Emotions Are Contagious

Emotions tell us a lot about what is going on at the present moment.   Years ago, after I had graduated from college I heard a newscast that startled me.   One of my Sorority sisters and my husband’s Fraternity brother had been killed in a senseless murder at the side of a major highway.   They were engaged to be married and were coming home from a First Communion Party.   The side- by-side closed caskets were devastating to me.  Everyone there was downhearted and miserable.  Being with all these sad people was emotional for me.  It took me forever to lift the veil.

Another time when emotions were at the opposite end of the spectrum was years ago. Our family attended a Family Convention in Florida.   We were in a stadium with thousands of people attending a Mass.  It was being said in Korean, Spanish, and English. There was singing and  laughter combined with prayer and reverence all at the same time.  Children were everywhere and the power of so many happy people is still engraved in my memory.

When we are thrust into a setting that reels emotion we must be aware.   Our emotions are powerful.  They can be dangerous and lead us to make bad choices.   Or even worse, lead to poor behaviors.   We see that all the time when people perform spontaneous actions.   They pick up a gun while raging about something.   They run into a house on fire without thinking of their own danger or that they are putting firemen in danger to save them!

The Missing Spot

Our cognitive abilities allow us to be rational.  We are able to be judicious and make common sense choices.  Teaching children to control their emotions is  important.  Yes, it is fine to feel the emotion.  We just can’t let it lead us into temptation or into danger.

That is why it is important to know ourselves.   For me even the slightest temptation to eat the wrong foods is present to me.   I try not to have sweets around me or go to parties where there aren’t alternative options to highly salted and fried foods.   We all do know our weak points and must exert control.

If you are prone to anger, learn to control it.   Engage with therapy or people who are calm and can help you work through things.   Keep yourself under control.

Here is a picture of a child on a fire engine.   The puppy was evoking a happy response for her.  In other circumstances, it was good for her to learn that not all dogs are friendly.  Emotions are contagious and can be meant to help us enjoy life!

Enjoy your weekend and “Delight in Living”!