What does mentally strong mean, according to psychotherapist Amy Morin? Can mentally strong people handle everything on their own?
In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin explains how to be a mentally strong parent. By following her advice, you can raise independent and confident children.
Here’s what it means to be mentally strong.
What Does “Mentally Strong” Mean?
Since Morin’s book is a guide to mentally strong parenting, we’ll define what mentally strong means.
Morin describes mental strength as a combination of self-awareness and self-control. This means you have a good understanding of your thoughts, feelings, values, and abilities, as well as your needs and your shortcomings. You’re also able to use that understanding of yourself to make decisions that lead to a happy and fulfilling life—or, in this case, decisions that set your child up to build such a life.
For example, it’s a common misconception that strong people can handle everything on their own. However, if you’re truly mentally strong, you’ll know when you need help with something and won’t be ashamed to ask for that help. In the case of parenting, this might mean knowing when it’s time to seek advice from other parents or from an expert to address an issue your child is struggling with.
| Build Mental Strength Through Mindfulness Morin uses the term “mental strength” to describe the ability to understand and control yourself; another common term for this skill is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings from moment to moment. It involves paying attention to both your inner experiences, such as your mental and emotional states, and external factors like the sights and sounds around you. By being mindful, you can observe how you react to different stimuli, whether it’s with stress and anxiety or with calmness and acceptance. This heightened awareness allows you to make more deliberate choices about how you respond to various situations. Meditation is one popular technique for cultivating mindfulness. In fact, experts say that practicing mindfulness meditation for just a few minutes each day can significantly enhance your self-awareness and self-control. This style of meditation involves setting aside time to focus your attention on a single thing, like your breath or an appropriate mantra, while letting go of distractions. Doing so clears your mind so that you become aware of everything you experience through your senses, as well as your internal reactions to those experiences. Whenever your mind wanders or something distracts you, simply recognize that it’s happened (without berating yourself for it) and return your attention to your chosen focus. This trains you to be more present in the current moment, and less easily sidetracked by wandering thoughts and emotions. |
