So there I was, making a quick pit stop at the library, expecting maybe a quiet escape from the usual hustle or a chance to skim through some poetry. But what do I find instead? Rambo himself, the ultimate warrior, dressed in his signature bandana, looking intensely at a lectern and preparing to share his soul with the world through poetry. Yes, that Rambo—once known for his combat skills and not exactly a guy you’d expect at an open mic night. But today was different. Today, he was there to read a poem he’d written, part of his journey as a full-fledged Mental Health Warrior.
You see, Rambo and I connected over the Mental Health Warrior Program I created after 20 years of struggling with my own mental health challenges: Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. Like me, Rambo had come to realize that no matter how tough we appear on the outside, real strength to triumph over challenges comes from mental resilience. And a big part of that strength? Embracing our emotions, using them as tools, and learning to manage them.
Today, Rambo was here to show everyone that even the toughest warriors can walk the path of vulnerability and emotions. It was a bold move, but then again, this was Rambo. As I took my seat among an audience of surprised but eager listeners, Rambo took the mic. The silence was palpable. And then, with the conviction of a man who’d been through the wringer and come out stronger, he began to read.
Rambo’s Poem: A Warrior’s Embrace of Emotions
Emotions are curious, loyal companions,
shadows cast by a daring new light,
first fierce and strange, stirring whispers of fear,
then softening slowly to feel right.
We brace ourselves for their wild, raw tide,
for each carries weight that’s hard to define;
but as warriors, we don’t turn away—
we let them flow, let them align.
Joy, sorrow, fear, love—each with its depth,
painted colors that fill every day;
each feeling a note in our warrior’s song,
a guide on the journey, lighting the way.
They come not to weaken, but to embolden,
to shape us in truth, to lift our sights;
for though we once feared their unpredictable force,
they bring us to clarity, strength, and insight.
So we welcome each feeling—bold, unafraid,
letting them settle, letting them teach;
for warriors know the power within,
lies in lessons only our hearts can reach.
With joy, we savor, with sorrow, we heal;
with fear, we grow wise, with love, we reveal.
As Mental Health Warriors, we embrace it all—
these emotions are tools that make us whole.
They’re not burdens to bear, but allies to trust,
flames that kindle courage in the night;
for within each rise, each fall, each cry,
we find strength that keeps our spirit alight.
So let them come, let them guide, let them stay,
for they fill our days with wisdom and might;
embracing emotions, we triumph each day,
a warrior’s journey through shadow and light!
Applause and Admiration
As he finished, a murmur went through the crowd, an unmistakable sound of admiration. Rambo, the stoic soldier, had somehow captured the delicate dance of human emotion. And while his words may have surprised some, those of us who knew him through the Mental Health Warrior Program could feel the authenticity behind them.
Once the applause faded, Rambo offered a quiet smile and looked my way. “Thanks for showing me this path, Bruce,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’s truly found a new way to live. “I never thought I’d be standing in a library reading a poem about feelings, but here I am. Turns out, letting emotions in makes a guy stronger, not weaker!”
A Few Words on the Power of Self-Help from Rambo
Rambo then took a moment to share a bit of his journey, the ultimate warrior softened by newfound wisdom. “You know,” he began, “I’ve spent most of my life facing down enemies on the outside. But the battles that really mattered were the ones inside. I spent years avoiding my feelings, not realizing they were tools, allies even, that could guide me to a better place.”
For a man who was once all grit and muscle, it was clear that this new approach was more than just a mindset; it was a transformation. Embracing the self-help approach, he’d found his way out of the darkness. No more running from pain, anger, or sadness—now he let them in, let them teach him, and used them to make himself stronger every day.
“By accepting each emotion, I started winning battles I didn’t even know I was fighting. Fear doesn’t stop me anymore; I let it guide me. Sadness? It just reminds me I’m human. And love...well, that one’s still new, but I’m working on it,” he added with a laugh.
Leaving the Library Inspired
As the poetry event wrapped up, Rambo was swarmed by fans and a few curious skeptics who couldn’t quite reconcile the rough-and-tumble soldier with the poet they’d just seen. He handled it with the grace of someone who’s found inner peace.
Finally, as we made our way out of the library, Rambo turned to me. “Thanks for the program, Bruce. Never thought I’d say it, but this whole emotions thing...it’s powerful. More powerful than any weapon I’ve ever held.” I clapped him on the shoulder, proud to see the transformation in someone who’d once believed his strength came solely from combat. “Glad to hear it, Rambo. You’ve come a long way.”
With that, we parted ways, each heading back to our respective battles, armed not with guns or grit alone, but with the power of our emotions, the wisdom to face them, and the resilience to keep moving forward.
And for anyone out there wondering if they have it in them? Let Rambo’s story of becoming a Mental Health Warrior be your guide: Emotions aren’t the enemy; they’re the very things that can help us all triumph over our life’s challenges!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
If you are looking for other poems and empowering insights, check out my book “Thoughts to Ponder on Mental Health Disorders”
Comments