Tag Archives: examining wants

Reality Check: The Virtue of Asking

Selflessness has genuine virtue. It’s wonderful to give of yourself for the benefit of others, with no expectation in return. Now consider this: Is there virtue in asking for what you want? Or does the very idea seem selfish to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: From Self-Evaluation to Change

Self-evaluation, in the choice theory perspective, is that important step when we look at what we do and make a judgment about it. The word “judgment” often carries a negative connotation; however, judgment is helpful when you use it to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Who’s holding the pen?

How much of our troubles (or our happiness) do you believe we are responsible for causing ourselves? All? None? Some? My Reality Therapy colleague, Becky Wentzell, uses the metaphor of looking at your life as a story to help folks … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Can’t, Won’t, Don’t? or Can, Will, Do?

I can’t, I won’t, I don’t want! There’s always something that we can’t do, won’t do, or don’t want. And, there are things that we can do, will do, and do want. Which is most helpful to focus on? Elyssa … Continue reading

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A New Year, A New Blog

The beginning of another year often inspires folks to look at their lives and choose to make resolutions to change. While we could resolve to make a change any time, it seems easier when others are doing it too…providing us … Continue reading

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What makes a choice effective?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could always choose the most effective behaviour for every situation? Wouldn’t that make our lives better and more satisfying? Some people do lead more satisfying lives than others. And while fate or luck may … Continue reading

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What would make it possible?

Advertising is a fascinating field. Its usual purpose is to persuade us to do something we might not do otherwise. Often, the goal is to sell, but there can be other goals, too. Advertisers may try to convince us to … Continue reading

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Everybody’s still picking on Johnny

Firmly fixed in Johnny’s mind is the idea that life is unfair. More specifically, life is unfair to him. Whether it’s at work, with his parents, his teachers, even with his friends, Johnny often feels as if he is under … Continue reading

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Rain or Shine, Choose to have a good time

We Maritimers have something in common; we’re always aware of the weather. When the sun shines and the birds are singing, everyone smiles; when it’s a (rare) dull, dreary day, it’s common for folks to feel dull and dreary too. … Continue reading

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The Unspoken Bargain

Have you ever entered into a bargain without realizing it? Alice did, and now she’s getting a daily dose of frustration from an arrangement she thought would be to her benefit. Here’s her story. 

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