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articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Author Archives: RealityCheck
Reality Check: The Value of Perspective
Madison is afraid. As she understands it, polar bears are drowning, cities are flooding, our food is killing us, and artificially-intelligent appliances will become our masters. The world can be a frightening place, especially for a young person. Of course, … Continue reading
Posted in Perception & Reality
Tagged anxiety, choosing influences, worry
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Reality Check: The Value of Delayed Gratification
Would you stop drinking all sugary drinks for a year for $500? That’s the offer that one family made to their children. You could view that as bribery. Or, you could view it as an innovative teaching method. Regardless, one … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged choosing actions, examining wants, need satisfaction
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Reality Check: The Value of Purpose
“I personally believe that each and every one of us was put here for a purpose; that’s to build and not destroy.” Do you recognize those words? They came from Red Skelton—the comedian who poked fun at the pompous and … Continue reading
Posted in Satisfaction
Tagged choosing thoughts, dissatisfaction, making choices
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Reality Check: “Should” versus “Could”
One little word sometimes makes a world of difference, doesn’t it? Some are obvious contrasts: “I love you” versus “I hate you;” or “I don’t care” versus “I do care.” However, other small changes are not so obvious, yet have … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged "should", criticism, guilt, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: Recalculating
Year end is a fine time to think about the big questions of life, such as: Where do I want to go? How will I get there? If you’re familiar with a certain brand of GPS (I call mine Martha) … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged choosing actions, examining wants, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: Comfort, Joy, and Food
There’s a reason why some foods are called “comfort food.” Like fuzzy socks or fleecy blankets, some foods evoke feelings of being safe, cared for, and satisfied. Whether your comfort food of choice is homemade bread, stew, or chicken pot … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged choosing actions, guilt, need satisfaction
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Reality Check: The Gift of the Long View
When her credit card bill arrived last January, Jessica came face-to-face with the reality of the shopping she’d done over the previous months. She had no idea that she had spent so much! Yet when she checked the charges, she … Continue reading
Posted in Making a Change
Tagged examining wants, making choices, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: Here’s to a Satisfying Holiday
For some folks, the prospect of holidays and the expectations that come with them can evoke feelings that are closer to dread than joy. And if our perception is that others effortlessly produce perfect food, gifts, and parties while surrounded … Continue reading
Posted in Perception & Reality
Tagged "should", examining wants, need satisfaction, perception
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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
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged choosing thoughts, perception, self-evaluation
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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
Posted in Relationships
Tagged confidence, improving relationships, internal & external control
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