Self-help programs often promote the benefits of gratitude. Especially during those times when you are feeling particularly ungrateful, thinking and saying “thank you” can be really helpful.
Let’s say you wake up feeling grumpy. Sometimes it happens! There may be no reason for your grouchy mood; it’s just there. You might even sense the beginnings of a headache to round out this unpleasant morning experience.
There are two ways your day can go from here. Continue reading
Opportunities for conflict abound. That’s reality. Whether those conflicts grow into overwhelming difficulties or fade into minor irritations can depend largely on the choices we make. That’s reality therapy.
What behaviours are helpful when we’re faced with a conflict? Continue reading
Great romances can make for great drama, and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet pretty much takes the cake for drama, complexity, and unfortunate outcome.
Drama occurs in present-day romances too, Continue reading
Do you know someone who is trapped in a difficult, unsatisfying situation? It’s painful to watch, isn’t it? It’s even worse if you perceive that a happy, satisfying life could be readily available.
Mick and Minnie’s friends see a simple obvious solution to their unhappy situation; it’s as plain as the bottle in front of Mick’s face. Continue reading
The beginning of another year often inspires folks to look at their lives and choose to make resolutions to change. While we could resolve to make a change any time, it seems easier when others are doing it too…providing us with that cozy feeling of belonging!
New Year’s or not, it’s always a great time to Continue reading
Very simple ideas are sometimes the most effective when trying to improve a relationship. One such idea from choice theory that can help with relationship problems is the “solving circle.”
The solving circle is an abstract idea, so to make it more concrete, you could create an imaginary circle on the floor and put a couple of chairs inside. Here’s how it works… Continue reading
The idea of love & belonging goes naturally with any discussion of compatibility, doesn’t it? After all, isn’t that why couples become couples: to satisfy their need for love & belonging?
However, in choice theory, the strength of the love & belonging need is not defined as how much love & belonging we would like to receive, but rather, how much we are prepared to give. That’s a different kettle of fish, isn’t it?
If you feel that you’re not getting enough love & belonging from your partner, Continue reading
Continuing our discussion of compatibility and needs, let’s look at power. The word “power” can have negative connotations, but everyone has some need for it. In choice theory, power refers to the perfectly natural need for appreciation and recognition: knowing that you have value.
Choice theory suggests that relationships can be challenging for people who have a high level of the power need. Let’s see how… Continue reading
