Thriving Beyond Tragedy: The Path to Mental Wellness with Amy Morin

At some point all of our mental muscles are tested, some more than others, but everyone has a test that has come or is on the way. It could be a family tragedy for one person, a failed relationship, or business for another, or a dream that becomes a nightmare. Regardless of a person and their station in life, everyone will be given the opportunity to test their mental strength and fortitude. How they approach that situation and more importantly, how they emerge from it, tells the story.

“I learned that you shouldn’t put things off until someday. If you’re going to do it, do it now.” – (Amy), 2:41

My guest today is Amy Morin. She’s a respected psychotherapist, author, and woman who had her mental muscles tested in some of the most unimaginable ways. At the tender age of 23 she lost her mother and a few years later, while only 26, her husband passed. Both losses were sudden, and both required her to summon vast amounts of mental strength to get to the other side. Today she goes deep and helps us understand how to cope with loss, build our mental muscle, and be brave enough to pick up and begin living life again. 

“You can convince yourself of almost anything. Your body will respond to the way you talk to it.” – (Amy), 13:26

Life is a tough place to live, but being bold enough to continue living despite the curveballs and struggles that come your way makes it all the more rewarding. If you’ve been struggling with how you’re going to move forward and begin living again following a challenging experience, this episode is for you.

“Change the channel in your brain by giving yourself a random thought.” – (Amy), 41:36

In this Episode:

• (3:10) – Writing helped her understand she could live anywhere.

• (6:07) – Imposter Syndrome and the job.

• (6:41) – The irony of falling apart while helping others put themselves back together. 

• (7:22) – Amy talks about how she lives with the pain of loss.

• (8:10) – Practical challenges after losing her husband. 

• (9:30) – The role her sister played in her recovery.

• (10:36) – Amy reveals she feels changed after the losses, but not broken. 

• (12:01) – Being a therapist helped Amy through her struggles.

• (14:48) – Amy speaks about the success of her TED talk. 

• (15:23) – How eulogizing her husband unleashed the public speaker inside.

• (18:15)- Meditation isn’t for everyone so don’t force it. 

• (20:00) – Mental health and social media. 

• (20:55) – Bad mental health advice and TikTok. 

• (22:20) – Amy cautions listeners not to be drawn in by therapists based on their social media following size. 

• (22:44) – Amy reveals that she has struggled with anxiety for most of her life. 

• (28:15) – Amy opens up about generational trauma and the impact it has on lives. 

• (29:02) – Amy on finding love after losing her husband. 

• (31:30) – Danny and the way he uses mental gymnastics to justify behaviors. 

• (35:30) – Amy conveys how lamenting the past can impact your present and future.

• (39:50) – Amy helps listeners overcome intrusive thoughts.

• (42:25) – Amy and how she helps others overcome their fear of failure.

• (46:38) – Accountability and bad habits.

• (53:14) – Fiction and mental health.

Our Guest

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, faced early life challenges with the loss of her mother at 23 and husband at 26. Driven by personal adversity, she embarked on a journey to understand and cultivate mental strength. In 2013, she penned a le