13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do — A Kind, Honest Guide to Taking Back Your Power

Book by Amy Morin

Have you ever felt like life just keeps throwing punches at you—one after another—and all you want to do is curl up and stop trying?

Yeah, I’ve been there too. And so has Amy Morin, the author of this book.

She lost her mother suddenly. Then her husband. Then her father-in-law. And yet… she stood back up. She didn’t do it by pretending to be fine. She did it by choosing not to let her pain become her prison.

This book isn’t about pretending everything’s okay. It’s about learning what not to do when life feels like it’s falling apart. It’s honest, raw, and real.

What Does It Mean to Be Mentally Strong?

Being mentally strong doesn’t mean acting tough or hiding your tears.

It means:

Feeling your emotions without letting them control you.
Facing your fears, even when your knees are shaking.
Choosing growth, even when staying stuck feels easier.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up for your life—even on the hard days.

Main Lessons That Hit Home

Let’s go deeper into a few powerful ideas, as if we’re talking over a cup of chai.

1. Self-Pity Doesn’t Heal, It Hurts

It’s so tempting to sit and think, “Why me?”
But the more we do that, the more life passes us by.

Try this: When you’re stuck in that thought spiral, gently tell yourself:
“This is hard… and I will still keep going.”

2. Don’t Hand Over Your Power

Have you ever said, “He ruined my day” or “They made me feel useless”?
It feels true, but here’s a secret: No one gets to control your peace without your permission.

Take back your power with a quiet mantra:
“I choose how I respond.”

3. Change Isn’t the Enemy

Change feels like chaos at first. But it’s actually a clean slate.

Start small. Rearrange your room. Try a new route to work.
Little shifts train your brain to trust change.

4. Let Go of What You Can’t Control

You can’t stop the rain. But you can dance in it, hold an umbrella, or stay inside.

Draw two circles:

One for what you can control.
One for what you can’t.
Focus only on the first one. Let the second go.

Simple, Real-Life Things You Can Do (Right Now)

These aren’t magic tricks. Just gentle, steady habits that make you stronger day by day:

Keep a “3 Good Things” Journal

Every night, jot down three tiny things you’re grateful for.
Even on hard days. Especially on hard days.

Choose 1 Tiny Goal Today

Not “change my life”—just drink more water, stretch for 5 minutes, call a friend.

Try 10 Minutes of Silence

Sit without your phone. Just you and your breath.
You’ll be surprised what shows up in that quiet.

Say Something Kind—to Yourself

Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself?
Try saying:
“I’m doing my best. I’m proud of that.”

A True Story That Stays With Me

Amy writes about skydiving with her late husband’s family on his birthday—instead of holding a sad gathering. They jumped out of planes. Not because they weren’t grieving, but because they chose to celebrate his spirit, not just mourn his loss.

That’s strength. That’s love. That’s life.

Let’s Be Real: You’ll Have Days You Want to Quit

You’ll have days when all this feels useless. When staying in bed feels easier than facing the world. When people’s success stings, when mistakes haunt you, when hope feels like a joke.

But here’s the thing: You’re still here.
Reading this. Wanting better. Trying again.

That is strength.

You don’t need to change overnight. Just don’t give up.

Chapter-Wise Quick Glance

Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself.
Sadness is okay. Self-pity just keeps you stuck.
Don’t give away your power.
You’re allowed to take your power back—starting today.
Don’t avoid change.
Change is scary, yes. But it’s where growth lives.
Don’t worry about what you can’t control.
Focus your energy where it matters—on what you can do.
Don’t try to please everyone.
You weren’t born to be everyone’s favorite—just to be real.
Don’t be afraid to take smart risks.
Fear means you care. Prepare, then leap.
Don’t dwell on the past.
Visit the past to learn, not to live there.
Don’t repeat the same mistakes.
Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons in disguise.
Don’t resent other people’s success.
Their win doesn’t mean your loss.
Don’t quit after failing once.
Failing once just means you started.
Don’t fear being alone.
Being alone isn’t lonely—it’s where you meet yourself.
Don’t think the world owes you.
Life owes you nothing—but you owe yourself everything.
Don’t expect instant results.
Progress is slow. Keep watering the seed.

Should You Read the Book?

Yes. If you’re hurting, healing, growing, or just feeling stuck—this book is like a wise friend. One who won’t sugarcoat things, but also won’t let you quit on yourself.

It won’t tell you what to do. It will gently show you what not to do—so your energy finally goes where it should: towards the life you truly want.