Tag Archives: encouragement

Reality Check: The Encouragement of Youth

The recent passing of Prince Philip reminded me about the Duke of Edinburgh award, and that it’s important to encourage youth in positive directions. Encouragement—or a lack of encouragement—can make a significant difference for us, whether we are youthful or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Companions on our Journey

If you associate Pythagoras with unhappy high-school math memories, then you might be surprised to find a quote attributed to him about friendship and happiness. Here it is: “Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Spirit of a Conversation

With limitations on visiting people, how we handle our conversations may matter even more now than during normal times. Why? When we can’t talk face to face, we can’t see expressions or body language. It’s harder to distinguish between a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Above and Beyond

You can tell when you’re dealing with someone who goes above and beyond. It’s the store clerk who not only asks if you’ve found what you’re looking for, but who makes sure that it meets your needs. It’s the person … 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: To Speak or to Avoid?

Illnesses, losses and tragedies happen. When you know someone who is experiencing a significant difficulty, it can be hard to know what to say. How do you react when you see that person coming down the sidewalk? Do you think, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Essential Connections

When things are going well, some of us don’t feel a great need to seek out connections with others. We’re content to forge along and make our progress without a great deal of interaction. When things are going badly however, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Commencement

It’s graduation season! Congratulations to all of the graduates who are about to embark on a new phase in your lives. Perhaps this isn’t graduation time for you. Maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve felt like you’ve had … 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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Reality Check: Adaptability and Optimism

A commentator on morning radio recently said, “The world needs a dose of optimism now.” Maybe that’s true. Optimism can help us turn around, look up, and find hope again. Are you a natural optimist? Some people seem to be. … Continue reading

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