Tag Archives: perception

Reality Check: Feeling Unappreciated?

Posted on November 8, 2015 by RealityCheck

Have you ever felt as if you give and give and give, yet receive little appreciation in return? Neighbours Sara and Michelle are different: Michelle gregarious and fun-loving, Sara introspective and serious. Despite their differences, they are content as neighbours, … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged examining wants, frustration, need satisfaction, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Perspectives on Luxury

Posted on August 23, 2015 by RealityCheck

It can be interesting to see how people used to live, so I took the opportunity this summer to tour the historic Wyatt House in Summerside. Through that tour, one gets a glimpse into the lives of some very wealthy … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged comparing with others, fairness, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Angry Stance

Posted on June 7, 2015 by RealityCheck

Do you have an automatic mode? That is, do you wake up feeling pretty much the same every day? Is your first reaction to a situation more or less the same, despite whether the situation is positive or negative? Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged "should", criticism, dissatisfaction, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Treasure Hunt

Posted on May 31, 2015 by RealityCheck

Humans have problems. As I’m interested in helping folks overcome problems, I look for information on problem-solving. In a recent article, “The Obstacles of Everyday Problem Solving,” author James J. Rooney connected problem-solving and treasure-hunting. How might treasure-hunting help with … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged choosing thoughts, frustration, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Big Sigh

Posted on April 19, 2015 by RealityCheck

Memorable sayings aren’t always elegant and this one, though a little crude, is also unforgettable: “Assume—it makes an ass of u and me.” Making an assumption doesn’t literally turn you or me into a body part. (I know because I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged conflict, improving relationships, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Give and Take of Communication

Posted on April 12, 2015 by RealityCheck

There are so many communication pitfalls that it’s amazing that we can communicate at all! It’s not that we can’t make ourselves heard, rather, it’s the understanding /being understood part that’s so problematic. Rebecca has a hard time communicating with … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged "should", blame, improving relationships, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: A Sustainable Relationship

Posted on March 29, 2015 by RealityCheck

Sustainability. It’s a popular word now, and its relevance is not limited to trees and trash. Thinking about sustainability implies thinking long term. For example, consider a sustainably-harvested woodlot. What do you see? Some trees ready for harvest, some left … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged improving relationships, offering information, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Adversity: Can Thinking Help?

Posted on March 15, 2015 by RealityCheck

Nothing’s really bad or good, but thinking makes it so. Did Shakespeare get it right? Sooner or later, most of us face adversity. For some types of adversity, we have control over whether the result is a huge disruption or … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing, Thinking, Feeling, Physiology | Tagged choosing thoughts, examining options, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Here’s to a Satisfying Holiday

Posted on November 30, 2014 by RealityCheck

For some folks, the prospect of holidays and the expectations that come with them can evoke feelings that are closer to dread than joy. And if our perception is that others effortlessly produce perfect food, gifts, and parties while surrounded … Continue reading →

Posted in Perception & Reality | Tagged "should", examining wants, need satisfaction, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Reaction Rut

Posted on November 23, 2014 by RealityCheck

If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, then you’re familiar with quick physical reactions. “Ouch!” (or other words) are almost instant responses to pain; no thought required. Physical pain isn’t the only type of pain though, is it? In choice theory, … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged choosing thoughts, perception, self-evaluation | Comments Off