Smile, Wave and Say Hello: How John Wick Boosts His Mental Health in Under 3 Seconds
- Bruce Schutter
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
Yesterday, I stopped to get gas. Just as I started filling up, a car screeched into the station. Out jumped none other than John Wick — yes, that John Wick.
He scanned the area, eyes sharp, like he fully expected a gang of bad guys to leap out from behind the ice machine.
Now, I knew better than to ask what he was doing there. So I just kept pumping gas, pretending this was a perfectly normal Tuesday. But John Wick — being John Wick — still has manners, even when the world feels one second away from chaos.
He gave me a nod of recognition. John had been a Mental Health Warrior ever since I first shared my story with him — how for 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. Those struggles left me feeling 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.
Armed with that truth, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge.
John looked at me and said, “I’ve been struggling a lot lately. You got something I can use throughout my day, that gives me a mental health boost?”
I smiled. “I do. In fact, I’ve got the perfect Warrior tool for you. It’s simple, empowering and once you start using it, you’ll want to use it every day.”
I gave him a small grin.
“And the best part? It takes less than three seconds.”
Smile, Wave and Say Hello
“So this is really a combination of several tools from my book 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior.”
“The idea is deceptively simple but surprisingly powerful,” I explained. “The next time you see someone, smile, wave or say hello. It takes less than three seconds, but it gives both of you an instant mental health boost through positive connection.”
John raised an eyebrow. “And they work fast?”
“Yep,” I said. “They take less than three seconds — and they’re perfect for people who are always on the move… literally.”
He leaned in, curious. “I’m listening.”
I nodded. “Even the smallest positive connection can shift your mindset and change the direction of your day. And because this fits seamlessly into daily life, it’s the perfect Warrior tool to use anywhere, anytime, with big results.”
“We’ve used it in town, on campus at Shippensburg University and just about everywhere we go. And because of it, we’ve engaged with people we otherwise would have missed. In a world where life feels busy and rushed, that matters.”
“Even better, those quick moments sometimes lead to real conversations — and that’s how you start building those important Warrior Tribe connections. It’s amazing how powerful such a small tool can be.”
He gave a knowing grin. “You know… I’ve actually got three moments from my life where something like that made a difference. Let me share them with you.”
Example 1: The Subway Standoff
“I remember this one time — I was on a subway in New York,” John said. “I had that sense — you know the one — like something bad was about to go down. Everyone was on edge. You could feel the anxiety building, like the whole car was holding its breath.”
He leaned back slightly.
“Then some guy across the way gave me a nod and a quick smile. I nodded back. And just like that, the tension broke. I didn’t even have to pull out a gun.”
A faint smirk crossed his face.
“It reminded me that sometimes all it takes is one human moment to remind you that you’re not alone. That connection? It grounds you and cuts through the chaos.”
Our Turn:
I use this tool in my own life more than people might realize.
When life feels tense or my mind is running too fast, I make it a point to smile, wave or say hello to someone around me. I’ve done it in stores, around town and on campus at Shippensburg University.
And every time, something shifts.
That small connection pulls me out of my own head, stops the spiraling and lightens the moment.
That gives me a mental health boost and reminds me I’m in charge of my day.
Example 2: The Dog Walker’s Dilemma
“So, I was out walking my dog — yeah, I got another one,” John said. “It was one of those days where everything felt like it was going sideways. I wasn’t in the mood to talk. I was barely holding it together.”
“Then this lady walked by and gave my dog a little wave. Just that — one small, gentle wave. It wasn’t even for me, but somehow, it hit me right in the chest.”
“It reminded me that kindness is still out there. And it pulled me out of my own head, so I could reset.”
Our Turn:
I use this same tool in my own life all the time.
When I’m feeling low, stressed or stuck in my own thoughts, I make it a point to look up and connect with someone around me. Sometimes it’s a wave. Sometimes it’s a hello. Sometimes it’s just a quick smile at someone passing by.
And what I’ve found is that those tiny moments matter. They shift my focus from what feels heavy to the simple joy of connecting with someone else.
And honestly, if a dog’s tail starts wagging because of it, that’s a bonus Warrior win in my book.
Example 3: The Hitman Hospitality
“One of the most unlikely places I ever got a mental boost was walking into a hotel filled with, let’s just say, not-so-friendly faces,” John said. “But there was this bellhop who gave me a polite, ‘Hello, Mr. Wick.’”
He gave a small shrug.
“It was nothing — just part of his job — but in that moment, that small gesture made me feel connected and grounded. Even when I was surrounded by chaos.”
Our Turn:
I use this tool in moments like that too.
When life feels chaotic and my mind is running hard, I make it a point to acknowledge the people around me. Sometimes it’s a quick hello. Sometimes it’s a thank you to a cashier, a wave to someone passing by, or a few kind words to someone who looks like they’re carrying a heavy day.
And every time, something shifts.
That small moment of connection cuts through the chaos. It reminds me that life isn’t just about stress, deadlines and survival — it’s about people, presence and connection.
Wrap Up
By this point, John had finished filling up his tank — but the bad guys still hadn’t shown up. Lucky for me, that gave us just enough time for me to hand him a copy of my book, 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior.
“Stay strong, Mental Health Warrior,” I said as he took the book and gave a rare nod.
As he drove off, I couldn’t help but smile. Who knew a gas station encounter with John Wick would turn into a conversation about mental health? But hey — mental health matters to everyone. Even to guys dodging assassins.
So the next time you’re out in the world... smile, wave or say hello.
It might be the smallest thing you do all day — but for you or someone else, it could be the spark that shifts everything.
And that’s how Warriors rise — one small moment of connection at a time!
Bruce Schutter ⚔️
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!
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