Finding Calm Amid Current Events: How Winnie the Pooh Uses the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin

It was one of those crisp, sunny mornings — the kind where you head downtown for a diet soda and maybe, just maybe, a bit of people-watching. But as fate would have it, I ran into none other than Winnie the Pooh. Yes, the Winnie the Pooh — iconic red shirt, honey pot tucked under one arm, and a look of quiet worry behind those gentle eyes.

“Pooh!” I called, catching up to him.

He stopped, visibly relieved, as if I were a familiar face he’d been hoping to see. “Oh, hello, Bruce,” he said, adjusting his honey pot. “Well, you see… I’ve been a bit… bothered.”

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Pooh sighed and slumped a little. “It’s all the things in the world,” he said softly. “News of wars, arguments over elections, prices going up — even honey’s gotten too fancy for me. It just feels like the chaos of current events — is so heavy and depressing.”

I nodded, feeling the weight too. “I get it. It’s like the whole world’s stress sneaks into our heads — like we’re carrying a backpack full of worries we didn’t even pack ourselves.”

That’s when it hit me. I had just the thing to help.

“Pooh,” I said, reaching into my pocket, “let me show you something. ”I pulled out my Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin, held it in my palm, and watched as his eyes followed it curiously.

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Warrior Solutions

“This,” I said, “is a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. I created it as part of the Mental Health Warrior Program.”

Pooh already knew my story — how I spent 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. Struggles that left me feeling so powerless, I tried to end my life.

But in that darkness, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming 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 control of your emotions, face life’s challenges and build the life you really want.

Pooh stared at the coin, his round eyes wide. “It’s shiny!” he said. “And… oh! What’s written on the back?”

I flipped it over and smiled. “Each coin carries Warrior Wisdom on the back. This one has the Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.”

Then I placed the coin gently in his paw.

“And since the world’s been feeling extra heavy lately,” I said, “let me share three ways I use this coin to stay calm during chaotic times and overwhelming news.”

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Example 1: Anchor Yourself in the Chaos

“When I hear something in the news,” I began, “something heavy that makes me feel overwhelmed, hopeless or like the world is spinning faster than I can keep up, I don’t try to fix it all in my head.”

“Instead,” I said, “I reach into my pocket and hold the coin. The weight of it brings me back to now.”

“The coin works because it interrupts the mental spiral,” I explained. “My thoughts stop racing into the future and my focus returns to the present moment — where I still have choices.”

“And once I’m grounded,” I added, “I can step back into the day calmly and take Warrior actions from a place of strength.”

Pooh’s Takeaway:

Winnie the Pooh’s ears perked up as he gently held the coin in his paw.

“So,” he said thoughtfully, “it’s like when a big storm rolls into the Hundred Acre Wood and I start to feel all flustered. Instead of panicking, I hold the coin and remember all the storms I’ve already made it through.”

“Exactly, Pooh,” I said, smiling. “You’ve weathered storms before — and you’ll weather this one too. The coin simply reminds you of the strength you already have.”

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Example 2: Your Desk-Side Warrior Reminder

“I keep the coin on my desk while I work,” I explained, “because — let’s be honest — sometimes the day just snowballs.”

“Emails stack up. Surprise projects land. Deadlines creep closer. And before you know it, your nervous system is sprinting while your brain is yelling, ‘We’re behind!’”

I tapped the coin gently. “That’s when I pause and look at it.”

“It becomes a mini reset — like a quiet meditation without closing my eyes. The coin reminds me: I am strong. I am capable. I am still in charge.”

“That small shift changes everything,” I added. “Instead of reacting, I respond. And suddenly, I’m working from a calm oasis — right in the middle of the chaos.”

Pooh’s Takeaway:

Winnie the Pooh’s eyes brightened.

“You know,” he said, “sometimes when I’m trying to get honey and things aren’t going my way, I feel like giving up. But if I had the coin on my shelf, I could look at it and remember to be patient… and try again without getting so upset.”

“Exactly, Pooh,” I nodded. “You don’t have to rush. The coin reminds us that strength isn’t loud — it’s about staying steady and calm, even when life gets tricky.”

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Example 3: Control What You Can — Let Go of the Rest

I held the coin again and said, “Pooh, there are so many things we can’t control — world events, the weather, the news cycle, or how other people choose to behave.”

“But when I hold this coin,” I continued, “I’m reminded to shift my energy back to where my power actually is — right here, in this moment, with what I can do in my life.”

“One thing I always do when the world feels overwhelming,” I added, “is go for a quick Walk. Even just 15 minutes clears my head and reminds me that I still have control over my choices, my breath and my movement.”

“That simple action resets everything,” I said. “I may not be able to change the world in that moment — but I can change how I show up in it.” 

Pooh’s Takeaway:

“I think that would help me when Rabbit gets worried about his garden,” he said. “I get flustered too — like I have to fix the weather!”

He paused, then smiled gently. “But maybe instead, I could tidy the picnic blanket… check our supplies… or just sit and breathe.”

I smiled back. “Exactly, Pooh. You can’t stop the rain — but you can calm your mind and help your friends with what’s right in front of you.”

“That’s what Warriors do,” I added. “We focus on what we can control… and let go of the rest.”

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Wrap Up

“Pooh,” I said, handing him the coin, “I want you to have your very own Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin — a reminder of the strength you already have to face whatever comes your way.”

Winnie the Pooh’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “For me? Really?” He held the coin up to the light, marveling at its shine. “Thank you, Bruce! I’ll keep it with me — and I promise to keep it out of the honey.”

I laughed. “Probably a good idea, Pooh.”

“This is going to help so much,” he said. “The next time something big happens — like a windy day or some scary news — I’ll hold this coin and remind myself that I’m strong enough to weather the storm.”

So the next time the chaos of the world starts to feel too heavy… borrow from Pooh’s playbook.

Reach for your Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Hold it. Breathe. And remember — you are a Warrior, and Warriors rise above challenges!

Bruce Schutter

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