It was one of those mornings. You know, the one where you wake up immediately cranky and feel like the whole universe is conspiring against you.

It started as usual with our German Shepherd, Bailey, whining in my face impatiently asking to go outside. Which quickly led to our Pit Bull, Maggie, pouncing at my head joining efforts to get me out of bed. Grumbly all the way to the door, I hear “MOM! I can’t find my car!” Chase, our 3-year-old, frantically woke up. Opening the door to the backyard, the dogs race outside.

My eyes were still sleepy, trying to take in the chaos of the morning. Chase is having a full on melt down by the time I get to his room. “My Car! It’s gone!” He wailed.

“Hey bud, Your car is right here. It just fell on the floor.”

“My car, my car, my car.” He remained inconsolable.

“Chase,” holding the car up for him to see. “It’s right here.”

“Oh.” He takes a deep breath in as the tears continued down his face.

We stumbled through the morning with similar events. After struggling to get Chase dressed, shoes on, and buckled into the car seat. We are finally on our way to Chase’s pre-school.

“Mom, mom, mama, mom, mom.”

“Yes Chase?”

“Mama. Mama. Mama.”

“Yes Chase? What do you need?”

“I want my car!” Chase whines.

“Can you tell me why you don’t have your car right now?”

“No. I was listening! I want my car. I want my car.”

“CHASE JUST STOP!” I harshly yelled in a desperate attempt to stop the screaming.

The screaming continued, as regret over my harsh tone, sinks in. “Fine. Here take it.” I place the car in the cup holder of his car seat.

Before I know it, the red Lightening McQueen car comes straight past my head and hits the window with a loud thud.

Taking a deep breath in, I remained quiet listening to the screams of my 3-year-old. How did this so quickly get out of hand? Pulling into the pre-school parking lot, I found a parking spot, and put the car in park. Turning my head, I take in the sight. Chase looked at me through tear-filled eyes.

“I love you, Chase.”

Instantly his screams stopped. His eyes got wide. “Oh.” He took in a few short breaths, gasping for air, trying to catch his breath. After several seconds, his little voice quietly cut through the now silent car. “I love you too mom.”

“If you can tell me why you don’t have your car right now, I will happily give it back to you.”

“Mom, I am so sorry I hit you and threw my car and didn’t listen.”

Handing the car back to my son, I am quickly reminded how powerful love can be.

My frustrations that morning led to my decision to take away toys, yell, and attempt to force my three-year-old to move along at my pace. All of which were met with resistance.

When I was able to move my emotions from anger to love, that was the break through moment. That was the moment that I was able to get my three-year-old on board with me, moving in the same direction.

What areas in your life could use a break through moment?

Is it possible that love and kindness will begin to break ground in that impossible battle?

We can’t control how others react to our kindness, but we can control our thoughts. Showing love and kindness even when undeserved will begin habits for healthy thinking. Letting go of the frustrations, the past mistakes, the resentment and choosing love is a great step in shifting your mindset. Shifting your habits to promote good mental health.

Author: Crystal