Overwhelmed by the First Step: Helping Eeyore Understand the Mental Health Warrior Program
- Bruce Schutter
- Mar 27
- 7 min read
It was supposed to be a quiet morning. I had just finished my coffee, stretched, and was heading out for a peaceful walk when—bam—out of nowhere, Eeyore came galloping toward me. (Yes, galloping. His tail was flapping wildly behind him like a rogue scarf in a wind tunnel.)
“Bruce!” he shouted—well, as close to shouting as Eeyore gets, which is basically a slightly panicked mumble. “I’m overwhelmed.”
I blinked. “Eeyore? Are you okay?”
“No,” he groaned. “I want to be a Mental Health Warrior. I know your story—how you struggled for 20 years with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. How that struggle left you feeling so powerless you tried to end your life.
But with a second chance… and you created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach so everyone can take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life they really want!”
But there are so many books. And tools. And… coins? It’s all too much. I haven’t been this overwhelmed since I lost my tail in the rain and Rabbit made me a spreadsheet about it.”
I patted his back. “That’s okay, buddy. The beginning of any journey is tough. It always feels like standing at the base of a mountain wearing flip-flops. But we’re not climbing the whole thing today. We’re just picking a good place to start—and the rest will unfold as you grow into the warrior you already are.”
You Choose
I looked at Eeyore and smiled. “Here’s the thing—it’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about getting started. And the best part? YOU get to choose your starting point.”
He blinked at me, ears drooping slightly.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” I continued. “What matters most is that you take that first step—TODAY. Once you begin, the rest starts to unfold. You don’t need a perfect plan; you just need a beginning.”
I reached into my bag. “So, let’s go over the resources together, and you can pick your starting place—the one that feels right for you.”
Eeyore nodded slowly… then squinted at the stack of books and tools I was pulling out. “Okay,” he muttered, “but only if you promise I don’t have to read all nine books by tomorrow.” I laughed. “Deal.”
WARRIOR RESOURCES
I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior (Book)
Category: Core Story – aka, the Cornerstone Book
“This one’s my story,” I told him. “From rock bottom to becoming a Mental Health Warrior. It shows that no matter how dark life gets, we can turn it around. And it introduces the four components of a warrior—so it’s the blueprint for the whole journey.”
Eeyore looked impressed. “So it’s like… your personal ‘before-and-after’ photo. But with emotions.”
“Exactly,” I said. “It’s where to start.”
One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior (Book)
Category: Lifestyle – Less Stuff, More Experiences
“This one’s all about simplifying your life,” I said. “Less clutter, more clarity. Less stuff weighing you down, more room for joy.”
Eeyore’s ears perked up—just a little. “Can it help me clean out my emotional closet?” “With a headlamp and gloves,” I nodded. “Absolutely.”
I leaned in. “Here’s the truth: having less—physically and emotionally—creates space for the things that truly matter. More connection. More meaning. More calm. And all of that builds stronger mental health and gives you the power to triumph over life’s challenges!”
Eeyore sighed thoughtfully. “Guess it’s time to let go of that box labeled ‘Stuff I Worry About But Can’t Fix.’”
3 Food Rules of a Mental Health Warrior (Book)
Category: Lifestyle – Food & Mental Health
“Three simple food rules,” I said. “They help stabilize your energy, balance emotions, and clear the mental fog. No weird diets—just a straightforward, sustainable way to strengthen your mental health through what you eat.”
Eeyore frowned, suspicious. “Does it ban thistles?” “Nope. Just sugar and processed junk.”
I smiled. “It’s not about depriving yourself—it’s about choosing foods that support your brain and body. Small, sustainable changes that make a big difference, one meal at a time!”
53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior (Book)
Category: Mindset – Navigate Life’s Rollercoaster
“This one’s your daily mental tune-up,” I explained. “Bite-sized mindset shifts to help you stay grounded—especially when life gets chaotic.”
Eeyore blinked. “You mean… when the roof collapses, my tail falls off, and I spill my tea… all before 9 a.m.?” “Exactly then,” I nodded.
“Take Rule #2: Respond, don’t react to life’s challenges. That tiny pause between what happens and how you respond? That’s where your power is. It gives you a chance to process, breathe, and choose the path of a warrior—even when things feel like a total disaster.”
Eeyore sighed. “I guess I’ll need to write that one on the inside of my umbrella.”
Euphoria of Today (Book)
Category: Mindset – Practice of Mindfulness of Today
“This one’s about breaking free from the past, letting go of future worry, and learning to live in the now.”
“Here’s the deal,” I continued. “This mindset—what I call Euphoria of Today—is about unlocking the power to rise above the missteps of your past, conquer fears about the future, and fully experience the strength, clarity, and joy that exist in the moment you’re in right now.”
Eeyore squinted at the book cover. “Sounds nice… but what if today isn’t all that euphoric?” “That’s exactly why this exists,” I told him.
“This isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about using mindfulness to make the most of each day—celebrating your progress, tapping into your inner strength, and using that power to keep moving forward. That’s how you build the life you really want.”
Thoughts to Ponder on Mental Health Disorders (Book)
Category: Mindset – Awareness & Understanding
“This one offers poems, reflections, and articles to shift how we see mental health disorders,” I explained. “It’s deep, honest, and thought-provoking stuff—designed to challenge stigma, build empathy, and spark real conversations.”
Eeyore nodded slowly. “So… it’s like a mental health campfire storybook.” “Exactly but with fewer marshmallows, but way more insight.”
I added, “These pieces give voice to experiences that are often misunderstood. They help us realize we’re not alone in what we feel—and they show just how strong people are, even when they’re struggling.”
84 Mental Health Warrior Tools (Book)
Category: Warrior Tools – Always Prepared
“This is your action kit,” I said. “It’s packed with practical tools for managing anxiety, building resilience, and staying grounded—no matter what life throws at you.”
Eeyore tilted his head. “Like duct tape for the brain?”
“Yes, these tools help you handle tough moments—anxiety attacks, emotional spirals—you name it. And they’re simple enough to actually use when you're in the thick of it.”
Eeyore squinted at the book. “Good. I prefer solutions that don’t involve superglue or a motivational speech from Rabbit.”
20 Truths About Mental Health That Everyone Needs to Hear (Book)
Category: Warrior Tools – Take Action Across the Board
“Twenty big truths,” I said. “And for each one, five actionable steps. That’s 100 ways to build strength, clarity, and emotional resilience—one doable step at a time.”
Eeyore frowned and started counting on his hoof. “Twenty times five… oh bother.” “Don’t worry,” I chuckled. “You don’t have to do them all today. Just pick one that speaks to where you are.”
I handed him the book and added, “Each truth is like a friendly signpost, reminding us that mental health touches every part of our lives—relationships, work, self-talk, even how we choose what to eat for breakfast.
“This book helps you unravel the tangled web of emotions, values, and choices—so you can take meaningful action each day, overcome life’s challenges, and grow fully into your Warrior life.”
Mental Health Warrior Journal: Get Comfortable With Your Emotions (Book)
Category: Warrior Tools – Journaling for Growth
“This is your emotional safe space. It helps you sit with your feelings, not stuff them down or hide from them.” Eeyore stared at me. “So… you’re telling me I can just… write down how I feel? And it helps?”
“Yup. That’s the Warrior Way. Feel it. Write it. Grow from it.”
“This is about building emotional awareness,” I continued. “The more comfortable you get naming and exploring your feelings, the more power you gain over them. Journaling turns emotional chaos into clarity—and that’s how resilience starts.”
Eeyore blinked. “I usually just stare at the rain until it stops… but this sounds more productive.”
Bonus: The Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
“And finally,” I said, pulling the coin from my pocket, “this is your reminder that you are a warrior—every single day. It’s something you can hold in your hand when your thoughts are spinning… or your tail goes missing again.”
Eeyore reached out slowly and turned it over in his hoof. “It’s heavy. Like… in a comforting way. And something I can carry with me each day.”
“Exactly,” I said. “That’s the point. You can cling to it during tough moments—let it remind you that you have the strength to overcome any challenge life throws your way… because you are a WARRIOR.”
Eeyore nodded. “Or I could keep it on my desk… so it’s always nearby. That way, even on the hard days, I don’t forget I’ve got warrior power in me.” “Yes, you got it!” I said.
Eeyore looked down at the coin in his hoof and gave the faintest smile. “Not bad for a shiny little circle.”
Eeyore’s Decision
He looked at the pile of books, then at the coin, and then back at me. “I think I’d like to start with your story—the I Triumphed book,” he said finally. “That’ll give me the motivation and tools to start my warrior journey.”
“And then maybe eat some almonds to build strong mental health,” I added with a grin.
Eeyore sighed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he mumbled—but with the faintest smile... and that was the best thing I’d seen all day.
Final Thoughts
Starting your Mental Health Warrior journey might feel overwhelming—like trying to fly a hot air balloon with a slightly pessimistic donkey as your co-pilot.
But like Eeyore learned, you don’t need to do it all at once. You just need to start TODAY!
So, if you find yourself struggling, wait no longer. State out loud… I am going to start my Mental Health Warrior journey TODAY! Because the only thing stronger than your struggle… is the warrior within you!
Bruce Schutter
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