Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: The Reaction Rut

If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, then you’re familiar with quick physical reactions. “Ouch!” (or other words) are almost instant responses to pain; no thought required. Physical pain isn’t the only type of pain though, is it? In choice theory, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Boundaries and Disputes

Boundaries can create cause for dispute. Sometimes, however, setting a boundary can be an effective way to diffuse a dispute. Emma has endured criticism from her mother all her life. In her youthful rush to get married and away from … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Satisfaction of Small Steps

Ups and downs are a part of life. When life goes well, activities tend to fall in to place; you know what you need and want to do. It’s during those down times that it can be difficult to figure … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Lots on your Plate?

Busy, busy, busy. Ask most anyone how they are doing and you’ll often hear, “I’m so busy!” What are some potential consequences of that busy-ness? Harriet cares for a very sick child, looks after an elderly aunt, and has a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Power in Retirement

Among other needs, Dr. Wm. Glasser asserts that we all have a basic need for power. Before you get too excited and protest that you have no such need, let’s explore what that power need might look like. If you … Continue reading

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Reality Check: More Retirement Planning

Whether you are looking forward to retirement with delight or trepidation, planning can help. While financial planning can help satisfy your need for survival, it’s also important to consider other needs. Last column, I suggested finding ways to satisfy your … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is often associated with money. You already know that money isn’t everything, so let’s try looking at retirement planning from a choice theory perspective. According to choice theory, we all have a set of basic needs: survival, love … Continue reading

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Reality Check: More Encouragement

Last post, I suggested that honesty is an important characteristic of effective encouragement. When offering encouragement, ask yourself, “Do I believe the encouraging words I am about to say, or are they just “feel-good” words and wishful thinking?” If your … Continue reading

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Reality Check: An Encouraging Word

The act of offering sincere encouragement can be as satisfying for you as it is helpful for the person being encouraged. Encouragement feels good. Encouragement can be motivational. Encouragement can be the key to a win-win in many areas of … Continue reading

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Reality check: Forgetfulness Choices

When we met to catch up, my friend realized that she had forgotten to bring her pictures. Discussing those pictures was the main reason for our get-together. But we didn’t have them and it wasn’t practical to go get them. … Continue reading

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