Conquer Anxiety: How the Minions Use the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin

It was a breezy afternoon downtown when I decided to stop by my favorite shop for a quick pick-me-up. As I stood there debating the merits of having a third Diet Coke — a classic Mental Health Warrior dilemma — I heard a commotion from across 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 felt different. They weren’t bouncing around for fun. They were buzzing with ANXIETY.

Bob was wringing his tiny hands. Kevin paced in tight circles. Stuart muttered something under his breath about bananas being out of stock.

“Bruce! Bruce!” they squeaked in unison when they spotted me. Before I could 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 about EVERYTHING!” Kevin blurted, throwing his hands in the air.

“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 Stuart, who struck a dramatic chord on his ukulele.

I smiled. “You’re all Mental Health Warriors, remember?”

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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.

“This,” I said, holding it up for dramatic effect, “is your new secret weapon.”

Bob’s eyes went wide. “Shiny…”

“Focus, Bob,” I laughed. “This coin is more than just shiny. Look at 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 everything is about to snap — like the pressure is too much. But this coin reminds you that you’re a Warrior. You don’t have to break under pressure. You can bend, adapt and keep going.”

They nodded, the tension easing into curiosity.

“So… how do we use it?” Kevin asked.

I smiled. “Great question. Let me show you three ways to use this coin the next time anxiety tries to take over.”

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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 is racing with a hundred what ifs, I reach for my Warrior Coin. The moment I feel its weight, I breathe — and the storm begins to slow.

The coin becomes a physical anchor, pulling me out of my head and back into the present. It’s proof that even one small, steady action can interrupt anxiety and reset your 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 what comes next. Maybe you won’t have bananas today — but you’ll figure something out tomorrow.”

Bob nodded, visibly calmer already. “I like this,” he said, clutching his teddy bear a little less tightly.

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Tool 2: Reframe the Situation with the Warrior Creed

“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 single 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 small, intentional action to take.

Sometimes that means stepping outside for fresh air. Sometimes it’s 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 laughed. “But you’re definitely on the right track.”

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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 once meant 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 short walk, sending one email, or writing a single sentence. It doesn’t have to be a big move — because every small step is proof that anxiety doesn’t win when you keep moving.

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. Clean one lab table. Organize one gadget. Each small step helps you take back control — and that’s how anxiety starts to lose its grip.”

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.

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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 in hand.

Because the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin isn’t just shiny metal — it’s a daily reminder of your strength.

So the next time anxiety strikes, reach for your coin. Not as a token — but as proof that you can bend, adapt and TRIUMPH. ⚔️🛡️

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!