It was one of those crisp, sunny mornings, the kind where you head downtown for a coffee and maybe, just maybe, some people-watching. But, as fate would have it, I ran into none other than Winnie the Pooh. Yes, the Winnie the Pooh, with his iconic red shirt, toddling along with a honey pot tucked under one arm and a curious look on his face.
“Pooh!” I called out, catching up to him. “What brings you downtown?” He stopped, looking relieved, as if I were a familiar face he’d been hoping to see. “Oh, hello, Bruce!” he said, adjusting his honey pot. “Well, you see, I’ve been a bit… bothered.”
“It’s all these things in the world,” he sighed, sinking a little lower. “There’s always something in the news, like elections, or wars far away, or prices that make me think even honey’s gotten too fancy for me. It’s as if everything’s a little heavy these days.” I nodded, understanding all too well. “I get it, Pooh. Current events may not be happening right in our backyard, but they have a way of creeping into our thoughts, bringing stress with them.”
That’s when it hit me. I had just the thing to help him. “Pooh, let me show you something.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out my trusty Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Pooh’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “What’s that?”
“This,” I said, “is a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. I created it as part of the Mental Health Warrior Program, a SELF-HELP approach I created based on my 20 year struggle with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety disorders, and PTSD. The coin is a reminder I carry with me every day. It helps me stay emotionally centered and strong, even when life feels like it’s throwing everything at me at once.”
Pooh looked at the coin in awe, his round eyes wide. “It’s shiny! And… oh, what’s written on the back?” I flipped it over to show him. “The back of this coin displays the Mental Health Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.”
“It’s a reminder,” I explained, “that, as Mental Health Warriors, we don’t let life break us, even when things get tough. We bend, we adapt, and we keep going. Here, let me tell you how I use it.”
1. Using the Coin When News Overwhelms You
“When I hear something in the news,” I started, “something heavy that makes me feel a little hopeless or lost, I reach into my pocket and hold the coin. Feeling the weight of it reminds me of the weight of my past struggles—how I once felt powerless but learned to take control of my life. The creed on the coin, Bend Not Break, helps me remember that I can face whatever comes my way.”
Pooh’s Takeaway:
Pooh’s ears perked up, and he held the coin gently. “So, it’s like when I feel like a big storm is coming in the Hundred Acre Wood, and I start to feel all flustered. I could hold the coin and think about all the times I’ve gotten through storms before.”
“Exactly, Pooh!” I said, smiling. “You don’t let the storm break you. You’ve faced storms before, and you’ll face them again. The coin reminds you of your own strength.”
2. Using the Coin to Stay Calm During the Day
I continued, “I keep the coin on my desk when I’m working because, let’s be honest, sometimes work feels like it’s piling up. I get news in emails, new projects, and deadlines—it can be overwhelming. But when I take a moment to look at the coin and read Bend Not Break, it’s like a mini-meditation. I remind myself that I am strong, that I can tackle each thing that comes my way. It helps me stay calm, focused, and resilient.”
Pooh’s Takeaway:
Pooh’s eyes brightened. “You know, sometimes when I’m trying to get honey and things aren’t going my way, I feel like giving up. But if I had the coin on my shelf, I could look at it and remember to be patient. I could try again without getting too upset.”
“Absolutely, Pooh,” I nodded. “You don’t need to rush. The coin reminds you that strength is about staying steady and calm, even when things get tricky.”
3. Using the Coin to Focus on What’s Within My Control
I held the coin again and explained, “There are so many things we can’t control, Pooh. But by holding the coin and remembering the creed, Bend Not Break, I’m reminded to focus on what’s in front of me. When I feel overwhelmed, I let go of what’s out of my control and focus on what I can do. That’s where my strength lies.”
Pooh’s Takeaway:
Pooh considered this carefully, clutching the coin in his paw. “I think that would help me when Rabbit goes on about his garden plans. Sometimes, I start to worry about things I can’t fix, like when it rains too much or too little, and that makes him grumpy.”
I chuckled, picturing Rabbit lecturing about carrot yields. “Exactly! The coin would remind you that you can’t control the weather, but you can help Rabbit with his current plans and make the best of it.”
Sharing Strength and Support
As we wrapped up, I knew what I had to do. “Pooh,” I said, handing him the coin, “I want you to have this. Think of it as your own Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin, something to remind you of the strength you have to handle whatever comes your way!”
Pooh’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “For me? Really?” He held it up to the light, marveling at its shine. “Thank you, Bruce! I’ll keep it with me and promise to keep it out of the honey.” I laughed. “Probably a good idea, Pooh.”
He took the coin and gave me one of his famous bear hugs, squeezing tightly. “This is going to help so much. Next time something big happens, like a windy day or scary news, I’ll remember to use my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin and the wisdom on the back to keep myself emotionally centered and strong!
As I watched him go, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that the warrior wisdom on the back of the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin could help Pooh—and others—to find their strength to ‘Bend Not Break’ when the stress of current events threatens to overwhelm them. For we are Mental Health Warriors!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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