13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do_ Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success ( PDFDrive )

CHAPTER 1
THEY DON’T WASTE TIME FEELING SORRY
FOR THEMSELVES
Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical
narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates
the victim from reality.
—JOHN GARDNER
During the weeks that followed Jack’s accident, his mother couldn’t stop talking
about the “horrible incident.” Every day she recounted the story about how both
of Jack’s legs were broken when he was hit by a school bus. She felt guilty that
she wasn’t there to protect him, and seeing him in a wheelchair for several weeks
was almost more than she could bear.
Although doctors had predicted a complete recovery, she repeatedly warned
Jack that his legs may never fully heal. She wanted him to be aware that he may
not be able to play soccer or run around like the other kids ever again, just in
case there was a problem.
Although his doctors had medically cleared him to return to school, his
parents decided that Jack’s mother would quit her job and homeschool him for