Tag Archives: making choices

Reality Check: A Tale of Two Dates

This column isn’t about dried fruit, nor am I attempting to take over from Ann Landers! I’ve chosen the topic of dates because young (and not-so-young) folks can find it difficult to recognize the true nature of a potential partner. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Mirror, Mirror continued

Last time, I introduced you to Sam, who has been having conflicts with just about everyone, most recently including the law. As you care about Sam, you want to help. Sam has already told you that he doesn’t want to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Saddle Up!

The professional organization that’s associated with teaching the world Choice Theory occasionally sends out inspirational quotes. A recent one came from an unexpected source: John Wayne. According to the Duke, “Courage is when you are scared to death, but you … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Optimism or Pessimism: Can you choose?

If pessimism has a hold on you, the idea that you can choose optimism instead won’t sound very realistic. What is optimism, anyway? Reality therapy says that behaviour has four aspects: thinking, feeling, action, and physiological effects. You can “feel … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Not Every Battle

When Marie met Darcy, she immediately fell in love with his kind heart. Darcy never said no to any good cause, and as there are plenty of good causes, his practical skills and good nature kept him in high demand. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Worry Stoppers

“It is within your power to feel better.” That’s according to Dr. Bob Wubbolding, in “A Set of Directions for Putting and Keeping Yourself Together.” How much power do you have over your feelings? In choice theory, we say that … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Behaviour of Worrying

Whether it’s a significant fear or just a twinge of uneasiness, most folks experience the state of “being worried” from time to time. A variety of actions and thoughts come along for the ride when our main behaviour is worrying. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Purpose and Power

It’s easy to mistake the “power need” that’s identified in reality therapy for something negative. People who want to lead lives filled with good relationships might perceive that they have no need for power; that is, they don’t need or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: At the mercy of events?

Whether you are on the search for your first job or your fifteenth, during the job-hunt process, you’ll likely experience both encouraging and disheartening events. Those events can trigger feelings: excitement and optimism after a good interview; distress and discouragement … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Effective Living in a Material World

Karen, introduced last column, has bones to pick with society and its emphasis on materialism. At the drop of a hat (or shopping bag) Karen can launch into a tirade. Her theme: “We are bombarded with high pressure sales; credit … Continue reading

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