On a 3-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia to my home in Maryland I listened to the Motown channel on XM radio.  I was coasting along I-95 at a leisurely pace within the speed limit when James Brown joined me in the car.  Do you know people used to say that James could raise the dead when he started groovin’ in his signature style?  Well, as he got it goin’ I felt my foot pushing the gas pedal toward the floor and I noticed my aggressive side beginning to appear.

But when the balladeers followed with their mellow offerings, I felt my body relax and I returned to coasting along at a leisurely pace.

Isn’t that interesting?

I want you to take a little test with me and let’s see how our behavior changes in different circumstances.  How about when we associate with people who are a bit rowdy; do you think our behavior changes?  Have you ever attended a sporting event where your own child was playing?  They write books about the aggressive behavior of some parents at sporting events.  When we watch the children of friends play, we are supportive and we cheer, but the passion is not the same as when it’s our own kids.

Another circumstance in which I see behavior change occurs in moments of frustration.  If the frustration occurs with a friend or colleague, we empathize and we are patient.  But when frustration occurs with a family member, we are likely to fly off the handle and say something we will regret later.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Today’s Pearl is don’t be the problem; be the solution – stay in control of your emotions.