Yesterday, I stopped to get gas, and just as I started filling up, a car screeched into the station. Out jumped none other than John Wick—yes, the John Wick. He looked around, scanning the area, obviously on high alert, probably expecting a bunch of bad guys to pop out from behind the ice or snack machines.
Now, I knew better than to ask what he was up to. So, I just kept filling my tank and tried to act like it was no big deal. But, being John Wick, he’s a guy with manners, even when his life’s hanging by a thread. He caught sight of my car’s back windshield, where my Mental Health Warrior Program sticker was proudly displayed.
“Interesting,” John said, walking over as if the world wasn’t possibly minutes away from exploding. “What’s this Mental Health Warrior thing?” Not one to pass up a conversation with a living legend, I explained. “It’s a self-help program I designed, based on my own struggles with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD from my time as an EMT.”
John nodded, as he really understood. “Yeah, emotions, they’re front and center for me too,” he said, probably thinking about all the times he’s had to keep his cool when someone destroyed his car, house, or, you know, killed his dog. “Taking care of your mental health, that’s how you triumph over life’s challenges, right?”
“Exactly,” I replied. “If we take control of our mental health, we can handle anything.” His eyes lit up, not just because he’s John Wick, but because he saw how important mental health was in both our worlds. “So, tell me,” he continued, “what’s one quick tool I can use, something I can pull off right now before... well, you know, before the bad guys catch up.”
Without missing a beat, I told him, “I’ve got just the thing. Actually, two tools from my book 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. Both of them can be used in under three seconds, and they’re perfect for people on the run… literally.”
John leaned in a bit closer. “I’m all ears.”
Two Tools: The Greeting ("Wave" or "Say Hello")
I explained, “The two tools are super simple: Next time you see someone, either "Give them a Wave" or "Just Say ‘Hi.'" It takes less than three seconds, and both of you will get a mental health boost!
John nodded, already seeing the potential. “You’re telling me something so small can make a difference?” “Absolutely,” I said. “I know it sounds basic, but a little positive connection can change your entire outlook.”
John grinned. “That’s interesting. Actually, I’ve got three examples from my own life where something like that worked, and I can tell you how you could use it too.”
Example 1: The Subway Standoff
John’s Take:
“I remember this one time; I was on a subway in New York. I had that sense—you know the one—like something bad was about to go down. Everyone was on edge. But then, some guy across the way just gave me a nod and a smile. I nodded back. And just like that, the tension in the air vanished. I didn’t even have to pull out a gun.”
Your Turn:
The next time you’re in a tense situation, try giving someone a simple nod or smile. It’s amazing how quickly that can defuse tension, not just for them, but for you too. You don’t need to be on a subway with assassins hunting you to benefit from this. Just practice it at work, in line at the grocery store, or even while stuck in traffic. You might be surprised how much better it makes you and them feel!
Example 2: The Dog Walker’s Dilemma
John’s Take:
“So, I was out walking my dog—yes, I got another one. I was having a rough day, you know, the kind where it feels like everything’s falling apart. Then, this elderly lady walked by, and she gave my dog a little wave. Just like that, my day turned around. It wasn’t even for me, but the act of kindness towards my dog hit me right in the heart.”
Your Turn:
Next time you’re out and feeling low, give a little wave or hello to someone walking their dog, pushing a stroller, or even just enjoying the day. It doesn’t take much, but it can turn their day—and yours—around.
Example 3: The Hitman Hospitality
John’s Take:
“One of the most unlikely places I ever got a mental boost was when I was going into a hotel filled with, let’s just say, not-so-friendly faces. But there was this bellhop who gave me a polite ‘Hello, Mr. Wick.’ It was nothing—just part of his job—but that quick recognition made me feel human for a second, even when I was surrounded by chaos.”
Your Turn:
When things are feeling out of control, make it a point to acknowledge the people around you—especially those who might be having a rough day or seem overwhelmed. Just a quick “hi” can remind both of you that life isn’t all bad, even when it feels like it.
Wrapping It Up
By this point, John had finished filling up his tank, but the bad guys still hadn’t shown up, which gave me just enough time to tell him, “You see? Small acts of connection—like saying ‘hi’ or waving—are mental health game-changers.”
He nodded. “You’re right. It’s easy, but it can shift your whole mindset in seconds. I’ll remember that.”
And just like that, he jumped back into his car, ready to face whatever world-ending event was coming his way next. But before he sped off, I tossed him a copy of my book 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. “Stay strong, Mental Health Warrior,” I said, and then, in typical John Wick fashion, he roared off into the distance.
As I watched him go, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Who knew that running into John Wick at a gas station would lead to such an insightful mental health conversation? But hey, mental health matters to everyone, even to guys constantly on the run from assassins.
So, remember: the next time you’re out and about, wave or say “hi.” It might just be the little boost you need to conquer your day, just like John Wick. Well, maybe with a bit less action and gunfire!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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