Toddlers are cute – until they don’t get what they want. Then they throw things, stomp their feet, and scream. But if we’re honest, when life doesn’t go our way we feel like doing the same thing. There’s a toddler inside our own heads yelling, screaming, and showing disappointment.
The best thing to do with a toddler who’s having a tantrum isn’t to engage the tantrum head on. It’s to divert her attention to something else. The same is true with that little voice in your head. Maybe you’re feeling disappointed by life events. Expectations that weren’t met or hurt by someone you love. It’s ok to feel your pain. But once your mind starts kicking and screaming and locking you in a cycle of dark and negative thinking, it’s time to disengage and redirect.
Use your will to direct your thinking in a different direction and as Saint Paul said, “set your mind on things above.” Turn your gaze to the things that lift you up instead of dragging you down. Things that fill you with life instead of deflating you. Practice prayer and gratitude and as you practice those disciples, God will transform and mature your mind!
