We have lots of ways to communicate. We use words, of course, both written and spoken. But we also communicate through facial expressions, tone, and actions. If you’re not sure how we communicate using actions, think about the message sent by a slamming door. That’s communication, isn’t it? Continue reading
People argue. That’s no surprise; we have different opinions. Discussing opinions can be useful, enlightening, and fun!
However, disputes can also be destructive, even permanently damaging relationships. Political and cultural issues—views of entitlements, responsibilities, political correctness, justice—are especially fertile ground for conflict.
Kris and Ollie see each other at holidays when the family gets together to eat, laugh, and argue. Good times!
However, over the years, the tone of the arguments has changed. Now, when Kris comes from university and talks to Ollie on the farm, the discussion is hostile rather than good-natured. Continue reading
Wouldn’t it be great if we all agreed? We’d live in peace and harmony! However, to quote Dr. Glasser, “We all want a perfect world populated by perfect people like us, but that world has never existed. If it did, there would be no need for psychotherapy.”
People have different opinions. You and I probably have different opinions. I don’t know that for sure, but I’m willing to bet we can find something that we disagree on. For example, we might disagree about whether it’s appropriate to bet about finding disagreement! Continue reading
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 comes to mind? Survival basics are probably on your list. We need air, water, food, shelter, and so on. There are other things too. Perhaps you believe that work is an essential in your life. Interaction with young people is essential for some; for others not so much. Continue reading
One stunningly beautiful day recently, I noticed that I wasn’t fully appreciating the warmth and the beauty. Instead, I was ruminating. The thoughts popping into my head all had to do with concerns and difficulties.
Have you noticed that yourself?
All of us have worries. Every one of us has difficulties. Over this last year, concerns about health and medical issues have been top of mind for many people.
But there are plenty of other things to fret about as well, whether you are fretting for yourself or about others. Continue reading
Are we prisoners of our moods?
Some days we feel great from the moment we wake up; others not so much. Why? We could blame the weather. Maybe it’s that incomprehensible jumble of hormones inside our bodies. Or it could be after-effects of last night’s pizza!
Events can also have an influence. Compare a day when there’s no line at the coffee counter and you have a pleasant conversation versus another day when your new shoes get splashed and somebody scowls at you. Continue reading
“There is good in everyone.” I expect that you’ve heard this declared; perhaps you’ve even said it yourself. Granted, sometimes it’s coupled with a caution that we may have to dig pretty deep to find good in some people.
Perhaps it’s true. Or maybe it’s wishful thinking—this hope that deep inside even the worst-acting person is a spark of good.
What is good? If we set out to look for it, how will we know when we’ve found it? Different people define what is good in very different ways. Continue reading
If you are down on your luck, you may heard that you need to adopt a “can-do attitude.” The most effective promoters of “can-do” are folks who have been through hard times themselves. It can be inspiring to hear a story of success from someone who has overcome poverty, addiction, discouragement, childhood traumas, negative influences or other barriers.
Is attitude everything? Or is success dependant on luck, fate, and circumstances beyond our control? I’m sure that you can find examples of individuals with undeserved success just as easily as I can find examples of folks who have created success out of misfortune. Continue reading
