Strength Found in the Darkness: Mental Health Warrior Poem & Minion Truths
- Bruce Schutter
- Aug 21
- 6 min read
It was an ordinary Tuesday night, and there I was — nervously gripping my paper, preparing to read my poem at a local poetry reading. Poetry isn’t exactly my usual thing, but I wanted to share some Mental Health Warrior wisdom in a new way.
And I wasn’t alone. I had brought along some very special guests: the Minions. Yes, those yellow, overall-clad, banana-loving characters who — somehow — had become fellow Mental Health Warriors.
If you’re wondering how the Minions ended up at a poetry reading, you’re not alone. Even they looked out of place, their wide-eyed curiosity paired with uncontainable energy. They fidgeted in their seats, whispered loudly, and clearly weren’t built for quiet reflection.
But here’s the thing: ever since we met, they’ve embraced the Mental Health Warrior journey. They know my story — how I struggled for 20 years with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD from my time as an EMT in high school and college. Those battles left me so powerless that I even tried to end my life. Yet in that darkest time, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge, so you can take control of your emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life you really want!
On With The Poetry Reading
As the room settled, I took a deep breath and introduced my poem. “The theme of this poem,” I began, “is the journey through darkness to find the light within ourselves. In my darkest times, I felt like hope was gone. But it was in those moments I discovered the most about who I really was — finally facing emotions I had been running from for years.”
The Minions nodded solemnly — or at least tried to. One was stealthily chewing on his program sheet.
I couldn’t help but grin as I pressed on. “I created the Mental Health Warrior Program as a self-help approach because I realized healing doesn’t come from avoiding emotions — it comes from embracing them.”
I glanced at the Minions again. One shot me a thumbs-up, his eyes a little misty (or maybe he just had paper crumbs stuck). Their encouragement gave me the push I needed. With a full heart, I began reading, pouring every ounce of emotion into each line.
Strength Found in the Darkest Times
In the darkest nights, when hope feels thin,
The quiet calls to look within.
The light had dimmed, the world turned gray,
But lessons whispered showed the way.
In shadows deep, emotions rise,
Revealing truths we oft disguise.
They teach us strength, they guide us through,
Each tear a gift, each ache a clue.
Through battles fought and raw despair,
I found a fire that’s always there.
Embracing pain, I learned to see,
The light was waiting inside me.
When all feels lost, and paths seem blurred,
It’s then your inner voice is heard.
Your heart will show, in darkest night,
The way to heal and reach the light.
So face the dark, for there you’ll find,
The strength to grow, the ties that bind.
Each lesson leads to brighter days,
Through shadows walked, you’ll blaze new ways.
Rise, Warrior, rise — your spirit strong,
You’ve held the weight, endured so long.
Through storms you’ve walked, through trials each hour,
The darkest times uncover your power!
Applause and Minions Insights:
I finished, exhaled, and was met with a wave of applause—along with the Minions’ unique version of it, which looked less like clapping and more like a mix of cheering, stomping, and peeling bananas for dramatic effect.
My fellow poets in the audience seemed touched by the words. But it was the Minions’ reaction that really stuck with me.
They huddled together, whispered in rapid-fire gibberish, and then proudly announced that the poem had taught them three powerful lessons — lessons that inspired them to take action as Mental Health Warriors.
Lessons 1: We Learn Through Struggles
“Wow, boss!” Kevin said, looking genuinely moved. “You’re saying that even in the tough times, we can still learn about ourselves?”
“Exactly, Kevin,” I replied. “Sometimes it’s the struggles that teach us the most about who we are and what we want out of life. For me, I had to go through years of battles before I realized I could actually control my emotions instead of letting them control me. And once I learned that, I could start building the life I wanted.”
The Minions exchanged glances, looking unusually thoughtful. Then, one by one, they began connecting the lesson to their own adventures. Stuart admitted that all those times his inventions exploded taught him patience (and the value of keeping a fire extinguisher handy).
Bob confessed that losing his teddy bear once showed him just how strong he could be without it. Even Kevin nodded, saying that wrangling the others every day was a reminder that leadership isn’t about avoiding chaos — it’s about growing through it.
They weren’t exactly experts at expressing emotions, but in their own banana-fueled way, the Minions proved the point: struggles really do teach us who we are!
Lesson 2: Remember Your Progress
“Like when we’re out trying to steal the moon,” Stuart offered, “and it feels impossible. Instead of giving up, we remember how far we’ve come, and that gives us the courage to keep going!”
“Or when I lose my favorite banana,” Bob added, sniffling slightly. “I get sad, but then I remember it’s okay to feel that way. It doesn’t mean I won’t find another banana to enjoy tomorrow.”
“That’s right,” I encouraged them. “The key is embracing what you feel instead of running from it. The pain, the frustration, the loss — those feelings don’t have to hold you back. They’re just part of the journey, part of being a Mental Health Warrior.”
The Minions nodded, each recalling their own quirky victories. Stuart remembered the first time one of his wild inventions actually worked, reminding him of how far he’d come from the endless failures. Bob admitted that even when he cried over bananas, he was proud of how much braver he’d gotten about showing his feelings.
And Kevin? He grinned and said that managing the chaos of his friends every day was proof of progress in patience. In their own messy way, the Minions showed that remembering your progress fuels the courage to keep moving forward!
Lesson 3: Face Emotions, Manage Emotions
Kevin chimed in again, a serious look on his face. “So, you’re saying we should face our emotions, not try to hide from them?”
“Exactly, Kevin. That’s what being a Mental Health Warrior is all about. Learning to manage those emotions, understanding what they’re teaching us, and using that knowledge to move forward. Every time you feel a little lost, remember that there’s strength in listening to those emotions and finding the wisdom they offer.”
The Minions nodded, their faces alight with newfound understanding. It was a rare sight — the usually chaotic and wildly excitable Minions had become introspective. Stuart admitted that instead of smashing his failed inventions in frustration, he could pause and learn from what went wrong.
Bob said that when he felt sad without his teddy bear, instead of pretending everything was fine, he could let himself feel the sadness — and then hug even tighter when they were reunited. Kevin added that leading the group was stressful sometimes, but instead of bottling up his frustration, he could talk it out (preferably before Stuart set something on fire).
In their own banana-fueled way, the Minions showed they were beginning to understand: facing emotions is the first step to managing them — and that’s what makes a true Mental Health Warrior.
Wrap Up
As we wrapped up, I challenged the Minions (and everyone listening) to turn this Warrior energy into action — today!
Dive deeper into the Mental Health Warrior Program: explore the blog for daily tools, check out the books for deeper guidance, and carry the Mental Health Warrior Challenge Coin as your daily reminder that strength is always within reach.
“Thanks, boss!” the Minions shouted in unison, clutching their treasures like golden bananas. “We’ll keep learning and embracing our emotions — so we can become Warriors and overcome anything life throws at us.”
So, the next time life feels dark, remember: you’re not alone. There’s always something to learn — even from the shadows. Face what you feel. Find the wisdom. And move forward like the Warrior you are!
Bruce Schutter
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