Break Free from Anxiety: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet & the Mental Health Warrior Coin
- Bruce Schutter
- Jul 17
- 6 min read
It was a sunny, breezy afternoon — the kind of day that makes you believe life might just be a little easier. I was heading out to run errands when I saw a familiar figure bouncing — well, more like waddling — toward me.
“Bruce!” Pooh called out, practically glowing with excitement. “I’m so glad I ran into you! I’ve been meaning to have a chat. It’s about Piglet.”
I stopped in my tracks, raising an eyebrow. Pooh, after all, is a fellow Warrior — he’s been helping his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood take charge of their emotions, one by one. I always enjoy meeting his crew, so I asked, “What’s going on, Pooh?”
Pooh began rubbing his belly — which, with him, is always a toss-up between habit and hunger. “Well, you see,” he said, “Piglet has been terribly worried about everything.”
He took a deep breath and continued. “He’s worried it might rain tomorrow, though there’s not a cloud in the sky. He’s worried that if it doesn’t rain, the grass will dry out. And he’s worried that if the grass dries out, the bees won’t make enough honey and — well, you get the picture.”
My Story
I nodded, reflecting on my own struggles. For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — until I reached a point where I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that dark time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to triumphing over any challenge.
Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program - a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge! So you can take charge of your emotions, triumph over any challenge and build the life you really want!
“Pooh,” I said, “I think I have just the thing to help Piglet. But first, let’s sit down and talk.”
How to Calm Piglet’s Worries
We found a bench nearby, and Pooh immediately launched into a detailed account of Piglet’s endless worries.
"Poor Piglet hardly sleeps," he said. "He spends all night pacing, thinking of all the terrible things that might happen. I told him he needs to relax, maybe eat some honey, but he just said, ‘Oh, d-d-dear, Pooh, honey won’t fix my problems!’"
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Classic Pooh.
"You’re right, Pooh. Honey can’t solve everything," I said. "But I know something that can help Piglet start managing his anxiety and worries."
Pooh’s ears perked up. "Is it part of your Mental Health Warrior Program?"
"It sure is," I said, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. The coin caught the sunlight, shimmering as I held it up.
"This coin isn’t just a token — it’s a tool. A way for people to carry their warrior strength with them every day. And I think it could be exactly what Piglet needs."
Pooh clapped his hands together. "Oh, Bruce, that sounds wonderful! Tell me, how can Piglet use it?"
Smiling, I said, "I’ll show you — six ways to use the Warrior Coin to triumph over anxiety, stress, and all those constant worries."
Strategy 1: Grounding in the Present Moment
I held up the coin and rolled it between my fingers. “When I start feeling overwhelmed by worries about what might happen, I hold the coin in my hand and focus on its weight and texture.
That small, physical action helps bring me back to the present moment. It interrupts the spiral and reminds me: I can only act on what’s happening right now.”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh tilted his head. “Oh! So instead of worrying about what might happen, Piglet can focus on what is happening and put his energy into finding a solution?”
“Exactly,” I said with a smile. “Worrying about ‘what ifs’ can feel overwhelming, but when we focus on what is real and present, we can take action and move forward.”
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “Piglet can use that when he starts worrying about whether the bees will move to another forest. He can remind himself that the bees are still here — and that he still has honey.”
Strategy 2: A Reminder of Inner Strength
I held the coin in my palm and said, “For me, the coin is a reminder that I’m stronger than I think. Every time I hold it, I tell myself: ‘I am a Mental Health Warrior. I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.’
It helps me face the next challenge with more confidence.”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh’s eyes widened. “That’s perfect! Piglet always forgets how brave he was — like when he helped Eeyore find his tail or when he faced that scary Heffalump.
This coin will remind him he’s a Warrior too — and that he can overcome any challenge life throws his way!”
Strategy 3: A Tool for Deep Breathing
I turned the coin over in my hand and said, “When anxiety strikes, I use the coin as a cue to stop and take deep, calming breaths — five in, five out. The weight of the coin reminds me to slow down, lower my heart rate, and calm my mind before I react.”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh’s face lit up. “Oh, yes! Piglet loves guidance. He can hold the coin and count his breaths while he waits for the next disaster he’s sure is coming.”
I chuckled. “And once he’s emotionally centered with deep breathing, he might just realize… the disaster isn’t coming after all.”
Strategy 4: A Daily Affirmation Anchor
I held the coin up and said, “I like to pair the coin with a daily affirmation — something like: ‘I am calm. I am safe. I am capable.’
Saying it while holding the coin reinforces the message and strengthens my inner Warrior confidence.”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh clapped his paws together, delighted. “Oh, this is wonderful! I’ll help Piglet come up with affirmations! Like, ‘I am small but mighty!’ Or, ‘Even Heffalumps can’t stop me!’”
I grinned. “Exactly, Pooh. The more Piglet repeats these affirmations, the more he’ll believe in his own strength. Over time, those words won’t just be things he says — they’ll become things he knows deep inside.”
Strategy 5: Visualize Triumph
I held the coin up to the light and said, “I use the coin as a symbol of victory. Every time I overcome a worry — no matter how small — I give the coin a little rub to celebrate my progress.
It’s a way to remind myself I’m moving forward, step by step!”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh giggled. “Oh, Piglet will be rubbing that coin all the time once he realizes how many small victories he has every day! Like when he walked past a puddle and didn’t worry about falling in!”
I laughed. “Exactly, Pooh. Every little win adds up — and before he knows it, Piglet will see just how strong he really is.”
Strategy 6: Connection to Your Support Network
I held the coin gently and said, “For me, this coin is also a reminder that I’m never alone. I’m part of a tribe — the Mental Health Warrior Tribe — and there’s always someone who’s got my back. And that includes you too, Pooh.”
Pooh's Takeaway:
Pooh placed a paw on his heart, his eyes shining with understanding. “Oh, Bruce, that’s exactly what Piglet needs. He always forgets how much we care about him.
But now, every time he looks at the coin, he’ll remember — he’s never, ever alone!”
Heading Off with Hope
As our conversation wound down, I handed Pooh a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin for himself and another for Piglet.
"These coins are yours to carry with you every day," I said. "Whenever you’re feeling worried, anxious, or overwhelmed, use one of the strategies we talked about. Let them remind you — you’re never alone, and you are stronger than you think."
Pooh cradled the coin carefully, as if it were a pot of the finest honey. "Bruce, I can’t thank you enough. Piglet will feel so much better knowing he has his Warrior Coin — and that he’s part of a tribe."
Then Pooh gave me a big bear hug. "We’re excited too, Bruce! Piglet and I are going to start using our coins today!"
Wrap Up
I laughed as I watched Pooh waddle off toward the Hundred Acre Wood, the coin securely tucked in his paw.
As I continued on my way, a deep sense of gratitude washed over me. Helping others tap into their inner strength with the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin wasn’t just rewarding — it was a powerful reminder that we all have the courage to face our challenges head-on.
So if you find yourself struggling with anxiety, stress, or worry, remember this: the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin isn’t just a keepsake — it’s a warrior’s tool.
Carry it with you as a daily reminder that you already have the strength, the strategies, and the resilience to take charge and triumph over any challenge!
Bruce Schutter
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