••• Jack and Kent are next door neighbors who decided to add decks to their homes. Jack spent almost the entire summer building the deck himself while Kent hired a contractor and spent most of his time at the shore.…
Category: Mental Health
Ruth’s Blog: Optimism can be with you 24/7
I had a very funny conversation today. I was explaining all about the Spontaneous Smiley Project to someone knowing zip about Smiley, hardly knowing me and under the impression that I was there to talk business. To him I must…
Getting Your Act(ions) Together: Actions Speak Louder than Words
••• Barbara and Jeff had a turbulent marriage, mainly because Jeff often disregarded Barbara’s wishes and feelings. He would declare his undying love for her, but the way he behaved seemed to belie his words. He failed to call her…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Three Basic Demands Typical of Neurotic People
••• Bonnie grew up expecting life to be simple and easy for her. She came from a wealthy family, attended a small private school, and never had to contend with very much adversity, or even to take care of herself.…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones
••• Susan was extremely sensitive. A real or imagined slight, a harsh glance, an overlooked letter, a minor criticism would send her into the depths of gloom and anguish. Her sister remarked: “Susan gets hit by emotional Mack trucks ten…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Setting Realistic Goals
••• Derek lived by the adage, “reach for the stars.” He believed that any position except at the very top was worthless. He did not realize that some of his lofty aspirations were beyond his true capabilities, and he was…
Thinking Yourself Happy: On Facts and Opinions
••• Henry was regarded as opinionated. “I just saw the best movie of the decade,” he announced to some associates. Chris said, “You mean you have just seen a movie that you enjoyed.” “No,” said Henry, “I know the difference…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Mistakes Can Be Beautiful
Gary was amazed when one of the men at the office openly admitted having made some mistakes that morning. “I wonder why he didn’t cover it up? ” Gary thought to himself. He had been raised to believe that making…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Avoiding Self-Fascism
••• Zelda was very intolerant of herself. She was kind and merciful towards others, but the standards she set for herself were severe. She was so hard on herself that she frequently punished herself psychologically ~ or even denied herself…
Thinking Yourself Happy: Jumping to Conclusions
••• Charles met Debbie at a friend’s wedding and found her to be very attractive. A few weeks later, he invited her to join him for dinner with two other couples. Debbie was so quiet throughout the evening that Charles…