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, reflecting on my own struggles. For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD—until I reached a point where I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I discovered 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 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 warrior coin to help triumph over anxiety, stress and the constant worry about everything!
Strategy 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. That small action will 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 and put his energy into finding a solution?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Worrying about ‘what ifs’ can feel overwhelming, but when we focus on what is happening right now, we can take action and move forward.”
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “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—and that he still has honey.”
Strategy 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!”
Strategy 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 guidance. 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.”
Strategy 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 strengthens his inner warrior confidence,” I explained.
Pooh clapped his paws together. “Oh, this is wonderful! I’ll help Piglet come up with affirmations! Like, ‘I am small but mighty!’ Or, ‘Even Heffalumps can’t stop me!’”
I grinned. “Exactly, Pooh! The more Piglet repeats these affirmations, the more he’ll believe in his own strength. Over time, those words won’t just be things he says—they’ll be things he knows deep inside.”
Strategy 5: Visualize Triumph
“Piglet can use the coin as a symbol of victory. Every time he overcomes a worry, he can give the coin a little rub to celebrate his progress,” I explained.
Pooh giggled. “Oh, he’ll be rubbing that coin all the time once he realizes how many small victories he has every day! Like when he walked past a puddle and didn’t worry about falling in!”
I laughed. “Exactly, Pooh. Every little win adds up, and before he knows it, Piglet will see just how strong he really is.”
Strategy 6: Connection to Your 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, his eyes shining with understanding. “Oh, Bruce, that’s exactly what Piglet needs. He always forgets how much we care about him. But now, every time he looks at the coin, he’ll remember—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,” I said. “Whenever you’re feeling worried, anxious, or overwhelmed, use one of the strategies we talked about. Let them remind you—you’re never alone, and you are stronger than you think.”
Pooh cradled the coin carefully, as if it were a pot of the finest honey. “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.”
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 with the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin wasn’t just rewarding—it was a reminder that we all have the power to face our challenges head-on.
So, if you find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, or worry, remember this: the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin isn’t just a keepsake—it’s a warrior tool. Carry it with you as a daily reminder that you have the strength, the strategies, and the resilience to take control and triumph over any challenge! 🛡️✨
Bruce Schutter
Comments