The other day, I decided to take a stroll in the park, as one does when they need a bit of fresh air and a break from 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 declared, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." Well, I never expected to bump into him on a random day in the park, but hey, life’s full of surprises.
As Forrest and I both decided to take a breather (he had been running across the country, after all), we got to chatting. Now, I’ve always admired Forrest’s unique perspective on life. His ability to take things as they come and focus on what truly matters has always resonated with me, especially given my own journey with mental health challenges. So, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to share my book with him — "One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior."
I handed Forrest a copy of the book, explaining the concept behind it. "Forrest," I said, "this book is all about embracing a lifestyle of ‘Less Stuff, More Experiences.’ It’s based on the idea that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions, but from the richness of our experiences. I asked myself, what if everything that brought me joy could fit into one bag? And you know what?
That mindset helped me build strong mental health, allowing me to triumph over my challenges, like Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD."
Forrest nodded, his eyes showing a spark of understanding. “I get that,” he said in his slow, deliberate manner. “I’ve never been much for stuff. It’s the people and the things I do that make me happy.”
Intrigued, I asked Forrest how he applied this belief in his own life, particularly when helping friends who struggled with mental health. True to form, Forrest shared three stories — each more heartwarming than the last — that illustrated how living simply and focusing on experiences had mental health benefits for his friends. Here’s what he shared:
Story 1: Bubba and the Shrimp Boat
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.”
Your Turn:
Sometimes, it’s not the material things that keep us connected to loved ones, but the experiences and memories we create. To honor someone’s memory or simply strengthen a relationship, focus on shared experiences rather than material gestures. It’s the journey, not the destination, that brings peace and fulfillment.
Story 2: Lieutenant Dan’s New Legs
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.”
Your Turn:
When you or someone you know is struggling with identity or loss, remember that material solutions often fall short. Instead, engage in meaningful experiences that remind you of the simple joys of life. Whether it’s a hobby, a trip, or just spending time with loved ones, these moments can be healing.
Story 3: Jenny’s Peace
The last story Forrest shared was about Jenny, the love of his life. Jenny had a tumultuous life, filled with trauma and hardship. Forrest never stopped loving her, and when they were finally together, it wasn’t about the house they lived in or the things they had—it was about the time they spent together, the walks they took, and the memories they made.
“Jenny and I, we didn’t need much,” Forrest reflected. “Just being together, walking and talking—that’s what mattered. I think it helped her find some peace.”
Your Turn:
In relationships, it’s easy to get caught up in material expectations. But true connection comes from shared experiences and simple moments of being together. If you’re looking to strengthen a relationship or help someone find peace, focus on spending quality time together, creating memories that will outlast any material possession.
Forrest’s Final Thought
As we wrapped up our conversation, Forrest looked at the book in his hands and then back at me. “I like this idea of "One Bag Life," he said with a 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 tell people about my book as he continued his run across the country. “Life is about the experiences, not the material stuff we have,” he reminded me one last time before jogging away.
And as I watched Forrest disappear into the distance, I realized how right he was. By focusing on experiences rather than possessions, we can build strong mental health, forge deep connections, and ultimately, live a life that’s rich with meaning.
So, what about you? What would be in your “One Bag” if you could only carry what truly brings you joy and fulfillment? Take a page out of Forrest’s book (or mine!) and start living a life of “Less Stuff, More Experiences.” After all, it’s the experiences that make life worth living—and that’s the kind of wealth that truly matters to Mental Health Warriors!
Bruce Schutter
(Creator of the Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin)
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