It was a surprisingly calm afternoon downtown, the kind of day where the air feels lighter, and everything seems just a little less chaotic. I was on my way to grab a coffee when I spotted a familiar figure by the curb, leaning against a sleek black Mustang. It was none other than John Wick, the man who could outmaneuver any assassin and still look like he’d just stepped off a movie poster.
“John!” I called out, walking over. “Fancy seeing you here between adventures.”
He gave me a small nod, the kind that said, Yes, I’m currently not dodging bullets, but don’t count on it staying that way for long. “Bruce,” he replied, his gravelly voice managing to sound both calm and intense. “Needed a moment to breathe. The world feels like it’s... well, losing its mind.”
“You’re not wrong,” I said, leaning against the car beside him. “Current events have a way of making everything feel like a disaster scene. But I’ve got just the thing for moments like this—a Mental Health Warrior lesson I learned as an EMT and built into my program.”
I could see his curiosity piqued, so I continued. “The Mental Health Warrior Program is something I created after battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD for over 20 years. There was a time when I felt so powerless I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I realized that mental health is the key to triumphing over life’s challenges. That’s why I developed this self-help program, so that everyone—including me—could take charge of their mental health and build a life where they, not their challenges, are in control.”
John raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And this lesson?” he asked.
Mental Health Warrior Lesson: Secure the Scene First
“It’s a simple but powerful one from my EMT days,” I said, leaning in. “Secure the scene first! It’s the foundation of staying emotionally centered in chaotic times.”
John folded his arms, a faint smirk forming. “I like it already. Go on.”
“When we approached an accident or emergency, we were always taught to make sure the scene was safe before rushing in. If you go charging into danger without assessing the situation, you could get hurt—and then you’re no help to anyone. That rule saved lives, and ironically, it’s one of the valuable lessons I use in my Mental Health Warrior Program today.”
John nodded thoughtfully. “Makes sense. If you’re overwhelmed or unprepared, you’re not much good to anyone.” “Exactly. With everything going on in the world right now, we can apply this warrior approach to our mental health. Let me break it down into three steps.”
Step 1: Secure the Scene by Taking Care of Yourself
“The first step,” I said, “is to prioritize your mental health every single day. Take a few minutes in the morning and throughout the day to center yourself emotionally. Disconnect from your phone, turn off the news, and just breathe. It’s about grounding yourself so you can engage with the world from a calm and collected state.”
“Every morning before I step into the day” I began, “I take a moment to secure my scene. I sit in my car, close my eyes, and visualize what needs to be done. It’s not about the chaos waiting for me—it’s about focusing on what I can control: my breathing, my focus, my next step. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when I start the day from that mindset.”
John’s Takeaway:
John smirked slightly. “So, you’re saying I shouldn’t check my phone first thing in the morning and read ten doom-and-gloom headlines before coffee?” “Exactly,” I laughed.
“Instead, find your calm. Sit in your car, play some music, or just remind yourself that you’re a warrior who can handle whatever comes your way.”
Step 2: Focus on What You Can Control
“The second step,” I continued, “is to stop obsessing over things you can’t control—like the news, global events, or other people’s behavior. Instead, take a moment to remind yourself of the things you can control: what you eat, how you respond to stress, what you watch on tv, and whether you choose to engage or disengage from the chaos.”
“Hmm,” John mused. “So, it’s about choosing your battles.” “Exactly,” I said. “When you focus on what you can control, you’re reclaiming your power. And that’s a core part of the warrior mindset.”
John’s Takeaway:
“There was a time,” John said, “when I’d get caught up in everything I couldn’t control—like the actions of... certain colleagues.” He gave me a knowing look. “But now, I focus on my next move. I choose where to be, what to focus on, and how to respond. It’s not about the chaos—it’s about keeping my head clear so I can act effectively.”
“That’s it,” I said. “Control what you can, let the rest go.”
Step 3: Never Alone and fully Armed
“Finally,” I said, “remember that you’re not alone in this. The Mental Health Warrior Program has a ton of tools—blog articles, videos, and more—that you can use to stay centered and strong. When you feel overwhelmed, tap into those resources. Whether it’s a breathing exercise, a mindset shift, or just knowing those warrior tools are there for you and you’re part of a larger warrior community is empowering!”
John’s Takeaway:
“When I’m up against it,” John said, “I remind myself of the tools I have. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping back to assess the situation. Other times, I dig into something deeper—like using introspection to remind myself why I’m doing what I do. Having tools at your disposal makes all the difference when the world feels like it’s closing in.”
“And the best part,” I added, “is that those tools don’t just help you survive—they help you thrive.”
Together, We’re Stronger
As we wrapped up our chat, both of us leaned against the car, reflecting on the power of the “secure the scene first” mindset.
“You know,” John said, “even someone like me—who’s seen a lot—needs a reminder to step back and take control of my emotions. It’s easy to let the chaos dictate your actions, but when you secure the scene first, you’re the one in charge.”
“Exactly,” I said. “And the best part is, we’re not in this alone. By sharing these lessons and building a community of warriors, we’re creating a support system that makes all of us stronger.”
Wrapping It Up
With a final nod, John climbed into his car, ready to face whatever chaos awaited him. “Keep spreading the message, Bruce. The world needs more warriors.” “You got it,” I said as he pulled away, leaving me inspired and ready to tackle the rest of my day.
So, the next time life feels like a runaway train, remember to take a deep breath and “Secure the Scene First”, then face the chaos like the Mental Health Warrior you are. For together, we can handle any challenge life throws our way!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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