THRIVING Through Chaos: George Thorogood, Sandbags and Mental Health Warrior Life
- Bruce Schutter
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Let’s be honest: chaos is everywhere these days. Open the news and you’ll find enough drama, disasters, and political mayhem to make even the most stoic Jedi crawl back into their swamp. If we let it, the noise of current events can pull us under, leaving us overwhelmed, hopeless, and frozen in fear.
I know, because I used to let it do exactly that. Back then, I would hide from the world. Current events would weigh on me so heavily that I’d retreat into drinking, isolating, or one of the other quick-fix “solutions” that really weren’t solutions at all. I wasn’t living. I was just checking out.
But last night? Last night was different. Last night, I proved to myself — again — that the Mental Health Warrior way works.
Wait, Quick Recap
In case you’re new to the Warrior Program, let me back up and introduce it before we continue our journey.
For 20 years, I struggled with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD from my time as an EMT during high school and college. Those battles left me feeling so powerless that I even 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 and my lived experiences, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge. With it, you can take control of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want.
And now, back to our journey — because last night’s concert didn’t just rock, it revealed three powerful Warrior lessons about thriving in the middle of chaos!
A Wednesday Night with George Thorogood
Yes, you read that right. On a Wednesday night, we headed over to Shippensburg University (where, by day, I haul sandbags around and make college students wonder what in the world I’m doing) to see a live concert. And not just any concert — George Thorogood.
Now, some people might think, “With the chaos of the world, how can you go out and enjoy a night of music?” But that’s exactly the point. As Warriors, we don’t let chaos dictate our lives or our minds.
I didn’t stay home, glued to the news, paralyzed by stress, or drowning my emotions in a bottle. Instead, I controlled what I could — my choices, my mindset, and my actions. I took care of my family (yes, furry pets included), processed my emotions, and made a decision: I was going to live.
And it turned into an unforgettable night!
Lesson 1: Manage Stress, Live Fully
Here’s the truth: building a business, managing everyday struggles and living through the current world chaos is stressful. It’s enough to knock anyone flat.
But because I applied Warrior tools — processing emotions, bending not breaking and staying grounded — I was able to manage that stress and step into life. And that meant signing up for a concert, something that the old me never would have done.
The Warrior me said, “Let’s go.” And the result? A night filled with energy, laughter and music instead of a forgotten night of drinking or a wasted evening hiding from life.
Lesson 2: Old Songs, New Life
Now, let’s talk about George Thorogood’s music for a second. The man has an entire catalog of songs about drinking — “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” ring a bell?
The old me would’ve listened to those songs and thought, “Yep, that’s my anthem.” And then I’d go prove it.
But last night was different. I danced, I laughed, and I even sang along (mercifully for the crowd, the music was loud enough to drown me out). But this time, I didn’t need to drink to enjoy it. I didn’t want to go backward.
Instead, I proved to myself — and anyone watching — that you can rock out, have fun, and enjoy life without giving in to destructive old habits.
That’s the Warrior way: you don’t erase your past, but you reclaim it on your own terms.
Lesson 3: Warriors Deserve Fun Too
This one might be the most important. For years, I carried this false belief that because I had serious, chronic mental health challenges, I wasn’t allowed to have fun. Like fun was for “normal” people and I had to stay in the trenches, constantly battling.
But that’s not true. Warriors deserve joy.
Last night reminded me of that truth. I went to a concert on a Wednesday night. Afterward, I grabbed a soda at 11:30 pm (yes, I’m that wild). And I reveled in the simple experience of being out when most people were tucked into bed.
That’s not irresponsible. That’s freedom. That’s living life as a warrior!
It showed me the real power of being a Warrior: not just surviving challenges, but thriving, laughing, and making memories—even on a weeknight.
Humor Break: Things I Noticed at a George Thorogood Concert
George Thorogood at 75 still rocks harder than most 25-year-olds.
If you dance long enough, your Fitbit will think you’ve entered combat mode.
I swear one college kid asked me if sandbag workouts were part of the pre-concert warm-up. (They should be.)
I’m fairly certain half the crowd expected free bourbon with admission. Sorry folks, you only got music.
The Warrior Wrap Up
Here’s the big takeaway: chaos in the world isn’t going away anytime soon. There will always be stressful headlines, tough business days, and personal battles to fight. But when we take care of our mental health, we gain the power to rise above the chaos.
Last night, I didn’t just go to a concert. I lived the Warrior life. I proved that I could manage stress, let go of old habits, and give myself permission to enjoy life. And that’s what being a Mental Health Warrior is all about. Not just enduring. Not just fighting. But THRIVING!
So here’s your challenge: make a fun plan for this weekend or next week. Take some of the Warrior strength you’re building and turn it into action that brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be a concert — it could be a walk, a dinner out, or just blasting your favorite song in the kitchen while your pets look at you like you’ve lost it.
Because when you live like a Warrior, you’re not just surviving the chaos of current events—you’re proving that joy is possible, that laughter is healing and that life is meant to be lived.
And for me? The next time a George Thorogood song comes on the radio, I’ll smile, maybe sing off-key and remember that night at Shippensburg University — when I chose Warrior life over chaos and it rocked!
Bruce Schutter
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