Move Forward Every Day: Minions + the Mental Health Warrior Creed

The other day, I was feeling the weight of my mental health challenges — Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder and PTSD. Not the kind of weight you can shrug off your shoulders, but the kind that settles like an anvil in your chest. To shake it off, I set out for a long walk in the park, hoping fresh air and open space might clear my head.

As I wandered, lost in thought, I noticed a commotion up ahead. To my surprise, there they were — the Minions, in all their chaotic glory — running free-form drills like a yellow, banana-fueled flash mob. Apparently, they needed the park’s wide-open space to really let loose. We exchanged glances, and without a word, it was obvious we were all there for the same reason: to recharge and reset.

Naturally, we sat down together on a bench. I admitted I was struggling that day to live out the power of the Mental Health Warrior Creed — “Bend, Not Break” — from my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.

I explained how I was working to use it in real time — to keep myself from breaking under pressure and to avoid slipping back into short-term “fixes” that never actually worked.

The Minions’ eyes lit up instantly. They began chattering and bouncing with excitement. Turns out, they already knew about the Warrior Creed — and my Mental Health Warrior Program. Who knew the Minions were such well-read Warriors?

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The Warrior Backstory

The Minions have been Warriors ever since they heard my story — how for 20 years I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. Those struggles left me feeling so powerless that I even tried to end my life. But in that dark time, 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 charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life you really want!

And at the heart of being a Mental Health Warrior is the Creed: "Bend Not Break." It’s what empowers us to move forward each day and triumph over whatever life throws our way.

To my surprise, the Minions had completely adopted the Warrior Creed — and they couldn’t wait to share three ways they practice it when they’re struggling. I could hardly believe it: here I was, getting advice from the Minions!

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Lesson 1: Embrace the Wobble

The first thing the Minions told me was how they embrace the wobble. You know, that moment when you’re about to lose balance but somehow manage to stay upright? They explained that life’s challenges often make them feel like they’re teetering on the edge, but instead of fearing the wobble, they embrace it. They see it as a sign that they’re pushing their limits and growing stronger.

One Minion gave the perfect example: the time they stacked bananas way too high, lost their balance and nearly toppled over. Instead of panicking, he laughed, arms flailing, wobbling like a circus act until he steadied himself. Sure, a few bananas hit the ground — but the Minion stayed standing, and the others cheered.

For them, the wobble wasn’t failure — it was proof they were living out the Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.

Our Turn:

When life throws you off balance, don’t panic. Wobbling doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re adapting. That’s exactly what the Creed reminds us — it’s okay to bend under pressure, as long as we don’t break.

For me, the wobble often shows up in the mornings. I’ll wake up already feeling off-balance — flooded with anxiety or weighed down by depression — and the temptation is to write the whole day off. But instead, I embrace the wobble by doing one grounding action: a deep breath, writing a quick intention, or stepping outside for a short walk. By embracing the wobble, I steady myself just enough to keep moving forward — and forward is victory!

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Lesson 2: Use Humor as Armor

Next, the Minions shared how they use humor as armor. No matter how tough things get, they always find a way to laugh at themselves and the situation. This not only lightens the mood but also keeps them resilient. “If you can laugh, you can survive,” they said — and coming from a bunch of yellow, banana-loving creatures, that makes perfect sense.

One Minion told me about the time he tripped on a ladder while hanging holiday lights. Instead of sulking, he lay flat on the ground, crossed his eyes, and announced, “Ta-da!” The other Minions burst into laughter, and just like that, the tension was gone.

Their laughter didn’t fix the broken ladder, but it kept them from breaking under the frustration. For them, humor is a way of living out the Creed: Bend, Not Break.

Our Turn:

When faced with challenges, try to find the humor in the situation. Even a small chuckle at something absurd can give you the mental space to think clearly and stay strong. Humor doesn’t erase problems, but it makes the journey bearable — and it keeps you bending without breaking.

For me, humor has been one of my most reliable Warrior tools. I’ve had moments so heavy they felt unbearable, but even a quick laugh helped me breathe again. Like the time I blanked in the middle of a talk and said, “Well, at least I didn’t trip on the way up here.” The audience laughed, I laughed, and the pressure broke.

Humor didn’t solve my problem, but it gave me the resilience to keep going — proof that laughter is armor.

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Lesson 3: Rely on Your Tribe

Finally, the Minions emphasized the importance of relying on your tribe. They never face challenges alone; they always have each other’s backs. Whether they’re building something ridiculous or causing chaos, they do it together — and that camaraderie is what keeps them from breaking under pressure.

One Minion told me about the time they tried to lift a giant piñata full of bananas at a party. Alone, it was impossible — the poor guy wobbled, bent at the knees, and looked ready to snap. But the moment the others rushed in to help, the weight was shared, and together they carried it across the room, laughing the whole way. For them, that’s the Warrior Creed in action: when one bends, the tribe steps in so no one breaks.

Our Turn:

Remember: you don’t have to face your challenges alone. Lean on your friends, family, or support network. Just like the Minions, having a tribe means you can share the load and stay standing, even when life feels heavy.

For me, I used to isolate — convinced I had to fight my battles alone. But when I finally opened up to my tribe, everything changed. I’ll reach out to a trusted friend, or lean on my Warrior community and suddenly the burden isn’t so crushing.

The Warrior Creed reminds us: when we rely on our tribe, we bend together — and we don’t break.

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Wrap Up

Feeling inspired by the Minions’ insights, I decided to join them for some acrobatics. Let’s just say it was less of an Olympic performance and more of a “watch the human try not to fall on his face” routine. I may have pulled off a half-decent cartwheel, but when the Minions suggested a triple backflip, I politely declined.

Still, the energy, laughter, and sheer ridiculousness were exactly what I needed. As we caught our breath and laughed off the near misses (and a few actual misses), I realized how much strength we gain from sharing, laughing and supporting each other.

Before we parted ways, I handed them a copy of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior, so they could keep building their Warrior mindset.

As I headed home and the Minions scampered off toward their next adventure, I carried their lessons with me — they’re daily ways to live the Warrior Creed: Bend Not Break.

So when life throws you off balance, don’t break. Bend, laugh, lean on your tribe — and keep moving forward. That’s the Warrior way!

Bruce Schutter

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