It was an ordinary Tuesday night, and there I was, nervously gripping my paper, preparing to read my poem at a local poetry reading. Poetry isn’t exactly my usual thing, but I wanted to share some of my Mental Health Warrior wisdom in a new way. Plus, I had invited some very special guests to cheer me on: the Minions. Yes, those yellow, overall-clad, banana-loving characters who, over the past few months, had somehow become fellow Mental Health Warriors.
If you’re wondering how the Minions ended up at a poetry reading, you’re not alone. Even they looked a bit out of place, their wide-eyed curiosity paired with uncontainable energy. They fidgeted in their seats and whispered loudly to each other, clearly more accustomed to chaos than quiet reflection.
Still, these little guys believed in my Mental Health Warrior Program, a self-help approach I created after 20 years of struggling with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. They’d heard me explain how, after years of battling these challenges, I finally found a way to not only manage my mental health but to triumph over my life’s challenges—and they wanted to use that wisdom in their own adventures.
As the room settled, I took a deep breath and introduced my poem to the audience. “The theme of this poem,” I began, “is the journey through darkness to find the light within ourselves. In my darkest times, I felt like all light and hope were gone. But it was during those moments that I learned the most about myself. I got in touch with emotions I had been running from for years.”
The Minions nodded solemnly—or at least tried to—though one of them was stealthily trying to eat his program sheet. I couldn’t help but smile as I continued. “I created the Mental Health Warrior Program as a self-help approach because, in those moments when I thought nothing would ever get better, I realized the key to healing wasn’t avoiding my emotions but embracing them.”
I glanced at the Minions, and one gave me an enthusiastic thumbs-up, clearly moved by the sentiment. Buoyed by their support, I launched into the poem, pouring my heart into each line, letting the emotions flow through my words.
My Mental Health Warrior Poem:
In the darkest nights, when hope feels thin,
The quiet calls to look within.
The light had dimmed, the world turned gray,
But lessons whispered showed the way.
In shadows deep, emotions rise,
Revealing truths we oft disguise.
They teach us strength, they guide us through,
Each tear a gift, each ache a clue.
Through battles fought and raw despair,
I found a fire that’s always there.
Embracing pain, I learned to see,
The light was waiting inside me.
When all feels lost, and paths seem blurred,
It’s then your inner voice is heard.
Your heart will show, in darkest night,
The way to heal and reach the light.
So face the dark, for there you’ll find,
The strength to grow, the ties that bind.
Each lesson leads to brighter days,
Through shadows walked, you’ll blaze new ways.
Applause and Minions Insights:
I finished, exhaled, and was met with a mixture of applause and the Minions’ unique interpretation of applause, which mostly involved a lot of cheering and some banana-peeling for effect. My fellow poets in the audience seemed touched by the words, but it was the Minions’ reaction that really got me.
Lessons 1: We Learn Through Struggles
“Wow, boss!” Kevin said, looking genuinely moved. “You’re saying that even in the tough times, we can still learn about ourselves?”
“Exactly, Kevin,” I replied. “Sometimes it’s the tough times that teach us the most about who we are and what we want out of life. For me, I had to go through years of struggles before I learned that I could actually control my emotions instead of letting them control me. And once I learned that, I could start building the life I wanted.”
The Minions exchanged glances, looking thoughtful. Then, one by one, they shared how they could apply the lesson of the poem to their own “adventures.” They weren’t exactly experts at expressing emotions, but they had learned a thing or two through their association with the Mental Health Warrior Program.
Lesson 2: Remember Your Progress
“Like when we’re out trying to steal the moon,” Stuart offered, “and it feels impossible. Instead of giving up, we remember how far we’ve come, and that gives us the courage to keep going!”
“Or when I lose my favorite banana,” Bob added, sniffling slightly. “I get sad, but then I remember it’s okay to feel that way. It doesn’t mean I won’t find another banana to enjoy tomorrow.”
“That’s right,” I encouraged them. “The key is embracing what you feel instead of running from it. The pain, the frustration, the loss — those feelings don’t have to hold you back. They’re just part of the journey, part of being a Mental Health Warrior.”
Lesson 3: Face Emotions, Manage Emotions
Kevin chimed in again, a serious look on his face. “So, you’re saying we should face our emotions, not try to hide from them?”
“Exactly, Kevin. That’s what being a Mental Health Warrior is all about. Learning to manage those emotions, understanding what they’re teaching us, and using that knowledge to move forward. Every time you feel a little lost, remember that there’s strength in listening to those emotions and finding the wisdom they offer.”
The Minions nodded, their faces alight with newfound understanding. It was a rare sight — the usually chaotic and wildly excitable Minions had become introspective. Maybe my poem had a bigger impact than I’d thought.
Time to Head Out:
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t resist one last gesture. I handed each of them a copy of my book, I Triumphed over Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. “Take this, guys. It's filled with the 'Blueprint' for becoming a warrior and triumphing over life’s challenges!”
The Minions’ eyes went wide as they clutched their copies, holding them like prized treasures. “Thanks, boss!” they exclaimed in unison. “We’ll keep learning and embracing our emotions so we can become warriors and overcome any challenge life throws our way!”
So, the next time life feels dark, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s always something to learn—even from the shadows. Embrace those feelings, look for the wisdom within, and carry on like the warrior you are!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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