Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: What is closure, and how does one get it?

Whether you have wronged someone or someone has wronged you, healing sometimes involves closure. Closure implies putting the event behind you; “closing the door,” so to speak. How does one get closure? Rachel was Emily’s best friend, but no longer. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Worry Stoppers

“It is within your power to feel better.” That’s according to Dr. Bob Wubbolding, in “A Set of Directions for Putting and Keeping Yourself Together.” How much power do you have over your feelings? In choice theory, we say that … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Behaviour of Worrying

Whether it’s a significant fear or just a twinge of uneasiness, most folks experience the state of “being worried” from time to time. A variety of actions and thoughts come along for the ride when our main behaviour is worrying. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Purpose and Information

Nick has literally been handed his purpose in life and it certainly didn’t appear on a silver platter. No, his purpose rolled up in a stroller, in the form of his son Kyle. As suggested last column, Nick has mixed … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Purpose and Power

It’s easy to mistake the “power need” that’s identified in reality therapy for something negative. People who want to lead lives filled with good relationships might perceive that they have no need for power; that is, they don’t need or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Overcoming a longstanding upset

If you seek out self-development resources for inspiration, then you already know that gurus, teachers, and coaches suggest that it’s helpful to have a positive outlook. But what if that positivity eludes you? Tashia “knows” that anyone she meets is … Continue reading

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Reality Check: To Temper a Temper

Aren’t words fun? The phrase “to temper” means to calm, whereas a person who “has a temper” is angry. If you have a temper, do you have a choice? Or is your temper out of your control? Josie has a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Pride and Perceptions

Katie had set out in her pursuit of work with high expectations. After multiple rejections for lack of experience, she’d been recommended for a program to help her gain experience. It wasn’t glamorous, but she’d finally be working. At first, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: At the mercy of events?

Whether you are on the search for your first job or your fifteenth, during the job-hunt process, you’ll likely experience both encouraging and disheartening events. Those events can trigger feelings: excitement and optimism after a good interview; distress and discouragement … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Effective Living in a Material World

Karen, introduced last column, has bones to pick with society and its emphasis on materialism. At the drop of a hat (or shopping bag) Karen can launch into a tirade. Her theme: “We are bombarded with high pressure sales; credit … Continue reading

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