his mom’s perspective, James is continuously on kijiji, eBay and buy & sell groups, looking for a deal. He’s accumulated tools, parts, gadgets of all sorts. “Why?” she … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Our “What We Want” World

Dr. Wm. Glasser’s book, “Take Charge of Your Life” includes a chapter entitled “The Pictures in our Heads.” Does the concept of pictures in your head make sense to you? Do you have pictures in your head? Are they vivid … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Suggestions for the Workplace Feud

Last post, I described a workplace feud between Millie and Billy that’s gotten out of hand. What to do? Dr. Glasser suggested that the need for power is a basic human need. Because “power” is such a charged word, I … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Workplace Feud

Do you remember the old western movies that featured families fighting each other for generations? The original dispute is long forgotten, but the hatred continues. Feuds aren’t confined to families, and one place where they are particularly unhelpful is in … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Helping Professions

Many people have a genuine wish to be helpful; that is, to take actions that are of service to others. Wanting to help is a fine aspiration. To be of service benefits both the helper and those who are helped. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Joy:Cost Ratio

There’s a little guy who occasionally passes by my office door. Whenever he does, he exclaims, “I’ve got my thinking cat on!” It’s adorable. No matter how busy or stressed or distracted I am, I get pure joy for those … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Upsides and Downsides

Is there such a thing as too much optimism? Does optimism have a downside? My general belief is that there are upsides and downsides for most everything. Thus the process of making choices is pretty simple, in theory anyway. All … Continue reading

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Reality Check: What does your mind rest upon?

Dr. Rick Hanson writes a regular email newsletter called Just One Thing, subtitled, “Simple practices for resilient happiness.” In a recent publication, he said, “There is a traditional saying that the mind takes its shape from what it rests upon.” … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Things People Say

Everybody’s heard about Treena’s embarrassing situation. At least, that’s her perception. Her boss, neighbours, relatives, friends, and acquaintances know that she did something bad and was caught. It was even in the paper, ensuring that every single person knows it. … Continue reading

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