"Secure the Scene First": How to Build Emotional Resilience in Chaotic Times with John Wick

It was a surprisingly calm afternoon downtown — the kind of day where the air feels lighter, and for a moment, the world seems almost sane. 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. 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 that small nod — the one that said, Yes, I’m not dodging bullets right now… but don’t count on it lasting.

“Bruce,” he replied, his gravelly voice somehow both calm and intense. “Needed a moment to breathe. The world feels like it’s... losing its mind.”

“You’re not wrong,” I said, leaning against the car beside him. “Feels like one long disaster scene lately. But I’ve got just the thing for moments like this — something I learned as an EMT and later built into the Warrior Program.”

His eyes narrowed with curiosity.

“I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD for over 20 years,” I continued. “There was a time I felt so powerless, I tried to end my life. But in that dark time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to triumphing over any challenge.

That realization became the foundation for 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 your challenges, and build the life you really want.”

John raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And this lesson?” he asked.

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Secure the Scene First

“It’s a simple but 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 arrived at an accident or emergency, the first rule was always the same: make sure the scene is safe before rushing in. If you charge into danger without assessing what’s really happening, you could get hurt — and then you’re no help to anyone.

That rule saved lives. And ironically, it’s one of the most valuable lessons I carried from my EMT days into the Mental Health Warrior Program and it woven into my book, I Triumphed over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.”

John nodded thoughtfully. “Makes sense. If you’re overwhelmed or unprepared, you’re not much good to anyone.”

“Exactly. And with the world the way it is right now, that same mindset can save your sanity. You can’t control the chaos around you — but you can secure your inner scene before reacting to it.

Let me break it down into three steps.”

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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.

He stared off for a moment, the kind of quiet where you can tell he’s remembering something heavy. “You know,” he said slowly, “before I walk into a fight, I always stop — just for a second. I scan the room, find my exits, steady my breathing. Doesn’t matter if there’s chaos all around me. That one breath changes everything. Keeps me alive.”

I nodded. “That’s exactly it. You secure the scene before engaging. You take that moment to regain control — so chaos doesn’t control you.”

John’s smirk returned. “Guess we’re not that different after all.”

“Not at all,” I said. “Whether it’s an assassin ambush or a Monday morning inbox explosion, the rule still applies: Secure the Scene First. Take that breath, find your calm and remind yourself—you’re a Warrior who can handle whatever comes your way.”

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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 allow into your mind, and when you choose to engage — or walk away — from the chaos.”

John tilted his head slightly, a small grin forming. “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 quietly, “when I wasted energy on everything I couldn’t control — like the betrayals, the politics, the people pulling strings behind the scenes.” He paused, eyes narrowing as if scanning an invisible threat.

“But I learned something the hard way: I can’t control who comes after me. I can only control my next move. My breathing. My aim. My purpose.”

He looked over, the intensity fading into something almost peaceful. “It’s not about the chaos anymore — it’s about keeping my head clear enough to act effectively.”

I nodded. “That’s it. Control what you can. Let the rest go. When you do, your mind stops being a battlefield and starts becoming a command center.”

John gave a small approving nod. “Now that,” he said, “sounds like a Warrior move.”

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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 — articles, videos and community support — to help you stay centered and strong.

When life feels overwhelming, tap into those resources and the power of knowing you’re part of the Warrior Tribe.

Whether it’s a quick breathing exercise, a mindset shift, or connecting online with other Warriors, just knowing you’re not fighting alone can be the difference between breaking and bending.”

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 scene. Other times, I dig deeper — call in support, or draw strength from the people who’ve stood beside me when it mattered.”

He paused, eyes distant for a moment. “There was a time when I thought I had to do it all alone. But even I know — no one survives this life solo. Having tools, and knowing I have backup when I need it… that makes all the difference. Especially when the world feels like it’s closing in.”

I nodded. “That’s the Warrior truth, John. The right tools and tribe don’t just help you survive — they help you THRIVE. Because resilience isn’t built in isolation — it’s forged in connection.”

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Wrap up

As our conversation wound down, I reached into my bag and handed John a copy of my book, I Triumphed Over Bipolar, Alcoholism, and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior.

He turned it over in his hands, studying the cover with that trademark calm intensity. “A self-help book for Warriors,” he said. “Now that’s something I can get behind.”

We both leaned against the car, letting a quiet moment settle in — two people from very different worlds, united by the same truth: chaos doesn’t have to win!

“You know,” John said finally, “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.”

He nodded, slipping the book into his jacket like a mission file. “Keep spreading the message, Bruce,” he said, opening the car door. “The world needs more Mental Health Warriors.”

“You got it,” I replied, as he pulled away — taillights glowing red against the setting sun.

I watched the Mustang disappear into traffic, feeling a surge of gratitude and purpose.

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

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