"Secure the Scene First": How to Build Emotional Resilience in Chaotic Times with John Wick
Bruce Schutter- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
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 diet soda 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 lesson I learned as an EMT and built into the warrior program.”
I could see his curiosity was piqued, so I continued. “I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD for over 20 years. There was a time when I felt so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I discovered something life-changing: Mental Health is the key to triumphing over life’s challenges.
From my journey, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach designed to help everyone take charge of their emotions, overcome challenges and build the life they really want!”
John raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And this lesson?” he asked.
Secure the Scene First
“It’s a simple, powerful rule from my EMT days,” I said, leaning in. “Secure the Scene First. It’s the foundation for staying emotionally centered when life feels chaotic.”
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 from my time as an EMT, that I use in the Mental Health Warrior Program.”
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 continued, “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 what 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
“Finally,” I said, “remember that you’re not alone in this. Just like we responded to an emergency call as a team, the Mental Health Warrior Program offers tools—blog articles, videos, and more—to help you stay centered and strong.
When you feel overwhelmed, tap into those resources and the power of knowing you’re part of the Warrior tribe.
Whether it’s a breathing exercise, a mindset shift, or connecting online, just knowing 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 deeper and reconnect with the support I have—using introspection to remember why I’m doing what I do.”
He paused, then added, “Having tools, and knowing I have support when I need it—that makes all the difference. Especially 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!”
The Power of Securing the Scene
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 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.”
Wrap Up
With a final nod, John climbed into his car, ready to face whatever chaos awaited him.
“Keep spreading the message, Bruce,” he said. “The world needs more Mental Health Warriors.” “You got it,” I replied, 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, take a deep breath and Secure the Scene First. Then face the chaos like the Mental Health Warrior you are.
Because together, we can handle whatever life throws our way!
Bruce Schutter
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