SpongeBob vs. Tariffs: How the “One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior” Saved Bikini Bottom
- Bruce Schutter
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
It was just another Tuesday. I was downtown, in search of a caffeine burst (read: diet soda), trying to stay vertical after a long day of being a full-time Mental Health Warrior. As I turned the corner near the electronics store, I spotted a familiar crew huddled around a storefront TV.
There they were—SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and even Plankton—eyes glued to a breaking news story.
“BREAKING: TARIFFS ON IMPORTED GOODS INCREASE AGAIN.”
SpongeBob gasped. “Does this mean the price of spatulas is going up?!”
Patrick clutched his ice cream cone like it was gold. “Do... do they tariff sprinkles too?”
Even Squidward looked mildly concerned (well, as concerned as Squidward ever looks).
I walked up and tapped SpongeBob on the shoulder. “Hey, guys. What’s all the fuss?”
“Bruce!” SpongeBob exclaimed, spinning around with his usual bounce. “We’re freaking out. Tariffs are going up, prices are going up, and it feels like everything’s going out of control!”
I nodded. “Yep, that’s the world for you. But that’s why the Mental Health Warrior Program exists.”
You see, my crew in Bikini Bottom knows my story well. I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD for 20 years. At my lowest point, feeling powerless, I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a revolutionary SELF-HELP approach to help people take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life they really want!
And in their panic, SpongeBob and his friends remembered something they’d learned from the Warrior Program—something tailor-made for moments like this: my book, One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior.
The Philosophy? Less Stuff, More Experiences.
They had their copy in Patrick’s backpack (don’t ask how a starfish wears one), and they were using it in the most creative way possible—to beat tariff anxiety.
Sandy pulled it out and slapped it on the nearest bench. “We’ve been going over the packing plan,” she explained. “What if we could fit everything we needed for happiness in just one bag?”
I smiled. “That’s exactly the point.”
When we shift our mindset away from possessions and toward experiences, we stop giving power to the uncontrollable—like tariffs—and reclaim control of our joy.
“Okay, okay,” SpongeBob said, bouncing with excitement. “But how do we actually use this book right now?” “Glad you asked,” I replied, pulling out a napkin and a pen. “Let me show you three tools that’ll help you shift your mindset—and your happiness—into gear!”
TOOL 1: The “Swap Worry for Wonder” Shift
When we focus on things we can’t control—like government policies, shipping fees, or jellyfish sting taxes—we spiral. But if we flip the script and ask, “What simple experience can I enjoy right now?”—we shift our brain out of anxiety and into enjoyment of the present day.
Real-Life Example:
Last month, I caught myself spiraling over rising prices—eggs, gas, even toothpaste! Instead of refreshing my news feed for the 27th time and muttering about inflation to my dog (who, frankly, wasn’t offering much insight), I grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled down three things I could do for free that would make me smile.
I ended up walking to the local park, watching dogs chase squirrels, and getting a front-row seat to an intense game of toddler vs. playground swing set. I laughed harder than I had all week and returned home feeling recharged, grounded, and reminded that joy doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
SpongeBob’s eyes lit up. “So… I could take Gary for a walk instead of panicking about spatula tariffs?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Worry is loud, but wonder? Wonder puts your feet back on the ground and your mind back in the moment.”
TOOL 2: The “Experience Over Expense” Filter
This one’s simple—and powerful. When something feels financially out of reach (vacations, concerts, or gold-plated jellyfish nets), ask yourself: “What experience can I create that brings joy for under $5?”
Then go do that. The goal isn’t to cheap out on life—it’s to remind yourself that real joy is often simple, meaningful, and ridiculously affordable.
My Life Hack:
Not long ago, I had one of “those weeks.” You know the kind—emails piling up, bills due, and the car making a mysterious new noise that sounds oddly like judgment. I didn’t have the time (or cash) to jet off somewhere glamorous, so I got creative.
I popped some old-school stovetop popcorn, added a little cinnamon (fancy!), and invited a friend over for a movie night. We watched one of my all-time favorites—laughing, quoting every line, and debating whether the villain really had a point. Total cost? Around $2. Mental health value? Off the charts.
Patrick gasped. “I could throw a plankton-sized pool party with a sponge cake and call it a day!”
Squidward rolled his eyes, arms crossed. “Joy for under $5? Please.” But I caught it—a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Even he was starting to believe it!
TOOL 3: The “Share the Experience, Double the Joy” Strategy
Here’s a warrior truth: When you share an experience, you don’t lose half the joy—you double it. And the best part? There are zero tariffs on laughter, stories, or quality time. Take that, international shipping fees!
In stressful times, we’re often tempted to retreat into survival mode—hoarding space, emotions, and resources. But connection is what keeps our Warrior fire lit.
So, here’s your action: Create a simple experience, and invite someone into it. Whether it’s a walk, a homemade meal, a memory swap, or just sitting together in peaceful silence—shared moments give us strength.
My Warrior Experience:
Last month, I was feeling weighed down by the news (yep, even warriors have “heavy brain” days). Instead of isolating, I texted a friend: “Popcorn + bad movie night = tonight?”
They replied with one word: “YES.”
We laughed, groaned at the film, and—somewhere between the second bowl of popcorn and the epic overacting—we both felt lighter. The stress didn’t magically vanish, but we weren’t carrying it alone anymore. Together, we grew stronger.
SpongeBob’s Idea:
“I could host a gratitude circle in the Krusty Krab kitchen!” SpongeBob said, arms wide. “Everyone brings one happy story and a side dish!”
Patrick gasped. “Can I bring my memory of that time I found a jellyfish shaped like a sandwich?” “You already told us six times,” Squidward sighed, “but fine.”
And just like that, they were brainstorming potlucks, story swaps, and “tariff-free talent shows.”
A Spongey Recap:
Sandy slapped the book shut and declared, “We’re all-in on the “One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior”. Less stuff, more experiences, and way less anxiety about the stuff we can’t control.”
“Like tariffs,” added Patrick, stuffing the book back in his bag.
“And we’re turning our panic into purpose!” SpongeBob said, striking a heroic pose.
The Lessons (a.k.a. SpongeBob Wisdom, Warrior-Approved):
You can’t control everything, but you can control what goes in your One Bag — Prioritize values, not stuff.
Happiness doesn’t have to cost much—or anything at all — Some of the best memories are completely free.
Mindset shifts are your superpower — When you focus on experiences, you take your power back.
And just like that, the crew marched off in search of their next free or low-cost adventure—Sandy was planning a sandcastle competition, Patrick was already making a paper hat, and SpongeBob was inviting everyone over for seaweed smoothies.
Wrap Up
So, the next time you see “Tariffs” splashed across the news, don’t let stress hijack your day. Instead, channel your inner Warrior and grab your One Bag Life tools. Stop those negative thoughts in their tracks—and shift your focus to the joy, peace and power found in simple experiences.
Because happiness doesn’t come from stuff—it comes from how we live, what we choose to focus on and the meaningful moments we create!
Bruce Schutter
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