Conquer Anxiety of Current Events: Minions Use the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin
- Bruce Schutter
- Oct 4
- 5 min read
It was a breezy afternoon downtown when I decided to stop by my favorite shop for a quick pick-me-up. As I was contemplating the merits of having a third Diet Coke (a classic Mental Health Warrior dilemma), I heard a commotion from the other side of the street. There, in all their yellow, overall-wearing glory, were the Minions.
Now, I’ve crossed paths with these guys before and let me tell you—chaos is practically their middle name. But today? Today, their usual brand of chaos looked different. They weren’t just bouncing around for fun; they were buzzing with ANXIETY!
Bob was wringing his tiny hands, Kevin was pacing in circles, and Stuart appeared to be muttering something about bananas being out of stock.
“Bruce! Bruce!” they squeaked in unison, spotting me across the street. Before I could even blink, they were in front of me, talking over each other in a flurry of Minionese and broken English. “Okay, okay, slow down,” I said, holding up my hands. “What’s going on?”
“We’re… anxious!” Kevin said, throwing his hands in the air. “About EVERYTHING!”
“Banana shortage! Crazy news! Too many decisions!” Bob added, clutching his teddy bear tighter than usual.
“Alright, everyone, deep breaths,” I said. They all inhaled and exhaled together (except for Stuart, who played a dramatic chord on his ukulele). “You’re all Mental Health Warriors, remember?
The Warrior Solution
The Minions know my story — twenty years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. It left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in that dark moment, I discovered something life-changing: Mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
Armed with that truth, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge. It’s designed to help anyone take control of their emotions, rise above challenge, and build the life they really want!
Kevin nodded. “We know, Bruce! But we need guidance! What do we do when the anxiety hits?”
That’s when I reached into my pocket and pulled out a shiny coin — a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin.
Warrior Wisdom: Extra Power
“This,” I said, holding the coin up for dramatic effect, “is your new secret weapon.”
Bob’s eyes went wide. “Shiny…”
“Focus, Bob,” I said, chuckling. “This coin is more than just shiny. See the message on the back? It’s a tangible reminder of the Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.”
The Minions crowded closer. “Bend Not Break,” Kevin read aloud.
“Exactly,” I said. “When anxiety strikes, it feels like the world’s spinning out of control — like you’re about to snap under the pressure. But this coin reminds you that you’re a Warrior who Bends Not Breaks when anxiety threatens to overwhelm.”
They nodded, the tension melting into curiosity. “So… how do we use it?” Kevin asked.
“Great question,” I said. “Let me give you three ways to use this coin — the next time anxiety tries to take over.”
Tool 1: Ground Yourself with the Coin
“When anxiety hits, grab the coin and hold it in your hand,” I explained. “Feel its weight. Notice its texture. Focus on it. Let it anchor you to the present moment.”
I use this tool myself whenever anxiety tries to take over. Whether I’m stuck in traffic or my mind’s racing with a hundred what-ifs, I reach for my Warrior Coin. The moment I feel its weight, I breathe — and the storm slows.
The coin is a physical anchor that pulls me out of my head and back into calm — proof that even one small, steady action can reset your entire mindset.
Minion's Takeaway:
Bob raised his hand. “Like when I’m worried about bananas running out forever?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Instead of spiraling into banana panic, grab the coin and remind yourself that you can handle it. Maybe you won’t have bananas today, but you’ll find something else tomorrow.”
Bob nodded, visibly calmer already. “I like this,” he said, clutching his teddy bear a little less tightly.
Tool 2: Use the Creed to Reframe the Situation
“The words Bend Not Break are there for a reason,” I continued. “When anxiety feels overwhelming, read those words — and use them to reframe what’s happening. Ask yourself, ‘How can I adapt to this challenge instead of letting it break me?’”
That question has changed how I handle pressure in my own life. When my mind starts racing and I feel that familiar tension rising, I pause and ask, “How can I bend here — not break?” Then I choose one new action to take.
Sometimes that means stepping outside for fresh air, switching tasks, or rewriting the story I’m telling myself about what’s going wrong. That shift turns helplessness into movement — and movement builds momentum!
Minion's Takeaway:
Stuart perked up. “Like when Gru asks me to plan one of his schemes, and I’m worried I’ll mess it up?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Instead of panicking, remind yourself to bend. Think of it as a chance to get creative. If one plan doesn’t work, you adapt and try another. Anxiety loses its power when you approach challenges with flexibility.”
Stuart strummed a triumphant chord on his ukulele. “I can bend like this!” he said, leaning dramatically to the side.
“Not physically, Stuart,” I said, laughing. “But you’re definitely on the right track.”
Tool 3: Take Small, Warrior Steps Forward
“The coin isn’t just a reminder — it’s a call to action,” I said. “When anxiety strikes, take one step forward, no matter how small.”
Progress happens when we refuse to let challenges break us — or send us running back to old short-term fixes. For me, that used to mean drinking and hiding from my emotions. But every time I reached for my Warrior Coin instead, I was reminded that I had another choice: to take one small, intentional action that moved me forward.
Sometimes that step is as simple as taking a walk, sending one email, or writing a single sentence. It doesn’t have to be a big step — because every small step is proof that anxiety doesn’t win when you are moving forward.
Minion's Takeaway:
Kevin nodded thoughtfully. “So, if I’m overwhelmed by all the chores Gru gave us, I could just pick one to start with?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, focus on just one task. Maybe clean one lab table or organize one gadget. Each small step forward helps you take back control — and reduces anxiety.”
Kevin puffed out his chest. “I can do that! I’m a Warrior, and I will Bend, Not Break!”
“Yes, you are,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder.
Wrap Up
By the time I finished explaining, the Minions looked calmer.
“You’ve got this,” I said. “And since you’re all about action, I’m giving you my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin so you can start using it today.”
They erupted into cheers — this time from excitement, not anxiety.
As they dashed off to their next adventure, I smiled. They’d arrived overwhelmed — and left grounded, empowered, and ready to face life’s chaos with a new Warrior tool.
Because the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin isn’t just shiny metal — it’s a daily reminder of your strength!
So next time anxiety strikes, reach for your coin. Not as a token — but as proof of your power to rise, adapt and triumph!
Bruce Schutter
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!
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