Do you realize how powerful you are?

If you’re like me, your first reaction might be Who? Me?

If I had to list 100 adjectives to describe me “powerful” wouldn’t be on the list.

Not many of us see ourselves as powerful.

But here’s the truth. We all have mighty powerful ability. We just don’t realize it.

I realized I had that power when I turned off the television.

I turned it off and kept it off because I didn’t like what was happening when I watched the news.

It makes me depressed, overcome with a sense of hopelessness. That is not how I want to feel.

I work hard to stay positive but it requires adjusting my thoughts and actions.

Let me ask you this. How many times do you watch the news and then walk away feeling good about yourself and the country?

My husband wants me to sit with him every night and watch the news.

We don’t like the same shows so for the longest time we were watching separate TV shows on separate televisions in separate rooms. That doesn’t make for togetherness.

So David asked that we watch the news together for a bit more togetherness. I tried. But it made me feel awful. Finally I said no. I refuse to do something that depresses me.

We’re going to have to do something better for togetherness. Like dancing. Playing cards. Or going out to dinner with friends. Or, just making time together for conversation.

A range of mental health experts, including licensed clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers advise people to stop or limit watching the news if it causes depression or anxiety.

Many therapists agree that the 24/7 news cycle, with its focus on dramatic and negative events, can negatively impact mental health.

There have been studies that show how it impacts the brain.

I don’t need a brain scan to know when I’m being negatively affected.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Kenleigh McMinn notes that negative emotions from the news are worse when people feel they have no way to help the situation.

That’s what bothers me about sitting there listening to ugliness and doom and gloom situations. If there’s a problem I like to fix it. But I can’t fix the horrors I see on the news.

So it’s simple. I’m out of there.

Instead of sitting numbly in front of the TV I’m going for an evening walk.

Being outside in and of itself has a positive effect on your mind and body.

I find it clears my mind and simply makes me feel better.

Experts say being outdoors decreases stress and anxiety and improves cognitive function.

And every now and then we get a surprising result when we meet a neighbor who becomes a friend. That can’t happen from sitting in front of the TV.

I’m watching the incredible change in one woman whose constant refrain used to be “I can’t; I can’t.”

Finally she says she “got sick of herself” and has vowed not to stay home feeling sorry for herself.

Now she has started reaching out to others and is enjoying being with people.

While she admits it’s an uphill climb she has already done something significant: She realized she has power. True power to change herself.

The mind is a mighty weapon.

Psychologists tell us we can achieve anything if we release the power within us.

Our mind can be the wind beneath our sail, taking us to new heights. Or it can be a stumbling block, keeping us mired in negative thinking.

That’s the conclusion of psychotherapist and mental strength trainer Amy Morin. A decade or so ago we didn’t realize what we do and what we tell our mind can definitely build our mental strength.

Amy Morin is changing all that with her best-selling book “Thirteen Things” mentally strong people won’t do. Since it came out in 2013 the books has been translated into 40 languages and led to ongoing popular podcasts.

Obviously she hit a nerve. Improving your brain function is something many recognize as a need.

No wonder. The world is getting more complex and is demanding more of us to keep up.

The older we get, the harder it seems.

One way of trying to cope is improving the way your brain functions. Therapist Amy Merin says mental strength isn’t about acting tough. It’s about feeling empowered to overcome life’s challenges.

She built her book around 13 things mentally strong people don’t do, with a chapter devoted to each one. Her list:

1. Mentally strong people don’t feel sorry for themselves.

2. They don’t give away their power, an important chapter to read.

3. They don’t shy away from change.

4. They don’t focus on what they can’t control.

5. They don’t worry about pleasing everyone.

6. They don’t fear taking calculated risks.

7. They don’t dwell on the past.

8. They don’t make the same mistake over and over.

9. They don’t resent another person’s success.

10. They don’t give up after the first failure.

11. They don’t fear alone time.

12. They don’t think the world owes them a living.

13. They don’t expect immediate results.

Just being aware of the power of your mind can be significant.

So, can you feel your power?

Email Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net