
It was a quiet Tuesday morning when my doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I shuffled to the door, still clutching my coffee mug. To my surprise, there stood Winnie the Pooh, honey jar in hand, but instead of his usual cheerful demeanor, he looked a bit disheveled. His red shirt was slightly askew, and his usual calm, honey-obsessed aura seemed replaced with a mix of frustration and despair.
“Pooh?” I asked, surprised. “What brings you here?”
He sighed deeply and muttered, “Oh, Bruce, it’s just awful. I keep trying to triumph over my challenges, but every day feels like a losing battle. I leave the Hundred Acre Woods all motivated, ready to tackle life, but then the day gets the better of me. One problem after another, and I just… lose focus. I know you have the answers—I’ve been following your Mental Health Warrior Program—but I can’t seem to stay on track. Can you help me?”
I nodded and gestured for him to come in. Pooh waddled in and plopped himself on my couch, looking like a bear in need of a serious pep talk—and possibly a snack.
The Backstory
As I refilled my diet coke and handed Pooh a mug of honey-infused tea, I said, “Pooh, let me tell you something. I’ve been there. For 20 years, I struggled with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. It controlled my life and left me feeling so powerless I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I realized something life-changing: Mental Health is the key to overcoming any challenge and building the life we really want.”
Pooh nodded earnestly, his honey jar clutched tightly. “Yes, yes, Bruce, that’s why I started following your Mental Health Warrior Program. The mindset shifts, the lifestyle changes—they’ve helped me so much. But it’s like every time I face a challenge during the day, I just… forget that I’m supposed to be a Warrior.”
“Well,” I said, “that’s exactly why I’ve got the perfect tool for you. Something that will keep you motivated, focused, and ready to tackle the day—no matter what comes your way.”
Pooh’s ears perked up. “Oh, what is it? Is it honey-flavored motivation?” “Not quite,” I laughed. “It’s the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin.”
A Warrior’s Daily Ally
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a shiny Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin. Pooh’s eyes widened as he stared at the intricate design, I had created, on the front.
“This isn’t just any coin,” I explained. “It’s a tangible reminder that you’re a Warrior. You can carry it in your hand or pocket, feel its weight, and hold it during moments of stress—like meetings, arguments with Rabbit, or when Tigger bounces on your nerves.”
Pooh looked intrigued. “And what does it say on the back?” I flipped the coin over to reveal the words: “I am stronger than my challenges.”
“This,” I said, handing it to him, “is your new daily companion. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, this coin will remind you of your strength. It’s like carrying the Mental Health Warrior Program with you, wherever you go.”
Pooh clutched the coin reverently, then asked, “How do I use it? What do I do with it?”
Example 1: To Stay Grounded in Stressful Situations
Pooh thought for a moment and said, “Sometimes, when Rabbit is being particularly bossy about my honey-eating habits, I get really flustered. I feel like I’m losing my cool.”
I nodded and offered some advice. “Pooh, next time Rabbit starts lecturing you, take a deep breath and pull out your coin. Hold it in your hand and feel its weight. As you rub your thumb over the words, ‘I am stronger than my challenges,’ remind yourself that you’re in control—not Rabbit or anyone else. Let the coin ground you and bring you back to a place of calm.”
Pooh’s face brightened. “So, instead of getting upset or arguing, I can remind myself that I’m a Warrior and calmly let Rabbit know I’ll eat honey at my own pace.”
My Takeaway:
“Exactly,” I said, smiling. “And I use this same technique in my own life. Whenever I’m in a tense meeting or a stressful situation, I hold my coin in my pocket. Feeling its weight and repeating the Warrior wisdom helps me refocus and stay composed, even when things feel chaotic.”
Example 2: To Push Through Fearful Moments
“What about when I feel scared?” Pooh asked. “Like when I’m climbing a tree for honey and realize I’m really high up?”
“That’s a great time to use the coin,” I said. “When fear creeps in, take a deep breath and hold the coin. Say to yourself, ‘I am stronger than my challenges.’ It’s a reminder that fear doesn’t define you—you have the strength to push through.”
Pooh nodded, looking determined. “So, next time I’m up a tree, instead of freezing in fear, I’ll hold the coin and remind myself that I can do it.”
My Takeaway:
“And I’ve used it the same way,” I added. “When I’m about to give a big presentation and the anxiety hits, I hold the coin, and it calms me down. It reminds me that I’ve faced tougher challenges and triumphed.”
Example 3: To Reflect and Recharge
Pooh scratched his head. “What about at the end of the day? Sometimes I just feel like I didn’t accomplish much.”
“That’s the perfect time to use the coin,” I said. “Sit quietly, hold the coin, and reflect on the day. Think about one challenge you overcame, even if it was small. Maybe you didn’t finish everything, but you made progress—and that’s what matters.”
Pooh’s face lit up. “So, even if I only collected one jar of honey instead of two, I can still feel good about that?”
My Takeaway:
“Exactly,” I said. “It’s about progress, not perfection. And I do the same thing at night—reflect on one win from the day and let it motivate me for tomorrow.”
Wrapping It Up
After we finished discussing the ways to use the coin, I handed Pooh a Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin engraved with the wisdom: “I am stronger than my challenges.” He looked like a new bear—his shoulders straighter, his smile brighter, and his honey jar… well, still firmly in his paw.
“Bruce,” he said, clutching the coin tightly, “this is exactly what I needed. I feel like I can take on anything now. Thank you!” I smiled as I watched him waddle off, holding the coin like a treasure. Sometimes, all it takes is a small, tangible reminder to stay focused, motivated, and ready to triumph.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, reach for your Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin and let it remind you: You’re a Warrior. You’re stronger than your challenges. And with tools like the challenge coin, you can face the day with confidence and overcome any challenge life throws your way!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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