
It was one of those crisp mornings where the world feels alive, and so do you. I was sitting at a café, sipping coffee, when I saw him. John Wick, in all his brooding, stylish glory, walked in like he owned the place. People stared, unsure whether to ask for a selfie or run for cover.
“Bruce,” he said, sliding into the seat across from me. “It’s been a while.” “John,” I replied, smiling. “Still assassinating bad guys and looking good doing it?”
He smirked. “Something like that. But today, I’m here to talk about mental health. Specifically, how a simple paperclip can help you become an unstoppable Mental Health Warrior.”
Now, let me explain. John isn’t just an assassin extraordinaire; he’s also a fellow believer in the Mental Health Warrior Program. I created the program after spending 20 years battling Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD—struggles that left me feeling powerless and even led me to attempt to end my life. But I got a second chance, and I realized that mental health is the key to triumphing over any challenge.
The Mental Health Warrior Program is my way of sharing what I learned. It’s a new SELF-HELP approach centered on mindset, and lifestyle changes, so everyone take charge of their emotions, conquer life’s challenges, and build the life they really want.
And apparently, John had found a way to bring his own creative spin to it—using a PAPERCLIP!
“You’re telling me,” I said, raising an eyebrow, “that a paperclip is some kind of secret mental health weapon?”
“Absolutely,” John replied, pulling one out of his pocket and placing it on the table. “The power of a warrior isn’t just in their strength or skills—it’s in how creatively they use the tools they have.” He then shared 6 ways to overcome mental health challenges with a paperclip!
Example 1: Ground Yourself in the Here and Now
“Sometimes, anxiety can make you feel like you’re spiraling,” John said, holding the paperclip between his fingers. “When that happens, take a paperclip and focus on its texture. Feel the cool metal, notice the smooth curves. It’s a way to bring your mind back to the present.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
I nodded. “That’s genius. With my anxiety disorders, I can get caught up in racing thoughts. Using the paperclip as a grounding tool could help me slow down and stay in the moment.”
Example 2: Fidget for Focus
“Ever feel like your mind’s all over the place?” John asked. “Twist and bend the paperclip. Use it as a fidget tool to channel nervous energy and stay focused.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
“That’s perfect for me,” I chimed in. “When my bipolar symptoms leave me feeling restless, fidgeting with something small and unobtrusive could help me stay centered without drawing too much attention.”
Example 3: Create a Symbol of Strength
“Bend the paperclip into the shape of something that symbolizes strength for you,” John said. “Maybe a heart, a shield, or even a tiny sword. Carry it with you as a reminder of your resilience.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
I grinned. “I could make mine into a warrior’s shield. With PTSD, I sometimes feel like life is a battlefield. Carrying a symbol of strength reminds me I’ve got what it takes to get through it.”
Example 4: Visualize Breaking Free
“Take the paperclip, straighten it out, and imagine it as a representation of the chains that hold you back,” John said. “Then bend it back into a new shape, symbolizing how you’ve broken free from your struggles.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
“That’s powerful,” I said, thinking about my alcoholism. “I could visualize the paperclip as the chains of addiction and reshape it into something that symbolizes freedom, like an arrow moving forward.”
Example 5: Set Tiny Goals
“Straighten the paperclip and mark small increments on it,” John explained. “Each mark represents a step toward a goal. Every time you hit one, move your finger down the paperclip to the next mark. It’s a tactile way to measure progress.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
“I love that,” I said. “With bipolar disorder, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by big goals. Breaking them into small, manageable steps I can track with a paperclip would help me stay motivated.”
Example 6: Anchor Yourself in Positive Affirmations
“Bend the paperclip into a unique shape and assign it a positive affirmation, like ‘I am strong’ or ‘I am capable,’” John suggested. “Keep it in your pocket and touch it whenever you need a mental boost.”
Bruce’s Takeaway:
“That’s a great idea,” I said. “With anxiety, I sometimes need quick reminders that I’m okay. Touching a paperclip tied to an affirmation could be the perfect way to stay grounded.”
Wrapping Up with New Warrior Tools
“John,” I said, laughing, “leave it to you to turn an ordinary office supply into a powerful mental health tool. I have to admit, these ideas are brilliant.”
John shrugged, his usual stoic demeanor softening into a faint smile. “It’s not about the paperclip, Bruce. It’s about the mindset. A warrior sees tools and possibilities everywhere—they’re always ready to adapt and overcome.”
He handed me a small stack of paperclips. “Take these, and spread the word. In times like these, everyone could use a little creativity to manage their mental health.”
I pocketed the paperclips, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “You know, John, you’re not just a legendary assassin. You’re a true Mental Health Warrior.”
Heading Out to Spread the Word
I walked away with a pocket full of paperclips and a heart full of gratitude. John and I both knew that in today’s chaotic and turbulent times, mental health tools like these were more important than ever.
As I headed off to share this newfound wisdom with others, I couldn’t help but smile. Who would have thought that a warrior’s arsenal could include something as simple as a paperclip? Yet, here we were—armed and ready to face life’s challenges, with one small but creative warrior tool!
Because that’s what being a Mental Health Warrior is all about: finding strength to overcome mental health challenges, even in the smallest of things! 🛡️✨
Bruce Schutter
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