Yesterday, I had the most bizarre experience—one that still has me chuckling today. I was parking my car at the local park, just minding my own business, when I noticed something... odd. There, in the spot next to me, was not another car but a horse. And not just any horse—this one was decked out in full battle gear.
I blinked a few times, thinking maybe the summer heat was getting to me. But nope, there was indeed a horse, and standing beside it, adjusting his armor like it was just another day in Camelot, was none other than King Arthur. Yes, that King Arthur!
Once I got over the initial shock and reminded myself that it was still 2024, I decided to strike up a conversation with him. I mean, how often do you get to chat with a legendary king from medieval times? Plus, he noticed my "Mental Health Warrior Program" T-shirt, which immediately piqued his interest. Being a true warrior, King Arthur was naturally curious. "So, what’s this Mental Health Warrior thing?” he asked, looking at the logo on my shirt.
The Warrior Program
I explained to him that it’s a Self-Help Approach I created based on my own struggles with Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. The goal is to help people triumph over their life’s challenges by embracing and managing their emotions, just as a warrior would.
Arthur nodded thoughtfully, clearly understanding the importance of mental health. “I know well the importance of managing emotions in battle and in leadership,” he said. “In my many adventures, it was often my ability to harness my emotions that led to success. But as a guy and a king, it’s not always easy to share these emotions. There's a fine line between appearing weak and staying true to oneself.”
I could relate. As a guy, and especially as someone who's gone through a lot, it's hard to open up about emotions without worrying about appearing weak. I asked King Arthur how he managed to embrace and share his emotions without being concerned that his fellow knights would see him as anything less than the leader he was.
He smiled and shared three examples from his adventures that showed how he balanced strength with emotional honesty.
Example 1: Open Talk Strengthens Our Connections
Arthur’s Take:
“The quest for the Holy Grail was no small feat. It wasn’t just the physical challenges that were difficult; it was the emotional toll as well. Many of my knights were discouraged, feeling that they would never succeed. I knew I had to be strong for them, but I also had to acknowledge my own fears and doubts. So, I gathered them around the round table and shared my feelings. I admitted that I too was afraid of failure but that these fears only made me more determined. By being honest about my emotions, I strengthened our bond and renewed their resolve.”
My Turn:
I told Arthur how I could apply this lesson in my life. In dealing with my own struggles, I’ve often felt like I needed to put on a brave face, even when I was crumbling inside. But by sharing my fears and doubts with those I trust, I could not only relieve some of the burden but also strengthen my relationships. It’s about letting others in, showing them that even warriors have moments of doubt, and in doing so, finding mutual support.
Example 2: Acknowledgement Keeps Us in Control
Arthur’s Take:
“The Battle of Camlann was one of the toughest fights I’ve faced. There were moments when the odds seemed impossible, and I could see the fear in my knights' eyes. Instead of hiding my concern, I spoke to them openly about the gravity of the situation. I told them that it was okay to be afraid, but that we must not let fear control us. By acknowledging our emotions, we were able to channel that energy into our fight, and it made us stronger.”
My Turn:
This resonated with me deeply. In the throes of depression or anxiety, fear can be overwhelming. But like Arthur, I’ve learned that acknowledging this fear, rather than pushing it down, gives me the power to control it. I now see my emotions as tools — powerful allies that can be harnessed for strength, rather than something to be hidden away.
Example 3: Honesty and Self Forgiveness
Arthur’s Take:
“When I discovered Lancelot’s betrayal, it felt like a dagger to the heart. My instinct was to react with anger, to cast him out forever. But I took a moment to reflect on my emotions. I realized that anger wasn’t the solution, and that by embracing my feelings of hurt and betrayal, I could find a path to forgiveness. This wasn’t a weakness but a strength — by being honest about my emotions, I was able to make a decision that was best for everyone, not just myself.”
My Turn:
Forgiveness has always been tough for me, especially when dealing with my own mistakes or the actions of others. Arthur’s example showed me that it’s okay to feel hurt, but that by processing these emotions rather than reacting impulsively, I can make better decisions. This approach has helped me greatly in my personal life, especially in navigating relationships that have been strained by my struggles.
Resounding Conclusion: Guys, It's OK to Talk about Emotions
As our conversation drew to a close, Arthur mounted his horse and prepared to continue his journey. He mentioned something about Merlin and some crazy scheme that needed intervention. As he rode off, I felt a renewed sense of strength. It was a reminder that even as warriors, we need to lean on others sometimes, and that sharing our emotions doesn’t make us weak—it makes us stronger!
With that, I headed home, ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead. After all, if King Arthur himself can talk about his feelings and still be a legendary warrior, then surely, I can do the same.
So, here’s to embracing our emotions, sharing them, and using them to fuel our strength as Mental Health Warriors.
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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