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You're Smart, Strong and You Got This: Drawings, Affirmations, and Comfort to Help with Anxiety and Depression
#1 Bestseller in Women Artists
Broaching the subject of mental health. It’s not easy to discuss mental health, even though it affects everyone. We want to believe we can handle anything that comes at us, but the reality is we all have good days and bad days. Because of this, it is important to check in with our mental health. Through guided illustrations, author Kate Allan opens the door to discussion about mental health in an approachable and unassuming manner. Pep talks for any occasion. Whether you deal with social anxiety, depression, or are simply going through a rough patch, Allan is here with her friendly animals to help. Negative thoughts can keep us from reaching our full potential, not to mention hold us back from attaining happiness. This book is a source of validation and encouragement for those moments when we need a reminder of our worth. A journey to wellness. The focus of this book is personal growth, both the reader’s and the author’s. With her beautiful illustrations, Allan guides us through how she went from rock bottom to managing her mental health quite well. By zooming in on mindfulness and prioritizing self-care, Allan expresses how we can get through the hardships we face and come out stronger. Read Kate Allan’s new book, You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This , and find… If you’ve enjoyed reading titles such as The Happiness Trap, Mind Over Mood, and You Can Do All Things , then you’ll love the expressions of encouragement found in You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This .
Broaching the subject of mental health. It’s not easy to discuss mental health, even though it affects everyone. We want to believe we can handle anything that comes at us, but the reality is we all have good days and bad days. Because of this, it is important to check in with our mental health. Through guided illustrations, author Kate Allan opens the door to discussion about mental health in an approachable and unassuming manner. Pep talks for any occasion. Whether you deal with social anxiety, depression, or are simply going through a rough patch, Allan is here with her friendly animals to help. Negative thoughts can keep us from reaching our full potential, not to mention hold us back from attaining happiness. This book is a source of validation and encouragement for those moments when we need a reminder of our worth. A journey to wellness. The focus of this book is personal growth, both the reader’s and the author’s. With her beautiful illustrations, Allan guides us through how she went from rock bottom to managing her mental health quite well. By zooming in on mindfulness and prioritizing self-care, Allan expresses how we can get through the hardships we face and come out stronger. Read Kate Allan’s new book, You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This , and find… If you’ve enjoyed reading titles such as The Happiness Trap, Mind Over Mood, and You Can Do All Things , then you’ll love the expressions of encouragement found in You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This .
212 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2020
33 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 2, 2020
A wonderful gift and a great reminder to show yourself compassion!
August 27, 2020
I read this book right after reading “You Can Do All Things” by the same author. I didn’t think it was possible to like this book more than that one, but I did! The author uses a more effective structure to propel this book forward, in my opinion. It is structured as her writing to her younger self, describing how life has (or hasn’t) changed, and how that’s okay. It’s littered with great advice and nuggets of wisdom for people who suffer from depression and/or anxiety. And then, of course, there are a ton of new beautiful drawings with fantastic self-affirming messages. Can’t wait to flip back through this from time to time when I’m struggling and feel the cool rush of relief flood over me when I internalize the messages. Highly recommend to anyone who suffers from depression and/or anxiety!
August 9, 2025
3.5⭐
I love that this book was written to and for the author's younger self, because how often have we needed someone to tell us the same things when we were young and fumbling (not that I aren't still fumbling as an adult)?
I also enjoyed the affirmations, which truly spoke to the reader instead of just being the usual surface-level, performative stuff. My favourite part was where the author said love is both an act and a feeling – it makes so much sense! Though there was one too many page about body image and looks.
The art, doodles and colours are gorgeous too and really enhanced the reading experience. This was a great pick-me-up that resonated deeply.
I love that this book was written to and for the author's younger self, because how often have we needed someone to tell us the same things when we were young and fumbling (not that I aren't still fumbling as an adult)?
I also enjoyed the affirmations, which truly spoke to the reader instead of just being the usual surface-level, performative stuff. My favourite part was where the author said love is both an act and a feeling – it makes so much sense! Though there was one too many page about body image and looks.
The art, doodles and colours are gorgeous too and really enhanced the reading experience. This was a great pick-me-up that resonated deeply.
December 15, 2020
New favorite book alert!!
Love this so much. it is surprisingly so relatable and comforting. I really like it. I think this is good book at the right time. I really need some kind words or compassion and find it here
Here few of my fav quotes:
💕There’s a lie that anxiety tells you: if you make ANY mistakes, ANY AT ALL, you will royally mess up your future. Everything feels high stakes, basically all the time. Yikes.
Well, one thing you need to acknowledge is, although your mind is sabotaging you and keeping you from being able to focus or act with confidence, it is actually trying to protect you. Bizarre, right?
💕Hello Younger Me,You are trying your hardest, but it never feels like it's quite enough, does it? There's always some sort of disaster looming ahead, right?
Well, as an older, more experienced version of you, I can tell you—this feeling never really goes away. I'm sorry, I know that's bad news.But, you know what? You will get better at dealing with it.
💕I think my boyfriend is going to break up with me.. But whatever, I’ll deal with it.”Leaning in to the pain and fear can loosen anxiety’s hijacking of your mind. You may have no idea what’s headed your way, but if you keep telling yourself that you’re capable of handling whatever happens, your mind will panic less and less often
July 17, 2023
Okay... but why did this make me cry?
September 28, 2020
Emotional support drawings
I’ve been a fan of Kate’s for a long time and this book didn’t disappoint. Perfect for a quick pick me up or just to find the image that resonates most.
I’ve been a fan of Kate’s for a long time and this book didn’t disappoint. Perfect for a quick pick me up or just to find the image that resonates most.
August 27, 2021
I would give this book 6/5 stars if I could.
February 8, 2022
Read this little book on a whim as it was in the hoopla app. The drawings are all adorable and some are enchantingly beautiful; all have self affirming, self-help style captions. Recommended if you’re feeling down and like kittens, baby foxes, or unicorns.
June 5, 2022
Out of all the self-help books that I have read since starting to keep record I must say the only one that I have found to be of any worth is Kate Allan. The adorable animals that she uses and the bright colors remind me so much of Lisa Frank from my childhood while pairing along with quite helpful mantras that stay relevant no matter how many times you read them.
In this particular book Kate starts off with an Introduction that explains how she has gotten her start on her life's work. She then breaks the book down into various chapters that explores either major emotions or scenarios in which readers may find themselves struggling while posting adorable illustrations that relate to that topic.
Following this are included illustrations with mantras that focus on the main topic and also occasionally a letter to her younger self. These letters acknowledge common thoughts and feelings as well as providing comfort to oneself as well as wisdom received from living through suffering through mental struggles. Furthermore the letters aren't addressed to Kate and so as a result the reader can be reading these letters as much as if they are directed to them instead of to the author.
This book is easy-to-read whether you want to flip through it, just open it or completely read through it. At the same time it is small enough for easy mobility or storage so this way you can keep the book close to you if you should desire to. Would definitely recommend it although Kate Allan is known for using some mild curse words although quite rarely that it shouldn't be a problem to those who find such terminology offensive.
In this particular book Kate starts off with an Introduction that explains how she has gotten her start on her life's work. She then breaks the book down into various chapters that explores either major emotions or scenarios in which readers may find themselves struggling while posting adorable illustrations that relate to that topic.
Following this are included illustrations with mantras that focus on the main topic and also occasionally a letter to her younger self. These letters acknowledge common thoughts and feelings as well as providing comfort to oneself as well as wisdom received from living through suffering through mental struggles. Furthermore the letters aren't addressed to Kate and so as a result the reader can be reading these letters as much as if they are directed to them instead of to the author.
This book is easy-to-read whether you want to flip through it, just open it or completely read through it. At the same time it is small enough for easy mobility or storage so this way you can keep the book close to you if you should desire to. Would definitely recommend it although Kate Allan is known for using some mild curse words although quite rarely that it shouldn't be a problem to those who find such terminology offensive.
Read
April 30, 2023This book is V cute :') It ressembles a hug.
Kate Allen has written two other books that are similar to the structure of this book, it is (kind-of) a letter collection, with short affirmations and colourful drawings of animals, some of them look like pokémon. It is separated in six main parts and can be read in any order -aside from the letters "to self"- furthermore, this book illustrates the fragility of humans, it has reminded me that 'most' people are battling the 'voice' inside of their heads. However, if I was to think critically upon some of the affirmations in the book, I wouldn't feel in complete agreement with some of the statements, for example : "It's true that the scars don't disappear but you do outgrow them." - I am not sure that I agree with this one. Although, I don't think presenting true statements was the purpose of the book, I think it is meant to provide a variety of simple affirmations that the general public can relate with.
Overall the book is light-hearted pick-me-up. It is V sweet & heart warming to say the least.
Beloved quote : "That voice inside that says you're too vulnerable and weak must not really know you at all. All I see is resilience and tenacity."
Citations : "You don't need to do everything right in order to be worthy of your relationships." & "It's rough out there. It's time to go a bit easier on yourself." & "Not every season is for growing. Maybe right now is your time to be dormant. Step back and rest for awhile."& "I don't know what's ahead, but I will greet it when it arrives."
Kate Allen has written two other books that are similar to the structure of this book, it is (kind-of) a letter collection, with short affirmations and colourful drawings of animals, some of them look like pokémon. It is separated in six main parts and can be read in any order -aside from the letters "to self"- furthermore, this book illustrates the fragility of humans, it has reminded me that 'most' people are battling the 'voice' inside of their heads. However, if I was to think critically upon some of the affirmations in the book, I wouldn't feel in complete agreement with some of the statements, for example : "It's true that the scars don't disappear but you do outgrow them." - I am not sure that I agree with this one. Although, I don't think presenting true statements was the purpose of the book, I think it is meant to provide a variety of simple affirmations that the general public can relate with.
Overall the book is light-hearted pick-me-up. It is V sweet & heart warming to say the least.
Beloved quote : "That voice inside that says you're too vulnerable and weak must not really know you at all. All I see is resilience and tenacity."
Citations : "You don't need to do everything right in order to be worthy of your relationships." & "It's rough out there. It's time to go a bit easier on yourself." & "Not every season is for growing. Maybe right now is your time to be dormant. Step back and rest for awhile."& "I don't know what's ahead, but I will greet it when it arrives."
August 11, 2020
Wholesome And Necessary – ‘You’re Strong, Smart, and You Got This’: Review
Kate Allen’s book is not a catch-all. It won’t completely cure you of depression or make every day you wake up and glance upon this book a happy one. And it is not meant to be. That is not Allan’s mission. That’s work for you and the folks you allow in your life, from loved ones to professionals, to work on and figure it out, beloved. What this book is, is a starting point to help someone find the language they need to express how they feel. Especially if they are not okay. This book can serve as a reminder for those who need a pick me up.
This read may serve as a gift for those who don’t often have or make time to do emotional self-work. From experience, I recall starting ‘the big convo’. Telling friends ‘I’m not okay and riding passenger on the struggle bus’ is difficult. So having a cute little drawing telling me to ‘be gentle with myself’ or ‘cherish my body’ when I don’t feel like a goddess is a move in the right direction.
When we normalize the small but worthy affirmations like: “I don’t exist only to be attractive to others” and “you don’t have to be at your best all the time…”, big(ger) decisions like finally making that appointment to talk to a therapist or ending a toxic friendship seem more doable.
See more of my review here:
https://blacknerdproblems.com/wholeso...
Kate Allen’s book is not a catch-all. It won’t completely cure you of depression or make every day you wake up and glance upon this book a happy one. And it is not meant to be. That is not Allan’s mission. That’s work for you and the folks you allow in your life, from loved ones to professionals, to work on and figure it out, beloved. What this book is, is a starting point to help someone find the language they need to express how they feel. Especially if they are not okay. This book can serve as a reminder for those who need a pick me up.
This read may serve as a gift for those who don’t often have or make time to do emotional self-work. From experience, I recall starting ‘the big convo’. Telling friends ‘I’m not okay and riding passenger on the struggle bus’ is difficult. So having a cute little drawing telling me to ‘be gentle with myself’ or ‘cherish my body’ when I don’t feel like a goddess is a move in the right direction.
When we normalize the small but worthy affirmations like: “I don’t exist only to be attractive to others” and “you don’t have to be at your best all the time…”, big(ger) decisions like finally making that appointment to talk to a therapist or ending a toxic friendship seem more doable.
See more of my review here:
https://blacknerdproblems.com/wholeso...
August 5, 2021
I originally expected just the illustrations in this collection but upon starting it, realized there would also be short essays on facing different challenges related to anxiety and depression from the artist. At first, this seemed like a pretty good deal, but I ultimately found the essays to seem to promise more than they could deliver in terms of depth and insight.
Allan sprinkles her familiar art style with pieces that are a bit of a departure from what folks might be familiar with from most of her work (at least that which has gone viral) online. A mix of animals and mythical beings offer short pep talks for the reader, some more specific and others more general. The cute style matches the gentle and encouraging tone of the text. Allan adds a little bit of shimmer with sparkly detail on some illustrations as well.
It's cute enough to leaf through now and then and perhaps worth finding prints of particular pages that speak to you to hang in your space. You're Smart, Strong and You Got This makes a nice gift for close friends where this kind of gift would be appropriate and it's small enough that it works as a piece of decor (like a coffee table book, but less intrusive in size) in addition to a bit of practical encouragement in its content.
Allan sprinkles her familiar art style with pieces that are a bit of a departure from what folks might be familiar with from most of her work (at least that which has gone viral) online. A mix of animals and mythical beings offer short pep talks for the reader, some more specific and others more general. The cute style matches the gentle and encouraging tone of the text. Allan adds a little bit of shimmer with sparkly detail on some illustrations as well.
It's cute enough to leaf through now and then and perhaps worth finding prints of particular pages that speak to you to hang in your space. You're Smart, Strong and You Got This makes a nice gift for close friends where this kind of gift would be appropriate and it's small enough that it works as a piece of decor (like a coffee table book, but less intrusive in size) in addition to a bit of practical encouragement in its content.
August 2, 2020
That’s the tricky thing about toxic relationships—when someone you trust and care for believes you are “too much,” you may believe EVERYONE feels that way towards you.
That was a really sweet little pick-me-up of a book. I really enjoy Allan's instagram, so I was excited to pick up this book when I saw her talking about it. It's full of her gorgeous, colorful little doodles alongside inspirational messages, all interspersed with letters written to her younger self about how even though she didn't know it then, she was too hard on herself and worthy of giving herself more kindness - which I think is a message we all could stand to be reminded of every now and then, especially with as hectic and anxiety-inducing as the world is right now. Was this the deepest of books? No. But did I thoroughly enjoy my time with it and find myself getting a little teary at the nice messages you're essentially reading to yourself? Yes. Yes I did.
September 18, 2021
I read this and You Can Do All Things: Drawings, Affirmations and Mindfulness to Help With Anxiety and Depression on the same day. They are both great but I think I liked this one even better because of the inclusion of the letters to her younger self. So inspiring!
January 8, 2026
My husband bought this for me for Christmas because I'm two years into using her daily calendars. This was better than I expected, more helpful and more useful than a lot of books I've read from the self-help genre. The art is wonderful, of course, but the letters to her younger self struck a chord and made me tear up in places. I wrote a letter to my younger self, and tucked it away in my journal, after I finished reading it. I may write more in the future, I don't know, but this short book had a big impact on me.
March 19, 2023
This was a short but lovely collection of drawings, sayings, and letters the author wrote to her past self. They focused on depression, anxiety, being gentle with yourself, and reminders that nothing lasts forever. Allan made a wonderful little collection which is easy to flip through when you’re feeling the most stressed to remind yourself that it’s all going to be okay. Plus, the animals she draws are just so cute! This is definitely a must for when you need simple, heartwarming reminders that everything is going to work out despite what your brain tells you.
July 31, 2020
Even though I have already started to learn a lot of the lessons in this book, it is a great reminder of the things that can be hard to remember in the moments where you feel worse. I know I will always be able to look back at this book in times of need to help remind myself that I am enough and that not everything is awful. It’s a great read, don’t pass it up.
December 31, 2020
I got this mainly for the awesome animal drawings with affirmations, which were gorgeous and I loved them. An awesome bonus was the author's mini-letters to her younger self noting things she has since learned in therapy that would have been good to know then. A great read with wonderful illustrations and definitely something I will revisit.
February 17, 2021
Although I’m an introvert, I don’t suffer too badly with anxiety, though this last year has been very testing! I actually bought this for the beautiful illustrations which bring me so much joy as I have such love for animals. The wording throughout is lovely and this book is a gentle reminder that you can achieve your dreams and that anxiety does not have to rule your life.
August 21, 2020
Anything by Kate Allan I immediately need.
The artwork is beautiful and the quotes and sayings are so positive.
I suffer with anxiety and depression and when I'm feeling extremely down, I open these books by Kate and I instantly feel happier and less anxious.
The artwork is beautiful and the quotes and sayings are so positive.
I suffer with anxiety and depression and when I'm feeling extremely down, I open these books by Kate and I instantly feel happier and less anxious.
December 26, 2020
As always with Kate Allan's books, this book is wonderful. I love her drawings and art style, I love her writing about her personal struggles with mental health and how open she is, just love her. I will buy anything that she comes out with.
September 10, 2021
This book is both inspiring and helpful in so many ways. I know for sure Kate’s drawings have helped me through a rough time more than once, so I know I will pull out this book for the same reason. Plus the writing for her younger self is also inspirational.
January 2, 2022
What a lovely book to start the new year with. I’ve seen the authors drawings floating around the Internet for a while and didn’t realize she had a book. I plan to read this over and over. Simple but totally beautiful
December 11, 2022
“I have a 100% survival rate” got me through one of the hardest experiences of my life. These affirmations are life-giving. The author has so much power and strength in her voice as she writes to a younger version of herself that is relatable. Plus, the cartoons are the epitome of coziness.
June 10, 2025
Reminders for my 30s!
Wow. What beautiful art and motivating words! This book is full of affirmations and reminders that felt heartwarming to read- a few pages brought me to tears. Highly recommend. Thank you for creating.
Wow. What beautiful art and motivating words! This book is full of affirmations and reminders that felt heartwarming to read- a few pages brought me to tears. Highly recommend. Thank you for creating.
September 13, 2020
so freaking cute and needed. I love, love, love, LOVE this little comfort book.
October 4, 2020
I needed to read this book this weekend it really helped
October 5, 2020
It's Kate Allan in all her glory. If you like her and collect on everything, this is a must for the collection. The images I prefer to her other book, but both have great affirmations.
October 10, 2020
Loved the art. The writing? Eh.
December 28, 2020
Kate Allan's art always seems to come into my life at the exact moments I really need it. Couldn't recommend this enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews