Sandbags, Sunshine and a Surprise Cow: Bruce & Lee Schutter Living the Euphoria of Today

On this particular winter day in Pennsylvania, something unusual happened. The sun came out. Not just a little sun either — a glorious, suspiciously warm, is-it-spring-already? kind of sun.

So Lee and I — Bruce and Lee Schutter — grabbed the sandbags and headed to Shippensburg University for a Mental Health Warrior sandbag workout.

But for those of you new to my story, here’s the quick version. For 20 years I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. At my lowest point, I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life.

But in that dark time I discovered something life-changing: Mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.

From that realization, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge.

One part of the program uses the powerful connection between physical activity and mental health as a Warrior strategy for building strength and overcoming challenges.

But this workout had a little extra fuel behind it.

Lee and I had been talking about my book Euphoria of Today, which teaches the practice of Mindfulness of Today — focusing your energy on the present moment instead of dragging around the past or worrying about the future like a suitcase full of bricks.

Because here’s the truth:

• Yesterday is gone.

• Tomorrow hasn’t arrived.

• Today is where your power lives!

And that’s exactly what we were doing that day… Living fully present in today with a Warrior sandbag workout.

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The Workout Surprise

We started the workout. Sandbag carries. Squats. Walks.

We were laughing, talking and enjoying the day when suddenly something ahead of us made us both stop mid-stride.

A COW.

Now before you start imagining that Shippensburg University has secretly launched a new agricultural department roaming freely through campus, let me explain.

The cow was part of a local dairy promotion. A nearby farm was hosting an event on campus where they were selling milkshakes made from milk produced on their farm.

And they weren’t just selling milkshakes for fun. They were partnering with SU students to raise money for cancer research.

Naturally, two Mental Health Warriors carrying sandbags had to stop and investigate. Because when life gives you a surprise cow, you don’t walk past it.

And that unexpected moment turned into the perfect example of living the Euphoria of Today.

Here are three lessons we walked away with — and you can start using them today.

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Lesson 1: The Present Moment Recharges Your Mind

By the time we started our sandbag workout, both of us had already had a full morning. Emails. Tasks. The usual daily chaos.

But the moment we stepped outside, felt the sun and started moving, something shifted.

• Stress faded.

• Our minds slowed down.

• We felt recharged.

That’s the power of being fully present.

Sometimes the most powerful recharge isn’t complicated. It’s sunlight, movement and a deep breath.

Your Turn:

You don’t need a sandbag workout on a college campus to do this.

Try this today:

• Take a 10-minute walk outside.

• Leave the phone in your pocket.

• Notice the air. The sounds. The sunlight.

Let your mind step out of the past and stop worrying about tomorrow.

Just be where your feet are — and notice how quickly your mind recharges.

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Lesson 2: Engagement Breaks Negative Thinking

Now here’s where the Warrior mindset of Euphoria of Today, really came into play.

In the past, things might have gone differently. My anxiety might have said, “Just keep walking.” Lee’s depression might have whispered, “You don’t have the energy for this.”

But the practice of Mindfulness of Today changes that. Instead of letting those thoughts take over:

• We talked with the students.

• We laughed with people about our sandbags.

• We learned about their charity effort.

Connection is powerful medicine — and sometimes all it takes is the courage to say hello.

Your Turn:

The next time you’re out in the world and see something interesting happening, don’t just walk past.

Engage!

• Ask a question.

• Start a conversation.

• Smile at someone.

A small moment of connection can become the highlight of your day.

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Lesson 3: Warriors Build Strength Together

Instead of rushing past life, we step into it. That’s the power of the Euphoria of Today mindset.

And that’s exactly what happened during those 45 minutes on campus.

• We explained sandbag workouts to curious students.

• They shared the story behind their charity event and the impact they hoped to make.

• And yes… we may have discussed the strategic importance of milkshakes in the Warrior diet.

What started as a simple workout turned into something bigger. And everyone walked away a little stronger.

Because Warriors don’t just build strength within themselves. They build strength with their tribe.

Your Turn:

Today, look for one opportunity to support someone:

• Ask about their project.

• Encourage their work.

• Celebrate their effort.

When you show up fully in the moment, connection happens naturally.

And when Warriors lift each other up, everyone grows stronger — and the day becomes richer.

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Wrap Up

That unexpected workout on campus turned into something bigger than exercise. It became a perfect example of living the mindset of Euphoria of Today.

This mindset teaches a simple but powerful truth: when you focus your energy on today, you stop being trapped by the past and stop fearing the future.

Because:

Today is where you make choices.

Today is where you take action.

Today is where you get the full life experience.

So if you are struggling with mental health or life challenges, take a page from our playbook and embrace the mindset of Euphoria of Today.

Then go out and live TODAY fully as the Mental Health Warrior you are!

Bruce Schutter ⚔️

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