Tag Archives: gratitude

Reality Check: The Tiny Point of Light

If you are fortunate, on a clear night you see a vast expanse of blackness interrupted by tiny points of light. Even if you’re not in a place where you can see stars, you know how one tiny point of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Legacy and Contribution

What comes to your mind when you hear the words, “leaving a legacy”? Legacy is often interpreted as a monetary gift, but for Stephen Covey, the concept of legacy is broader than money. Covey, famous for “The 7 Habits of … Continue reading

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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: Gifts and Earned Successes

For some folks, a favourite activity is comparing themselves with others. Who has the best car? The nicer house? The most friends on facebook? Keeping score can pass the time, but I don’t believe that it helps make one’s life … Continue reading

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Reality Check: “Good Thing” Accountability

Accountability. We know it’s good for us. Yet, it sounds kind of naggy and judgey. Like, “You said you’d do this and now I’m holding you accountable. So ‘fess up; did you do what you said you would do?” It’s … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Burden or Honour?

For some time, Carole has been caring for her mom, Beatrice. Carole is the logical caregiver; others have neither the skills nor the temperament to be able to effectively care for Beatrice. Beatrice is what we might call “a character.” … Continue reading

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Reality Check: To Fill a Caring Gap

When we’re not able to satisfy our basic needs, we’re unhappy. So I proposed examining our needs. Find out whether our needs are being met. If not, where are the gaps? You may be thinking, it’s all well and good … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment

Do you feel weird when giving someone a compliment? If so, you’re not alone. I know this because Dan Pink, best-selling motivational author, created a short video on “How to compliment people without feeling like a weasel.” This sounds a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Grumbling and Gratitudes

Has anyone done you wrong at any point in your life? I suspect that it’s a rare person who could answer, “No.” For most, at some point, someone did not treat us well. Have you also noticed that many grievances … 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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