Tag Archives: choosing thoughts

Reality Check: A Look at Happiness

What does it mean to be happy? Is it selfish to want to be happy? Do some people seek happiness in a bad way? Is there a formula for happiness? So many questions; so few answers. But as we come … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Year in Perspective

In “Choice Theory,” Dr. Glasser tells the story of a mother who is travelling with her infant. The baby screams through the whole three-hour flight. Mom tries everything she can think of; nothing helps. You can probably understand why the … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Actions of Gratitude

Gratitude helps. When we shift our outlook to one of gratitude, that shift may also help to move us toward a more satisfying, and indeed, a more grateful life. Adopting an “attitude of gratitude” also helps to make life more … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Strength of Less-Social Folks

Do you ever deliberately seek out information that you think you’ll disagree with? If so, why? One reason could be curiosity: to see what “the other side” is thinking. Another reason could be to try to reduce the effect of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Stories We Tell

When you roll out of bed in the morning, do you tell yourself, “Today is going to be an amazing day!”? Or is your first thought closer to, “Ugghh. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this day.” … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Why Not Ask?

“I’m not going to bother asking because I know what I’ll hear.” Have you ever held back from making a request using that reasoning? For example, “I won’t bother to ask for a refund because I know it will be … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Another Positive to Negative Ratio

Last time, I had suggested an experiment for you to try if you have a relationship that you’d like to improve. Essentially, the experiment starts by keeping track (in your mind) of how often you offer a “compliment” (encouragement, appreciation, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Our Best Selves

What comes to your mind when I refer to our best selves? Is our best self when we “put our best foot forward?” Perhaps so. However, if putting our best foot forward is only to make a good impression—essentially, to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Off the Rails?

The opportunity to spend time with our thoughts can be marvellous. It’s a chance to examine our lives and our relationships. We can think about what we want and where we want to go. We could look at the choices … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Doing the Hard Thing

“I don’t even know why I am doing this.” My friend, who we’ll call Julie for this little story, had hit a rough spot on her way toward a goal that’s important to her. Because I’m a loyal friend with … Continue reading

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