Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

230 — 7 Ways I Found Mental Strength During My Darkest Times

Jul 18, 2025

Explore seven powerful strategies for finding mental strength through personal adversity. Discover how small steps can create a sense of control and the healing comfort of childhood passions. Learn the surprising benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone and the essential roles of patience and humor in grief. Embrace new beginnings and the transformative power of faith as anchors during life's storms. This heartfelt journey offers resilience tools for anyone facing tough times, reminding us we are not alone.

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ANECDOTE

Amy's Personal Grief Journey

Amy Morin faced immense grief after losing her mom at 23 and her husband at 26 suddenly.
She had to rebuild her life completely and find ways to move forward despite the pain.

ADVICE

Focus on Small Steps

Focus on taking small steps like getting out of bed or going outside as wins.
Celebrate tiny progress to build momentum even during overwhelming grief.

ANECDOTE

Finding Solace in Books

Amy rediscovered comfort in reading books during grief, returning to childhood favorites.
Some books weren't helpful at first, but C.S. Lewis's "A Grief Observed" resonated deeply.

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Have you ever felt like life has hit you so hard that it knocked the wind out of you? Maybe you're in one of those moments right now, wondering how to even take the next step.

In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the seven strategies that helped me navigate the darkest days of my life. From losing my mom at 23, to becoming a widow at 26, I had to figure out how to rebuild my life while facing unimaginable grief.

These aren’t textbook solutions. They are real, raw strategies that helped me move forward, one small step at a time.

Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to build resilience for the future, these strategies can help you find strength, hope, and a way forward.

Some of the things I discuss today are:

Why focusing on small steps forward can help you regain a sense of control.
How rediscovering childhood comforts, like reading or gardening, can bring unexpected healing.
The surprising power of stepping outside your comfort zone to try new things.
Why patience and humor are essential tools for navigating grief and tough times.
How faith can serve as an anchor during life’s most difficult storms.

If you’re struggling right now, I hope this episode leaves you feeling less alone and gives you the tools to face whatever life is throwing your way.

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