
The other day, I decided to take a stroll in the park—one of those much-needed moments to clear my head and escape the daily grind. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and everything seemed peaceful—until I quite literally ran into Forrest Gump. Yes, the Forrest Gump. You know, the guy who famously said, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get."
As Forrest and I both took a breather (he had been running across the country, after all), we started talking. I’ve always admired his ability to take life as it comes and focus on what truly matters.
His perspective resonated with me, especially given my own journey of struggling for 20 years with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. I felt so powerless, that I tried to end my life. But in that darkest moment, I had one realization that changed everything: Mental Health was the key!
That realization led me to create the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach designed to help YOU take charge of your mental health, overcome challenges, and build the life you really want!
So, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to share my book, One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior, with Forrest.
“Forrest,” I said, handing him a copy, “this book is about how a warrior embraces a lifestyle of ‘Less Stuff, More Experiences.’ I found that this mindset empowered me to strengthen my mental health and triumph over my challenges every single day.”
Forrest nodded, his eyes showing a spark of understanding. “I get that,” he said in his slow, deliberate way. “I’ve never been much for stuff. It’s the people and the things I do that make me happy!”
The, true to form, Forrest then shared three stories—each more heartwarming than the last—about how living simply and focusing on experiences had changed his life and the lives of those around him.
Story 1: Honoring Emotions
Forrest’s first story was about his best friend, Bubba, and their shrimp boat venture. After Bubba passed away in Vietnam, Forrest was determined to honor his friend’s memory by fulfilling his dream of owning a shrimp boat. But it wasn’t just about the boat or the money; it was about the experience, the journey, and the connection to his friend.
“When I was out there on the boat,” Forrest said, “it wasn’t the shrimp or the boat that made me feel close to Bubba. It was knowing I was doing what he would’ve loved. It was the experience of being out on the water, thinking of my friend. That’s what mattered.”
Our Turn:
It’s not material things that keep us connected, but the experiences and memories we create. Whether you’re honoring someone’s memory or deepening a relationship, focus on shared moments rather than material gestures.
When we allow ourselves to truly experience our emotions—whether joy, grief, or love—we honor those feelings instead of suppressing them. Like Forrest found peace on the water, we, too, can find healing in experiences that connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Think about ways you can create meaningful moments in your own life:
Visit a place that holds significance to you or a loved one.
Engage in an activity they loved as a way to honor their spirit.
Share stories, laughter, and time with people who matter most.
It’s the journey, not the destination, that brings happiness and fulfillment. When we live with intention, every experience becomes a way to heal, grow, and strengthen our mental health.
Story 2: New Mindset, New Life
Forrest’s next story was about Lieutenant Dan. After losing his legs in the war, Dan struggled with his identity and purpose. He was angry, frustrated, and lost. But Forrest, in his own way, helped Dan find new meaning in life—not by giving him things, but by including him in his shrimping adventure and showing him the beauty of living for the experiences, not the losses.
“Lieutenant Dan was angry for a long time,” Forrest said. “But when he finally got out there on the boat with me, and we weathered that storm together, he found peace. It wasn’t about the money we made; it was about being alive and finding something worth living for.”
Our Turn:
When struggling with identity or loss, it’s easy to feel stuck—like everything that once defined you has been stripped away. But as Lieutenant Dan’s story shows, healing isn’t about replacing what’s lost—it’s about discovering new meaning in what remains.
Material solutions often fall short because true transformation happens through experience, connection, and resilience. To shift into this new mindset, focus on engaging in meaningful activities that remind you of the simple joys of life:
Step into something new: Try a hobby or challenge that gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Surround yourself with positive experiences: Spend time with people who uplift and support you.
Embrace the journey, not just the outcome: Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but small steps toward purpose can change everything.
Like Lieutenant Dan, we all have storms to weather—but on the other side of those storms, there’s an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and find a life worth living. A new mindset creates a new life!
Story 3: Happiness in Each Experience
The last story Forrest shared was about Jenny, the love of his life. Jenny’s life had been filled with trauma and hardship, but through it all, Forrest never stopped loving her.
When they were finally together, their happiness wasn’t found in the house they lived in or the things they owned—it was in the time they spent together, the quiet walks, the laughter, and the memories they created.
“Jenny and I, we didn’t need much,” Forrest reflected. “Just being together, walking and talking—it’s the experiences that mattered. It is where she found true happiness.”
Our Turn:
True connections aren’t built on material things—they’re built on time, presence, and shared experiences.
If you’re looking to strengthen a relationship or help someone find happiness, focus on being present rather than giving presents. Meaningful relationships thrive on genuine connection, understanding, and time spent together.
Here are some ways to cultivate deeper connections:
Be present: Put away distractions and give your full attention to the people who matter.
Create shared moments: Whether it’s a walk, a conversation, or a small adventure, experiences leave a lasting impact.
Offer support through presence, not possessions: Sometimes, just being there for someone is the greatest gift you can give.
Like Forrest and Jenny, happiness isn’t found in what we own, but in the moments we share. The simplest things—a conversation, a quiet walk, a moment of understanding—are often the most powerful!
Wrap Up
As our conversation came to an end, I handed Forrest a copy of my book, One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior.
“I like this,” he said with a thoughtful smile. “It’s simple, and it makes sense. Life isn’t about the stuff you have; it’s about the things you do and the people you care about.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. As Forrest prepared to head off on the next leg of his journey, he promised to share my book and its message as he continued his run across the country.
So, take a page from Forrest’s journey (or my book!) and embrace a life of ‘Less Stuff, More Experiences.’ After all, true wealth isn’t in what we own—it’s in the moments we create, the people we uplift, and the experiences that shape us. That’s what strengthens Mental Health Warriors and leads to greater happiness each day.
Bruce Schutter
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