SpongeBob vs. Tariffs: How the One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior Saved Bikini Bottom

It was just another Tuesday. I was downtown, in search of a caffeine burst (read: diet soda), trying to stay vertical after a long day of being a full-time Mental Health Warrior. As I turned the corner near the electronics store, I spotted a familiar crew huddled around a storefront TV.

There they were — SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy — eyes glued to a breaking news story.

“BREAKING: TARIFFS ON IMPORTED GOODS INCREASE AGAIN.”

SpongeBob gasped. “Does this mean the price of spatulas is going up?!”

Patrick clutched his ice cream cone like it was gold. “Do… do they tariff sprinkles too?”

Even Squidward looked mildly concerned. (Well… as concerned as Squidward ever looks.)

I walked up and tapped SpongeBob on the shoulder. “Hey, guys. What’s all the fuss?”

“Bruce!” SpongeBob exclaimed, spinning around with his usual bounce. “We’re freaking out. Tariffs are going up, prices are going up — and it feels like everything’s going out of control!”

---

The Warrior Answer

I nodded. “Yep, that’s the world for you. But that’s exactly why the Mental Health Warrior Program exists.”

My crew in Bikini Bottom knows my story well. For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. The weight of it all left me so powerless that I even tried to end my life. But in that darkest time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.

With that realization, I created 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 challenges and build the life you really want.

Even in their panic, SpongeBob and his friends remembered what they’d learned from the Warrior Program — a strategy built for moments just like this, found in my book One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior.

---

Less Stuff, More Experiences.

They had their copy tucked into Patrick’s backpack (don’t ask how a starfish wears one), and they were using it in the most creative way possible — to battle their tariff anxiety.

Sandy pulled it out and slapped it down on the nearest bench. “We’ve been going over the packing plan,” she explained. “What if we could fit everything we needed for happiness in just one bag?”

I smiled. “That’s exactly the point.”

When we shift our mindset away from possessions and toward experiences, we stop giving power to the uncontrollable — like tariffs — and reclaim control of our joy.

“Okay, okay,” SpongeBob said, bouncing with excitement. “But how do we actually use this book right now?”

“Glad you asked,” I replied, pulling out a napkin and a pen. “Let me show you three tools that’ll help you shift your mindset — and your happiness — into gear.”

---

Tool 1: The “Swap Worry for Wonder” Shift

When we focus on things we can’t control — like government policies, shipping fees, or jellyfish sting taxes — we spiral.

But if we flip the script and ask, “What simple experience can I enjoy right now?” we shift our brain out of anxiety and into the enjoyment of the present moment.

Last month, I caught myself spiraling over rising prices — eggs, gas, even toothpaste! Instead of refreshing my news feed for the 27th time and muttering about inflation to my cat (who, frankly, wasn’t offering much insight), I grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled down three free things that would make me smile.

I ended up walking to the local park, watching dogs chase squirrels, and getting a front-row seat to an intense game of toddler vs. playground swing set. I laughed harder than I had all week and came home feeling recharged, grounded and reminded that joy doesn’t need a price tag.

SpongeBob's Takeaway:

SpongeBob’s eyes lit up. “So… I could take Gary for a walk instead of panicking about spatula tariffs?”

“Exactly,” I said. “Worry is loud, but wonder? Wonder puts your feet back on the ground and your mind back in the moment.” The rest of the crew jumped in with their own ideas:

🦑 Squidward: “I suppose I could actually enjoy my clarinet instead of sighing about seaweed stock prices.”

🐿️ Sandy: “I’ll tinker with my inventions — not because I have to save the world, but because it’s fun!”

⭐ Patrick: “I’m gonna lay on my rock and watch the jellyfish dance in the lagoon!”

---

Tool 2: The “Experience Over Expense” Filter

This one’s simple — and powerful. When something feels financially out of reach (vacations, concerts, or gold-plated jellyfish nets), ask yourself: “What experience can I create that brings joy for under $5?”

Then go do that. The goal isn’t to cheap out on life — it’s to remind yourself that real joy is often simple, meaningful, and ridiculously affordable.

Not long ago, I had one of “those weeks.” You know the kind — emails piling up, bills due, and the car making a mysterious new noise that sounded oddly like judgment. I didn’t have the time (or cash) to jet off somewhere glamorous, so I got creative.

I popped some old-school stovetop popcorn, sprinkled in a little cinnamon (fancy!) and invited a friend over for a movie night. We laughed, quoted every line, and debated whether the villain really had a point.

Total cost of movie night — Around $2. Mental health value — Off the charts!

SpongeBob's Takeaway:

As I finished sharing my story, I noticed SpongeBob and the gang buzzing with ideas of their own. Turns out, you don’t need a wallet full of cash to spark joy in Bikini Bottom either.

⭐ Patrick gasped. “I could throw a plankton-sized pool party with a sponge cake and call it a day!”

🐿️ Sandy chimed in: “Or host a karate showdown in the treedome — winner gets bragging rights!”

🦑 Squidward rolled his eyes, arms crossed. “Joy for under $5? Please.” But I caught it — a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Even he was starting to believe it!

---

Tool 3: The “Share the Experience, Double the Joy” Strategy

Here’s a Warrior truth: when you share an experience, you don’t lose half the joy — you double it. And the best part? There are zero tariffs on laughter, stories or quality time. Take that, international shipping fees!

In stressful times, it’s tempting to retreat into survival mode — hoarding space, emotions, and resources. But connection is what keeps a Warrior’s fire lit.

So here’s your action: create a simple experience and invite someone into it. Whether it’s a walk, a homemade meal, a memory swap, or even sitting together in peaceful silence — shared moments give us strength.

Last month, I was feeling weighed down by the news (even Warriors have “heavy brain” days). Instead of isolating, I texted a friend: “Diet soda at the park = this afternoon?”

They replied with one word: “YES.”

We met up, sat in the summer sun and watched dogs zoom around the dog park for 20 minutes. By the time we left, we both felt lighter. The stress didn’t magically vanish, but we weren’t carrying it alone anymore. Together, we grew stronger.

SpongeBob’s Takeaway:

“I could host a gratitude circle in the Krusty Krab kitchen!” SpongeBob exclaimed, arms wide. “Everyone brings one happy story and a side dish!”

Patrick gasped. “Can I bring my memory of that time I found a jellyfish shaped like a sandwich?”

“You’ve told us six times already,” Squidward muttered — but there was the faintest smile tugging at his lips.

And just like that, they were brainstorming potlucks, story swaps and “tariff-free talent shows.”

---

Wrap Up

Sandy slapped the book shut and declared, “We’re all-in on One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior: Less Stuff, More Experiences! And way less anxiety about the things we can’t control.”

“Like tariffs,” added Patrick, stuffing the book back in his bag.

“And we’re turning our panic into purpose!” SpongeBob announced, striking a heroic pose.

💼 Lesson 1: You can’t control everything — but you can control what goes in your One Bag.🌊 Lesson 2: Happiness doesn’t have to cost much — or anything at all.

⚡ Lesson 3: Mindset shifts are your superpower.

I smiled and handed SpongeBob his very own copy of One Bag Life of a Mental Health Warrior. “Take it, share it and keep building your Warrior mindset.”

So the next time you see “Tariffs” splashed across the news, don’t let stress hijack your day. Channel your inner Warrior, grab your One Bag Life tools and shift your focus to the simple, meaningful experiences that fuel real joy.

Because happiness doesn’t come from stuff — it comes from how we live, what we choose to focus on and the moments we create along the way!

Bruce Schutter

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