Yesterday was shaping up to be a pretty regular day. I was at the gas station, just doing the usual—filling up the tank so I could run some errands around town. But as I was standing there, minding my own business, I heard the unmistakable roar of an engine pulling up to the pump next to me. And who gets out of the car? None other than John Wick himself! Apparently, even legendary assassins need to fill up on gas.
We exchanged nods, as you do when you’re at a gas station. John, being the cool guy that he is, sauntered over and said, “Bruce, how’s the Mental Health Warrior Program going?” Turns out, John is a big believer in the self-help approach of the program. He knows I built it based on my own struggles with Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD from my time as an EMT. He’s always been intrigued by how it helps people like us embrace our emotions and triumph over life’s challenges.
“Things are going well,” I told him, but then I decided to throw him a curveball. “John, today I’m grateful for my mental health challenges.”
You should’ve seen his face—he looked like I had just told him I was starting a new career in basket weaving. For a second, he was stunned. But in true John Wick fashion, he didn’t let the surprise linger for long. He crossed his arms, leaned against the car, and in his calm, thoughtful way, asked, “Why’s that?”
Now, when John Wick asks you to explain something, you don’t waste time. So, I told him about the three life lessons I’ve learned from my mental health challenges, lessons I might never have understood without facing them head-on.
Lesson 1: From Powerless to Powerful
“When my mental health challenges controlled me,” I started, “they left me feeling completely powerless. I was convinced there was nothing I could do—that I was stuck, at the mercy of my Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and everything else.” John nodded, that thoughtful look still on his face.
“But when I embraced my emotions, when I decided to become a Mental Health Warrior, I realized my challenges had been lying to me all along. I do have the power to triumph over them. They tried to hold me captive, but I fought back, using my warrior tools. Today, whenever Bipolar tries to send my emotions into a whirlwind, I ground myself and remind myself that I’m in charge. I feel powerful now, and that mindset has transformed how I approach every day.”
John’s Take:
John’s eyes narrowed in agreement. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “I get that. When I lost everything... there were times when I felt completely powerless. But I didn’t stay there. I fought back. That’s the difference, isn’t it? Not letting the darkness win.”
Lesson 2: Overcoming Fear and Taking Pride in Accomplishments
Next, I told him about how anxiety had always tried to convince me that I should be fearful of everything, that I wouldn’t be able to handle anything. “But today, I know anxiety is just doing what challenges do—it preys on our thoughts. Now, I take pride in every accomplishment I achieve, even the small ones. And even my mistakes, because they show that I’m in the game. I’m living life.”
John grinned. “Taking pride, huh? That’s important. I used to be afraid too—afraid I wouldn’t survive long enough to make things right. But every step forward is a victory, whether it’s big or small. Even the missteps are part of the journey.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Exactly! And once I stopped letting anxiety call the shots, I started feeling good about my life again. I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. It’s about finding those little wins, even on the tough days.”
John’s Take:
In typical John non-nonsense fashion, he said “Celebrate every step Forward!”
Lesson 3: Embracing Emotions and Fully Living Life
Finally, I shared a tough lesson from my struggle with alcoholism. “I used to drink to hide from my emotions. And let me tell you, John, that just made me fear them even more. But today, I’ve been sober for 17 years, and instead of running from my emotions, I embrace them as a Mental Health Warrior. That’s how I’ve learned to fully live life—to get the full experience.”
And instead of hiding, I let myself enjoy those good times. Before, I was too busy running from life. But not anymore. Today, I live it.”
John’s Take:
John thought for a moment, then gave me a small, knowing smile. “Same here. There was a time when I was hiding too. I didn’t want to deal with what I was feeling, so I pushed it all away. But it wasn’t until I stopped running that I actually started living.”
John’s Wisdom on the Lessons
After sharing my three lessons, John gave me his take on how he’s applied those same ideas in his life. He’s no stranger to struggling with emotions—grief, anger, and everything in between. John Wick, the ultimate warrior, looked at me and said, “These challenges don’t define us; in fact, they teach us more than we realize. They give us strength we didn’t know we had.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Rolling Out with a New Perspective
As we both finished pumping gas, John turned to me with that intense gaze he’s known for. “Let’s spread the word,” he said. “People need to know they can take their challenges and turn them into strength.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. Who would’ve thought we’d be standing here, grateful for our challenges?” With a final nod, we both hopped into our cars. John, back to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, and me, back to face my day with a whole new level of appreciation for the life lessons my mental health challenges have given me.
As I drove off, I couldn’t help but think how amazing that conversation had been. Two warriors, from very different walks of life, sharing how our struggles had made us stronger. And as strange as it sounds, we are both, as Mental Health Warriors, thankful for the lessons our challenges have brought us.
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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