I was lost and not paying attention to the traffic light that changed to red. I proceeded to U-turn as blue flashing lights reflected in my rear view mirror. I knew what I’d done and I was guilty. When the officer approached my window, I immediately threw myself under the bus.  “I ran a red light, didn’t I?”

Taken back by my admission, he chuckled. But then, things went from bad to worse. I couldn’t find my registration…or my insurance card. I babbled on about how I should have the cards and surely they were here somewhere. He listened patiently as my face heated up and sweat beads formed on my forehead. But I chose to SPEAK GENTLY and apologetically. What choice did I have? After what felt like hours, the officer returned to my car, his words shocking me. “Go find your registration form. And no more U-turns on red.” Smiling, he handed me a warning. No ticket. No going to jail. I was free.

I think back to that night and wonder what it was that made him simply issue a warning. Could it have been my words of kindness and humility? Maybe, maybe not, but I did have a choice when it came to my words. We all do.

There are times when our anger gets the best of all of us and words flow from our lips that we later regret. What if we took a moment to think before speaking? What if we were to SPEAK GENTLY to others?

Try it sometime. When someone makes you mad, instead of replying harshly, SPEAK GENTLY to them in return. When one of your kids talks back, instead of yelling, SPEAK GENTLY and address their disrespect.

A couple of adages I like are “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” and “You’ll get more with sugar than salt”. We’d all do good to remember that SPEAKING GENTLY and kindly to others will accomplish more and give us better results.

Julane Fisher is an author, speaker, and blogger. For more encouragement and inspiration, subscribe to her monthly newsletter. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.