It was a brisk Tuesday morning downtown, and I was nursing a steaming cup of coffee while trying to navigate the pre-holiday chaos. Suddenly, a familiar figure waddled into view—none other than Winnie the Pooh. His face was unusually glum, and he clutched his honey jar tightly, though it remained unopened.
“Pooh?” I called out. “What’s wrong?”
He sighed, shuffling toward me. “Oh, Bruce, it’s just... everything. The holidays, the news, the price of honey—everything feels like such a challenge. I don’t know how to keep going.”
Pooh and I have had many chats about mental health. He knows about my 20+ years of battling Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety, and PTSD. He also knows how I hit rock bottom, felt utterly powerless, and even tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I discovered the key to overcoming life’s challenges: taking control of my mental health.
From that realization, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a SELF-HELP approach to help anyone learn to manage their emotions, triumph over life’s challenges, and build the life they truly want!
To empower warriors further, I wrote the book 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior. This book is a practical handbook for navigating the rollercoaster of daily life, keeping emotions in check, and reclaiming control of your day.
Seeing Pooh so down, I knew exactly what he needed: Mindset Rule 50.
How to Use Mindset Rule 50
“Pooh,” I said, sitting beside him on the bench, “let me tell you about one of my favorite Mindset Rules: Mindset Rule 50 – Never let life’s challenges convince you there are no answers.
As Mental Health Warriors, we know the answer is always to take care of our mental health. Whether it’s current events, holiday stress, or just a tough day, we take action. That’s how we keep moving forward.”
He tilted his head, curiosity replacing the glumness. “But Bruce, what kind of action? Sometimes it feels like the challenges are just... bigger than me.”
I smiled. “That’s a great question. Let me share three steps for using this Mindset Rule to keep the momentum going. I promise, even on the hardest days, these steps work.”
Step 1: Embrace Your Emotions and Take Action
“First,” I said, “you have to give yourself time each day to embrace your emotions. Feel them, understand them, and think about what lessons they’re teaching you. Then, take action.”
Pooh furrowed his brow. “But sometimes my emotions feel so big. Like when I run out of honey—it’s very overwhelming.”
“Exactly,” I said. “That’s why we don’t ignore them. If you let them sit, they fester. But if you acknowledge them, you can use them as fuel to move forward.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
When I first started applying this rule, I’d sit quietly and let myself feel whatever emotions were bubbling up. Anxiety? I’d ask, “What’s this about?” Then I’d take small actions—like journaling or planning my next steps. Those little actions reminded me I was in control, even when things felt chaotic.
Pooh’s Plan:
“So,” Pooh said thoughtfully, “if I’m feeling stressed about the holidays, I could pause and think, ‘Why does this bother me?’ Then maybe I could make a list of ways to enjoy the season, like inviting friends for tea and honey?”
“Exactly, Pooh. That’s taking action. And it’s a sweet solution—literally.”
Step 2: Recognize Your Progress
“Next,” I continued, “remind yourself that every positive action you take is progress. Even when you’re struggling, you haven’t given up—and that means you’re moving forward.”
Pooh nodded slowly. “So even if I feel a little stuck, as long as I’m trying, I’m still a Mental Health Warrior?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
I can’t count how many times I’ve been overwhelmed by my challenges, but when I look back and see the progress I’ve made—whether it’s a week of sobriety, a new strategy for managing anxiety, or just showing up for the day—it reminds me how far I’ve come. That’s powerful motivation to keep going.
Pooh’s Plan:
“Maybe I could keep a honey jar and drop a pebble in every time I make progress,” Pooh suggested. “By the end of the week, I’d have a jar full of victories!”
“Great idea, Pooh,” I said. “Visual reminders are wonderful for celebrating progress. And they’re a good excuse to buy more honey.”
Step 3: Remember You’re a Warrior and Will Succeed
“Lastly,” I told him, “never forget that you’re a Mental Health Warrior. Every day you choose to face your challenges instead of giving up, you’re growing stronger. That’s something to be grateful for—especially if you’ve given up in the past. Today, you’re not giving up. You’re succeeding.”
Pooh’s ears perked up. “Even if it’s just a little success, like getting out of bed?”
“Exactly,” I said. “It all adds up. The more you remind yourself of your strength, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
There were days—years, even—when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress. But looking back, I realize that every small victory was building my resilience. Now, even on tough days, I take comfort in knowing I’m stronger than I was yesterday.
Pooh’s Plan:
“I think I’ll write myself a note,” Pooh said. “‘Dear Pooh, you are strong. Love, Pooh.’ And I’ll read it whenever I feel down.”
I laughed. “That’s perfect. Sometimes the best motivation comes from yourself.”
Wrapping It Up
As we sat there, a lightness crept back into the air. Pooh’s frown softened into a thoughtful smile, and even Eeyore—who had wandered over during our chat—seemed less gloomy.
As the group began to disperse, I handed Pooh a copy of my book, 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior. “Take this,” I said. “It’s a great reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there are always answers—and actions you can take to move forward!”
Pooh clutched the book like it was a treasure. “Thank you, Bruce. I’ll read it with my honey—after I’ve put a pebble in my jar.”
So, the next time life feels heavy, remember challenges are inevitable, but as a Mental Health Warrior, you have the power to triumph—one small step at a time!
Bruce Schutter
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