Tag Archives: choosing influences

Reality Check: Experiments in Liking

Do you remember when liking referred to having an affectionate feeling toward someone? Now, for many, “liking” means clicking a mouse on a little thumbs-up sign. Either way, liking indicates a positive emotional response. It’s a sign of approval, support, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Value of Lobster

The lobster fishery has been a way of life for generations of families along the South Shore. It’s literally put food on lots of tables. As I don’t come from fishing folk, I wasn’t aware of how the perception of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: That Work/Life Balance

Have you ever succeeded at something that was difficult for you? I suspect that you have. So, let’s try a little thought experiment. Look back at that time, whether it was minutes ago or years ago. What were you thinking … Continue reading

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Reality Check: If your past was a yard sale…

Even if you don’t love yard sales or flea markets, you probably know someone who does. While frugality is some of the incentive, for the passionate yard-salers, much of the joy comes from the hunt. The thrill of the hunt … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Help Yourself? Here are some resources…

Self-help may not be as effective as professional help. But if you can’t, or don’t want to find a suitable professional to help you work through your challenges, then self-help is better than no help at all. Last column, I … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Knowing who your friends are

How do you know who your friends are? If you’re a well-seasoned adult, your response may be quite different from that of someone younger. Experience does bring wisdom. If you pay attention to it, that is. I know that I’m … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Does the News Hurt Your Relationships?

There’s almost always an election in season somewhere. A survey asked whether an election has negatively affected a personal relationship with a friend or family member. It wasn’t about a Canadian election. No matter; it’s still an interesting question that … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Optimism or Entitlement?

Which do you think leads to a happier, more satisfied life: Expecting that life will be easy and becoming disappointed when you learn that it’s difficult? Or expecting life to be hard and being pleasantly surprised when some things work … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Memories can be Beautiful

I feel a chill whenever I hear of someone being prosecuted for a crime that’s said to have happened many, many years ago. It’s particularly disquieting when the prosecution is not based on physical evidence but rather, based solely on … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Lessons from Puzzles

You might recognize the name Will Shortz if you are a puzzle enthusiast. Mr. Shortz is the New York Times Crossword Puzzle editor and he knows a thing or two about puzzles. Life can sometimes seem like a puzzle. When … Continue reading

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