Today, I’m Grateful for My Mental Health Challenges: 3 Lessons from a Chat with John Wick
- Bruce Schutter
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Yesterday was shaping up to be a pretty regular day. I was at the gas station, just doing the usual—filling up the tank so I could run some errands around town. But as I was standing there, minding my own business, I heard the unmistakable roar of an engine pulling up to the pump next to me. And who gets out of the car? None other than John Wick himself! Apparently, even legendary assassins need to fill up on gas.
We exchanged nods, as one does at a gas station. John, being the cool and collected guy he is, sauntered over and asked, “Bruce, how’s the Mental Health Warrior Program going?”
It turns out John is a big believer in the SELF-HELP approach of the program. He knows I built it based on my 20 years of struggling with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD from my time as an EMT. Theses struggles left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in those dark times, I learned that mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge!
With that knowledge, I created the Mental Health warrior Program, designed to help everyone take charge of their emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life they really want.
“Things are going well,” I told him, but then I decided to throw him a curveball. “John, today I’m grateful for my mental health challenges.”
You should’ve seen his face—he looked like I had just told him I was starting a new career in basket weaving. For a second, he was stunned. But in true John Wick fashion, he didn’t let the surprise linger for long. He crossed his arms, leaned against the car, and in his calm, thoughtful way, asked, “Why’s that?”
Now, when John Wick asks you to explain something, you don’t waste time. So, I told him about the three life lessons I’ve learned from my mental health challenges, lessons I might never have understood without facing them head-on!
Lesson 1: From Powerless to Powerful
“When my mental health challenges controlled me,” I started, “I felt completely powerless. I was convinced there was nothing I could do—that I was stuck, at the mercy of Bipolar, Anxiety Disorders, and everything else.” John nodded, his face thoughtful.
“But when I embraced my emotions—when I decided to become a Mental Health Warrior—I realized my challenges had been lying to me all along. I do have the power to triumph over them.
They tried to hold me captive. But I fought back—using my Warrior Tools. And today, whenever Bipolar tries to send my emotions into a whirlwind, I ground myself and remind myself: I’m in charge.
That shift made me feel powerful. And that mindset has transformed how I approach every single day.”
John’s Takeaway:
John’s eyes narrowed in agreement. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “I get that. When I lost everything... there were times when I felt completely powerless. But I didn’t stay there. I fought back.
That’s the difference, isn’t it? Not letting the darkness win!”
Lesson 2: Overcome Fear & Be Proud
Next, I told him how anxiety had always tried to convince me that I should be afraid of everything—that I wouldn’t be able to handle anything that came my way.
“But today,” I said, “I know anxiety is just doing what challenges do—it preys on our thoughts. It whispers doubts and tries to steal our power.”
"Now, I take pride in every accomplishment—even the small ones. And I even take pride in my mistakes, because they mean I’m still in the game. I’m showing up. I’m living life."
John grinned. “Taking pride, huh? That’s important. I used to be afraid too—afraid I wouldn’t survive long enough to make things right.” He paused. “But every step forward is a victory, whether it’s big or small. Even the missteps are part of the journey.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Exactly! Once I stopped letting anxiety call the shots, I started feeling good about my life again. I’m not just surviving anymore—I’m THRIVING!”
John’s Takeaway:
In typical John non-nonsense fashion, he said “Celebrate every step Forward!”
Lesson 3: Fully Living Life—Thanks, Emotions!
Finally, I shared a tough lesson from my struggle with alcoholism. “I used to drink to hide from my emotions, John. But that only made me fear them more. It was like trying to outrun a shadow.”
I paused.“ But now? I’ve been sober for 17 years. And instead of running, I’ve learned to embrace my emotions—like a true Mental Health Warrior. That’s how I finally started living. Fully. Honestly. With the whole range of human experience.”
I smiled.“ And instead of numbing myself, I actually enjoy the good times. Before, I was just surviving. But not anymore. Today, I LIVE!”
John’s Takeaway:
John thought for a moment, then gave me a small, knowing smile. “Same here. There was a time when I was hiding too. I didn’t want to deal with what I was feeling, so I pushed it all away.
It wasn’t until I stopped running, that I actually started living!”
John’s Wisdom on the Lessons
After sharing my three lessons, John gave me his take on how he’s applied those same ideas in his life. He’s no stranger to struggling with emotions—grief, anger, and everything in between.
John Wick, the ultimate warrior, looked at me and said, “These challenges don’t define us—in fact, they teach us more than we realize. They give us strength we didn’t know we had.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Rolling Out with a New Perspective
As we both finished pumping gas, John turned to me with that intense gaze he’s known for. “Let’s spread the word,” he said. “People need to know they can become Mental Health Warriors, take their challenges and turn them into strength.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. Who would’ve thought we’d be standing here, grateful for our challenges?”
With a final nod, we both hopped into our cars—John, back to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, and me, back to face my day with a whole new appreciation for the life lessons my mental health challenges have taught me.
As I pulled away, I couldn’t help but reflect: two warriors, vastly different lives, same truth—our struggles made us stronger! And as strange as it may sound, we are both, as Mental Health Warriors, genuinely thankful for the lessons our challenges have brought us.
Bruce Schutter
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