Tag Archives: responsibility

Reality Check: The Kindness of Etiquette

If the name “Miss Manners” is familiar to you, that says something about your interests. And possibly, your age. And my age, for that matter. No matter. Here’s a little background, in case Miss Manners is new to you. Decades … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Naming Names

The previous post about head-banging (and how we might avoid it), has encouraged me to look further at communications. If we deliberately choose how we communicate, might that help with everyday problems? Everyone has difficulties that have to be dealt … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Is it Overwork? Or Discouragement?

If you’re feeling dissatisfied, can you put your finger on the cause? It might be harder than you’d think. For example, regardless of one’s stage in life, a common dissatisfaction is perceiving that one is overworked. Too much to do; … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The “En” and “Dis” of Courage

In Take Charge of Your Life, Dr. William Glasser lists seven relationship-building habits. One of those habits—encouragement—has popped up in these columns numerous times over the years. Notice how “en-courage” and “dis-courage” both involve “courage.” One increases courage; the other … Continue reading

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Reality Check: You and Me Against the Problem

Just when everything seemed to be going well, Amy got a wakeup call. It was a “heart incident,” and it demanded that she turn her attention toward aspects of her life that she had neglected. You probably know the drill. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Bare Essentials

What is essential for you? Think for a moment. What pops up? Perhaps people come to your mind—friends, family, people we rely on for help and companionship, who keep our spirits up and make our lives worth living. What else … Continue reading

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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: Strategy for Forgetfulness

Anecdotal evidence suggests that lots of folks fear that they are forgetful. Last column, I suggested that one reason people feel overwhelmed is because they are. We’re busy, perhaps anxious, yet tasks keep coming. We lose track and forget. While … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Strength of Less-Social Folks

Do you ever deliberately seek out information that you think you’ll disagree with? If so, why? One reason could be curiosity: to see what “the other side” is thinking. Another reason could be to try to reduce the effect of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Resources and Resourcefulness

Picture yourself stranded on a desert island (or an island off Nova Scotia.) As you are “stranded,” it’s implied that you didn’t intend to be in this situation and it’s definitely not what you want. Now what do you do? … Continue reading

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