
It was a brisk Tuesday morning downtown, and I was nursing a steaming cup of coffee while trying to navigate the pre-holiday chaos. Suddenly, a familiar figure waddled into view—none other than Winnie the Pooh. His face was unusually glum, and he clutched his honey jar tightly, though it remained unopened.
“Pooh?” I called out. “What’s wrong?”
He sighed, shuffling toward me. “Oh, Bruce, it’s just... everything. The news, job layoffs, the price of honey—everything feels like such a challenge. I don’t know how to keep going!”
Pooh and I have had many chats about mental health. He knows about my 20- years of battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. He also knows how I hit rock bottom, felt utterly powerless, and even tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I discovered the key to overcoming life’s challenges: taking charge of my mental health.
With that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach to help anyone learn to manage their emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life they truly want.
To empower warriors further, I wrote the book 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior. This book is a practical handbook for navigating the rollercoaster of daily life, keeping emotions in check, and reclaiming control of your day.
Seeing Pooh so down, I knew exactly what he needed: Mindset Rule 50!
Core Strength of Mindset Rule 50
I scooted a little closer on the bench. “Pooh,” I said, “let me tell you about one of my favorites. Mindset Rule 50 – Never let life’s challenges convince you there are no answers.”
Pooh sighed, staring at his unopened honey jar. “But sometimes it really does feel like there aren’t any answers, Bruce. The honey shortage, Rabbit’s endless to-do lists, Tigger’s… well, Tigger-ness. Life in the Hundred Acre Wood isn’t as simple as it used to be.”
I nodded. “I get it, Pooh. Even in the Hundred Acre Wood, life throws challenges your way—just like it does everywhere else. But as Mental Health Warriors, we know the answer is always to take care of our mental health. Whether it’s current events, holiday stress, or Tigger bouncing on your last nerve, we take action. That’s how we keep moving forward.”
Pooh tilted his head, curiosity replacing the glumness. “But Bruce, what kind of action? Sometimes it feels like the challenges are just… bigger than me.”
I smiled. “That’s a great question. Let me share three steps for using this Mindset Rule to keep the momentum going. I promise, even on the hardest days—whether it’s a global crisis or just running out of honey—these steps work.”
Step 1: Own Your Emotions and Move Forward
“First,” I said, “you have to give yourself time each day to embrace your emotions. Feel them, understand them, and think about what lessons they’re teaching you. Then, take action.”
Pooh’s Plan:
Pooh furrowed his brow. “But sometimes my emotions feel very big. Like when I run out of honey—it’s quite overwhelming.”
I nodded. “That makes sense, Pooh. Honey is important to you. But instead of letting that overwhelming feeling take over, what if you acknowledged it, took a deep breath, and thought about what you can do?”
Pooh tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I suppose I could ask Rabbit if he has extra honey. Or check my emergency honey stash. Or—" his eyes widened, "—maybe I could ration my honey so I don’t run out as quickly!” He gasped dramatically. “I mean, I probably won’t, but it’s a thought.”
I chuckled. “Exactly. When we acknowledge our emotions instead of ignoring them, we can use them as fuel to move forward. Otherwise, they just sit and fester.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
When I first started applying this rule, I’d sit quietly and let myself feel whatever emotions were bubbling up. Anxiety? I’d ask, “What’s this about?” Then I’d take small actions—like journaling, planning my next steps, or stepping outside for fresh air.
Those little actions reminded me that I was in control, even when things felt chaotic.
And, as Pooh just demonstrated, even if the challenge feels very big (like a honey crisis), embracing your emotions and taking action can make all the difference.
Step 2: Acknowledge Your Growth
“Next,” I continued, “remind yourself that every positive action you take is progress. Even when you’re struggling, you haven’t given up—and that means you’re moving forward.”
Pooh nodded slowly. “So even if I feel a little stuck, as long as I’m trying, I’m still a Mental Health Warrior?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.”
Pooh’s Plan:
Pooh tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe I could keep a honey jar and drop a pebble in every time I make progress,” he suggested. “By the end of the week, I’d have a jar full of victories!”
I grinned. “That’s a great idea, Pooh. Visual reminders are wonderful for celebrating progress.”
Pooh’s eyes sparkled. “And… it would also be a great excuse to buy extra honey. You know, just in case I accidentally eat all my progress.”
I laughed. “I support this plan. Just don’t eat the pebbles.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
I can’t count how many times I’ve felt overwhelmed by my challenges. But when I look back and see the progress I’ve made—whether it’s a week of sobriety, a new strategy for managing anxiety, or just showing up for the day—it reminds me how far I’ve come. That’s powerful motivation to keep going.
And if Pooh can track his progress in a honey jar, we can all find our own way to celebrate every victory—big or small!
Step 3: Believe in Your Warrior Spirit
“Lastly,” I told him, “never forget that you’re a Mental Health Warrior. Every day you choose to face your challenges instead of giving up, you’re growing stronger. That’s something to be grateful for—especially if you’ve given up in the past. Today, you’re not giving up. You’re succeeding.”
Pooh’s ears perked up. “Even if it’s just a little success, like getting out of bed?”
“Exactly,” I said. “It all adds up. The more you remind yourself of your strength, the more motivated you’ll feel to keep going.”
Pooh’s Plan:
Pooh rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I think I’ll write myself a note,” he said. “‘Dear Pooh, you are strong. Love, Pooh.’ And I’ll read it whenever I feel down.”
I chuckled. “That’s perfect. Sometimes the best motivation comes from yourself.”
Pooh nodded. “And maybe I’ll leave little notes for Piglet and Eeyore too! ‘Dear Piglet, you are braver than you think. Love, Pooh.’ And ‘Dear Eeyore, you matter. Love, Pooh.’”
“That’s a fantastic idea, Pooh.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
There were days—years, even—when I felt like I wasn’t making any progress. But looking back, I realize that every small victory was building my resilience.
Now, even on tough days, I take comfort in knowing I’m stronger than I was yesterday. And if Pooh can leave himself a reminder in his honey jar, maybe we all need our own way of reminding ourselves: We are warriors. We are strong. And we are always moving forward!
Wrapping It Up
As we sat there, a lightness crept back into the air. Pooh’s frown softened into a thoughtful smile, and even Eeyore—who had wandered over during our chat—seemed a little less gloomy.
As the group began to disperse, I handed Pooh a copy of my book, 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior. “Take this,” I said. “It’s a great reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there are always answers—and actions you can take to move forward.”
Pooh clutched the book like it was a treasure. “Thank you, Bruce. I’ll read it with my honey—after I’ve put a pebble in my jar.”
I smiled. Pooh had it right. Mental Health Warriors know that life will always bring challenges, but we no longer fear them—because we have real-life tools, like Mindset Rules, to guide us and keep us moving forward every day!
Bruce Schutter
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