When scientists are sent in to help clean-up the oil spills created by the likes of the Exxon Valdez or a derailed train car carrying hydrochloric acid, they often use microorganisms to convert the hazardous materials into less harmful substances.

It’s got me thinking what the emotional equivalent of a microorganism is. And, more importantly, does Costco sell it in bulk?

This question came to me after being accosted by a stranger’s mental meltdown. There I was dropping my kids off when I heard a maniac shouting expletives towards the school. I couldn’t make out the exact words, but my ears knew to brace themselves for ugly. When I looked towards the drop-off area, though, it appeared that no one was paying this man any attention, so I carried on my way down the street. Within a minute, however, this lunatic on wheels was riding his bike past me and seemed to think I might join him on the tambourines as he beat the drums on his bandwagon of bilious. He continued his string of expletives by explaining to me as he rode by: “That g.d.a.hole almost killed me… right in front of the school!”

When I washed away the crazy, it was clear the man was rattled by a careless driver who cut him off in a way that made his life flash before his eyes. Scary, right? I get that.

But my question is… did your fear and anger, Mr. Cyclist, really need to seep out onto the rest of us who have our own tensions and fears that we are trying to keep a lid on?

I got home and talked myself back down to simmer after a brisk walk, a chat with a friend, and a re-visited decision to choose a positive outlook in life, come what may. (Mr. Fate, this is by no means to be considered as a challenge to you.)

What do you do to avoid letting your ugliness percolate up to contaminate the air for those around you?