Tag Archives: choosing thoughts

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

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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

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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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Reality Check: What does respect look like?

Communication is interesting. We come up with ideas—essentially pictures in our minds—that we want to communicate. Then we use words to share those ideas. We tend to assume that everybody understands words the same way. Take the word “respect.” My … Continue reading

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Reality Check: More Choice Language

The language we use can both reflect and shape our attitudes. While “choice language” usually refers to something a little spicier, in this column, choice language refers to words and phrases that reflect our choices and our areas of control. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Words of Choice

Although we humans do a lot of talking (and occasionally listening), it can still be difficult to understand each other. Even the words we use with ourselves—our internal dialog—can shape how we understand our lives. Do we believe that we … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Gift in the Event

Bad things can happen to anyone. While we can take action to try to prevent some bad things by driving cautiously, choosing friends carefully, eating reasonably, the reality is that many events are completely beyond our control. We do have … Continue reading

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Reality Check: When Something Stinks

With delicate precision, the grandkids smeared stinky cheese into Grandpa’s moustache while he snoozed. Grandpa awakes, it stinks! No matter where he goes, everything stinks. The whole world stinks! It can be surprisingly hard to tell whether it’s the whole … Continue reading

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Reality Check: What Three Words?

“Why so glum, Jim?” “I just got a compliment.  At least, I guess that’s what it was. I did a favour for Mary, and she told me how grateful she is to have me around, that I’m always so loyal … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Filter For Your Thoughts

Reality. You would think we’d all agree on what it is, wouldn’t you? Yet, two people can be exposed to the same situation or read exactly the same words and come away with quite different perceptions. How does that happen? … Continue reading

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