Control Your Emotions

I’ve realized, lately, that I often tell my oldest daughter, who is now a new two year old, to control her emotions.  Some might think that it’s over the top and too advanced for a child her age, I disagree.  I’m trying to convey to her, in a time of an emotional up-and-down, that she has the ability and the power to control her actions in regards to her emotional status.  Sometimes she immediately changes her behavior, other times she doesn’t.  The realization that I’ve had is that most adults can’t do this simple task.

Emotions are highly overrated and, when used in decision making, volatile.  I’m thinking back to several encounters (some of which I have posted about on this site) that I’ve had with adult men over the past several months.  The regular and recurring theme between many of the encounters that have gone badly is that the man couldn’t control his emotions.  He allowed his emotions (regardless of what they might be) to get the better of him.  It’s a shame, really.

By allowing your emotions to be in control, you are saying that your brain isn’t strong enough or smart enough or formed enough (etc) to make a change.  I know better than that.  Your brain is capable of being in charge and putting your emotion in their right and ordered place.  Try it next time… when you’re frustrated in traffic, relax, be a gentleman and keep on.  When you get bad service at the restaurant, remain calm, let it roll away – you can still demand customer service, simply do it in the right way.  When someone mistreats you, act out of charity… stand firm in the truth and remain vigilant for justice.  When you disagree with your spouse, put her needs first, even when it means that you won’t get your way – be a servant-leader.  No matter what the situation, you have the ability to control your emotions.  I guarantee you, without a doubt, that you’ll like yourself much more and other people will like and respect you more.

Man up!