"Keeping it Real"

I've heard about "keeping it real" a lot in the past couple of years. You hear the phrase on radio and TV talk shows, during group therapy in area programs, when folks are sharing at NA/AA meetings, and in every day conversations. "You know, I'm just keepin' it real, man" or "Let's be real" I've often wondered, what are people really saying (pun intended) when they say let's keep it real. I'd like to offer some ideas regarding how to really keep things real:

  1. Don't lie to me; not even half of the truth qualifies as being real.
  2. Don't exaggerate the facts.
  3. Don't fantasize about things that are never going to happen.
  4. Don't have expectations for yourself and others that are unrealistic.
  5. Don't tell folks you can do things you can't really do, or don't really intend to do.
  6. When you are telling your life story, give us the facts. Leave out the b. s.

What Makes Us Happy?

Certain things in life seem to make us happy. We think that if we could control all the various aspects of our lives, we will be more likely to feel more satisfied with how things are going. Here's a list:

  • Being happily married
  • Having a reason to believe in something - spiritual stuff, and a way to express that belief
  • Good weather
  • Satisfying work
  • Good health
  • Time for family, friends, and the community
  • Giving of time, money, and/or effort to help others
  • Living in a place with a good "urban design" i.e. parks, sidewalks, and mass transit

Not many folks would say they are fulfilled in all of the categories above. Some of these situations are determined by our own choices and behaviors. Some are not. It Kind of reminds me of a thing called "The Serenity Prayer."

Adapted from Renew Magazine







"The principle cause of doubt is an untrained and inattentive mind."

Buddy Fichera


"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."

Aristotle


"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."

Mark Twain




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Dr. Candace McDaniel
8021 East Thornton Fwy, Suite A
Dallas, Texas 75228

Call (214) 328-4848 or 

 for more information