Tag Archives: choosing thoughts

Reality Check: The Thanksgiving Reminder

As I was standing behind the fine young plumber scrunched up under the sink, I joked, “I’m not really hovering over you; I’m just here for moral support.” His response came as a surprise. Thoughtfully, seriously, he responded, “Everyone can … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Fear or Excitement?

Do you live with a feeling of fear? Or maybe you call it dread, anxiety, or worry. It’s a troubling feeling, no matter which name we use. Our fears may be valid. There’s plenty to worry about. And it’s surprisingly … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Quest For What You Want

What do you want? Is that a question worth thinking about? Some believe it’s selfish to think about what we want. Others see it as futile; if you believe you can’t get what you want, why bother asking? Yet “wants” … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Which List Do You Keep?

As you’d expect from a person who writes lessons on happiness, Dr. Gad Saad looks like a pleasant man who has a positive attitude. It makes sense; I’m sure neither you nor I would be enthusiastic about buying books or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Looking for Light in the Tunnel

A while back, an intriguing message landed in my Inbox. It began: “The world is increasingly designed to depress us. Happiness isn’t very good for the economy…” My skeptical nature kicked in. Is that true? I wondered. It didn’t take … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Have To? Or Get To?

The language we use makes a difference. We know that a poor choice of words can strain or even destroy a relationship. Likewise, an inspiring choice of words, especially when delivered in a stirring manner, can motivate people to try … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Louder than Thoughts or Feelings

“Actions speak louder than words” is an old saying. Do you think it’s true? Many of us do. Words can be empty but actions demonstrate who we really are. Choice Theory offers an extension to that idea by suggesting that … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Habit of Respect

If you’ve been following recent columns, you’ll know that I’ve been examining Dr. Glasser’s caring habits for building relationships, one at a time. To recap, those habits are: supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting, and negotiating differences. We’ve now come … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Acceptance of Reality as a Caring Habit

Some people’s lives seem naturally filled with good, close relationships while others have a difficult time getting along with anyone. I certainly don’t have an easy answer for why these disparities exist. We only have control over some things. Thus, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Starting with Goodwill

Have you ever had a conversation that somehow went awry? You believe that you spoke clearly and reasonably, but the other person either couldn’t or wouldn’t understand. Frustrating, isn’t it? When we speak, we want to be heard and understood. … Continue reading

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