Strength Found in the Darkness: The Minions and a Mental Health Warrior Poem
- Bruce Schutter
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
It was an ordinary Tuesday night, and somehow I found myself sitting in the front row at a poetry reading hosted by the Minions.
Yes, those yellow, overall-clad, banana-loving chaos machines had organized a poetry night.
Which felt less like a quiet literary event and more like a snack-fueled emotional ambush with folding chairs.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. Deep reflections? Rhyming bananas? A dramatic reading called Ode to the Overalls? Honestly, all options seemed possible.
But the Minions had invited me for a reason. They knew 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 feeling so powerless that, at my lowest point, I 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.
And apparently, the Minions had taken that message to heart. Because tonight, they weren’t just reading poems.
They were sharing a Warrior truth: Even in the darkness, strength can still be found.
Minion Poetry Night
As the room settled — which was impressive, considering three Minions were fighting over one banana-shaped microphone — the lead Minion cleared his throat.
“Bello,” he announced. “Tonight… we read poem!”
He held up my book, Thoughts to Ponder on Mental Health Disorders. The Minions had just finished reading it, including the poems and philosophical narrative stories inside.
One Minion tapped the cover. “Big thoughts.”
Another nodded. “Much feel.”
I smiled, realizing they understood the message: darkness is not the end. Sometimes, it is where strength is found.
Then the lead Minion pointed to the microphone. “We make poem now.”
And with that, the Minions began reading the poem they had created.
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!
As the applause roared, the Minions 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
Kevin adjusted his goggles. “Tough times teach Warrior stuff.”
Stuart nodded. “Exploding invention teach patience.”
Bob hugged his teddy bear. “Losing teddy teach brave.”
Kevin pointed to the crew. “Chaos teach leadership.”
The Minions smiled proudly. Struggles did not just knock them around — they taught them how to grow.
Our Turn:
I use this lesson by asking myself one question when life gets hard: What can this challenge teach me?
Maybe it teaches me patience.
Maybe it teaches me to ask for help.
Maybe it teaches me I am stronger than I thought.
A Warrior does not waste the struggle — they use that wisdom to take the next step forward.
Lesson 2: Remember Your Progress
Stuart puffed out his chest. “Moon stealing hard… but we keep trying.”
Bob nodded. “Lost banana sad… but Bob feel feelings and keep going.”
Kevin pointed at the crew. “Every mess teach patience.”
The Minions grinned proudly. Progress was not perfect — but every small win reminded them they were still moving forward.
Our Turn:
I use this lesson by reminding myself how far I’ve already come.
There were years when my struggles felt impossible. But today, I can look back and see progress in every step I took — asking for help, learning new tools and refusing to give up.
When a hard day comes, I do not act like I’m starting over. I remind myself that every challenge I’ve already faced built strength for today.
A Warrior gains confidence by remembering progress — and then keeps moving forward.
Lesson 3: Face Emotions, Manage Emotions
Kevin nodded seriously. “No hide feelings?”
Stuart lowered his wrench. “Frustration teach what went wrong.”
Bob hugged his teddy bear. “Sad feeling okay.”
Kevin pointed at the crew. “Talk before boom.”
The Minions had learned the lesson: emotions are not enemies to hide from — they are signals to understand and manage.
Our Turn:
I use this lesson by pausing when emotions hit hard.
Instead of pretending I’m fine or letting the emotion take over, I ask: What am I feeling — and what is it trying to tell me?
That simple question helps me respond instead of react.
A Warrior faces emotions, learns from them and uses that wisdom to take the next step forward.
Wrap Up
As we wrapped up, I challenged the Minions — and everyone listening — to turn this Warrior energy into action today.
To help them on their journey, I gave them extra copies of my book, Thoughts to Ponder on Mental Health Disorders, so they could share them with friends and help others grow on their Warrior journey.
“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 is always something to learn — even from the darkness.
Face what you feel. Find the wisdom. And move forward like the Warrior you are!
Bruce Schutter ⚔️
Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!
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