What Mentally Strong People Know
By Amy Morin

Here's a fantastic article from Amy Morin. Her new book is "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do." I highly recommend it!

How can we bounce back from tough times, criticism and conflict? Mentally strong people have a few core beliefs that bring them peace and resilience, says Amy Morin, LCSW in her new book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do.

• Being mentally strong isn't about acting tough.
  You don't have to become a robot, or appear to have a tough exterior, when you're mentally strong. Instead, it's about acting according to your values.
  
  
• Mental strength doesn't require you to ignore your emotions.
  Increasing your mental strength isn't about suppressing your emotions; instead, it's about developing a keen awareness of them. It's about interpreting and understanding how your emotions influence your thoughts and behavior.
  
  
• Being mentally strong doesn't mean you have to be completely self-reliant.
  Mental strength isn't about proclaiming that you don't ever need help from anyone, or from any type of higher power. Admitting you don't have all the answers, asking for help when you need it and acknowledging that you can gain strength from a higher power is a sign of a desire to grow stronger.
  
  
• Being mentally strong is not about positive thinking.
  Thinking overly positive thoughts can be just as detrimental as thinking overly negative thoughts. Mental strength is about thinking realistically and rationally.
  
  
• Developing mental strength isn't about chasing happiness.
  Being mentally strong will help you to be more content in life, but it isn't about waking up every day and trying to force yourself to feel happy. Instead, it's about making the decisions that will help you reach your full potential.
  
  

Next Week: Meditation: A Simple, Fast Way To Reduce Stress