It was a sunny, breezy afternoon, the kind of day that makes you want to believe that everything in life is just a little bit easier. I was heading out to run errands when I saw a familiar figure bouncing—well, more like waddling—toward me.
“Bruce!” Pooh called out, practically glowing with excitement. “I’m so glad I ran into you! I’ve been meaning to have a chat. It’s about Piglet.”
I stopped in my tracks, raising an eyebrow. Pooh had been following my Mental Health Warrior Program for some time now, and I loved getting to meet all of his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. “What’s going on, Pooh?” I asked, intrigued.
“Well, you see,” Pooh began, rubbing his belly (which I assumed was more out of habit than hunger, though with Pooh you never know), “Piglet has been terribly worried. About everything. He’s worried it might rain tomorrow, though there’s not a cloud in the sky. He’s worried that if it doesn’t rain, the grass will dry out. And he’s worried that if the grass dries out, the bees won’t make enough honey, and—well, you get the picture.”
I nodded, thinking about my own struggles with anxiety over the years. I’d battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD for 20 years, reaching a point where I felt powerless and even tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I realized something life-changing: mental health is the key to triumphing over any challenge.
“Pooh,” I said, “I think I have just the thing to help Piglet. But first, let’s sit down and talk.”
Pooh’s Plea for Piglet
We found a bench nearby, and Pooh immediately launched into a detailed description of Piglet’s endless list of worries. “Poor Piglet hardly sleeps. He spends all night pacing, thinking of all the terrible things that might happen. I told him he needs to relax, maybe eat some honey, but he just said, ‘Oh, d-d-dear, Pooh, honey won’t fix my problems!’”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Classic Pooh. “You’re right, Pooh. Honey can’t solve everything, but I know something that can help Piglet start managing his anxiety and worries.” Pooh’s ears perked up. “Is it part of your Mental Health Warrior Program?”
“It sure is,” I said, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. The gold coin caught the sunlight, shimmering as I held it up. “This coin isn’t just a token—it’s a tool to help people carry their warrior strength with them every day. And I think it could be exactly what Piglet needs.”
Pooh clapped his hands together. “Oh, Bruce, that sounds wonderful! Tell me, how can Piglet use it?” Smiling, I shared 6 ways Piglet—and anyone—can use the coin to help triumph over anxiety and constant worry about everything!
Example 1: Grounding in the Present Moment
“When Piglet feels overwhelmed by worries about what might happen, he can hold the coin in his hand and focus on its weight and texture. It’ll help bring him back to the present moment,” I explained.
Pooh tilted his head. “You mean, instead of worrying about what might happen, he can focus on what is happening?” “Exactly,” I said.
Pooh nodded. “Piglet can use that when he starts worrying about whether the bees will move to another forest. He can remind himself that the bees are still here.”
Example 2: A Reminder of Inner Strength
“The coin is a reminder that Piglet is stronger than he thinks. Every time he holds it, he can tell himself, ‘I am a Mental Health Warrior. I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.’”
Pooh’s eyes widened. “That’s perfect! Piglet always forgets how brave he was when he helped Eeyore find his tail or when he faced that scary Heffalump. This coin will remind him he’s a warrior and can overcome any challenge life throws his way!”
Example 3: A Tool for Deep Breathing
“When anxiety strikes, Piglet can hold the coin and use it as a cue to take deep, calming breaths—five in, five out. This will help lower his heart rate and calm his mind.”
Pooh’s face lit up. “Oh, yes! Piglet loves instructions. He can hold the coin and count his breaths while he waits for the next disaster, he’s sure is coming.” I laughed. “Getting emotionally centered with deep breathing will help him realize the disaster isn’t coming.”
Example 4: A Daily Affirmation Anchor
“Piglet can pair the coin with a daily affirmation, like ‘I am calm, I am safe, I am capable.’ Saying it while holding the coin reinforces the message. And builds your inner warrior confidence and strength.”
Pooh clapped his paws together. “I’ll help Piglet come up with affirmations! Like, ‘I am small but mighty!’ Or, ‘Even Heffalumps can’t stop me!’”
Example 5: A Way to Visualize Triumph
“Piglet can use the coin as a symbol of triumph. When he feels like he’s conquered a worry, he can give the coin a little rub to celebrate his victory.”
Pooh giggled. “He’ll be rubbing that coin all the time once he sees how many small victories he has every day. Like when he walked past a puddle and didn’t worry about falling in!”
Example 6: A Connection to His Support Network
“The coin can remind Piglet that he’s never alone. He’s part of a tribe—the Mental Health Warrior Tribe. And that includes you, Pooh.”
Pooh placed a paw on his heart. “Oh, Bruce, that’s just what Piglet needs. He always forgets that we’re here for him. This coin will remind him that he’s never, ever alone!”
Heading Off with Hope
As our conversation wound down, I handed Pooh a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin for himself and one for Piglet. “These coins are now yours to carry with you every day. Whenever you’re feeling worried, anxious, or overwhelmed, use one of the strategies we talked about.”
Pooh held the coin carefully, as though it were the most precious thing he’d ever seen. “Bruce, I can’t thank you enough. Piglet will feel so much better knowing he has his warrior coin—and that he’s part of a tribe.”
“I’m glad I could help,” I said. “Now, I need to head off to run some errands, but I’m excited to hear how you and Piglet use the coins in your daily lives.”
Pooh gave me a big bear hug. “We’re excited too, Bruce! Piglet and I are going to start using our coins today. And who knows, maybe we’ll even teach Eeyore a thing or two about being a Mental Health Warrior!”
Wrap Up
I laughed as I watched Pooh waddle off toward the Hundred Acre Wood, the coin securely tucked in his paw. As I continued on my way, a deep sense of gratitude washed over me. Helping others tap into their inner strength is what being a Mental Health Warrior is all about—and sharing that strength with new friends, even a honey-loving bear, felt incredibly rewarding.
And so, Pooh and Piglet embarked on their journey as Mental Health Warriors, armed with their coins and a newfound confidence to break free from anxiety, stress, and worry. It turns out that everyone—even in the Hundred Acre Wood—can use a little reminder of their inner warrior strength! 🛡️✨
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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