Today, I’m Grateful for My Mental Health Challenges: 3 Lessons from a Chat with John Wick
- Bruce Schutter
- Aug 17
- 6 min read
Yesterday was shaping up to be a pretty ordinary day. I was at the gas station, just doing the usual — filling up the tank before running errands. But then I heard the unmistakable roar of an engine pulling up beside me. And who steps out of the car? None other than John Wick himself! Apparently, even legendary assassins need to pump gas.
We exchanged the classic gas-station nod. Then John, calm and cool as always, walked over and asked, “Bruce, how’s the Mental Health Warrior Program going?”
Turns out John is a big believer in the program. He’s a fellow mental health warrior who knows just how important it is to take care of your mind if you want to triumph over life’s challenges.
Now, John and I have had plenty of conversations, and he knows my story. For 20 years I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD — struggles that left me feeling so powerless, I tried to end my life. But in those dark times, 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! With it, you can take control of your emotions, rise above challenges, and build the life you really want.
And while warriors can begin their journey with any of the tools—like the Warrior Challenge Coin or other books I’ve written — the blueprint for it all is found in my book, I Triumphed over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. It’s where the foundation of the program begins.
But here’s the truth: the book, the coin, the program — they only work if you do. The key is to take action, starting today. Because the moment you act, you begin your healing. And the moment you step forward, you start growing into the warrior you were always meant to be!
My New Mindset
“Things are going well,” I told him. But then I decided to throw him a curveball. “John, today I’m grateful for my mental health challenges.”
You should’ve seen his face — he looked like I had just told him I was leaving writing behind to pursue competitive basket weaving.
For a second, he was stunned. But in true John Wick fashion, the surprise didn’t last long. He crossed his arms, leaned against his car, and in that calm, thoughtful way of his, asked, “Why’s that?”
Now, when John Wick asks you to explain something, you don’t stall. So, I told him about the three life lessons I’ve gained from my mental health challenges — lessons I might never have understood without facing them head-on.
And these are the same lessons I share in my program and in my book — because they’re not just stories, they’re the blueprint for becoming a warrior.
Lesson 1: From Powerless to Powerful
“When my mental health challenges controlled me,” I began, “I felt completely powerless. I was convinced there was nothing I could do — that I was stuck at the mercy of Bipolar, Anxiety Disorders and everything else.” John nodded, his face thoughtful.
“But when I embraced my emotions — when I decided to become a Mental Health Warrior — I realized my challenges had been lying to me all along. I do have the power to triumph over them.
They tried to hold me captive. But I fought back using my Warrior Tools. And today, whenever Bipolar tries to whip my emotions into a whirlwind, I ground myself and remind myself: I’m in charge!
That shift didn’t just give me strength — it gave me gratitude. Because without those challenges, I might never have discovered how powerful I truly am.”
John’s Takeaway:
John’s eyes narrowed in agreement. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “I get that. When I lost everything... there were times when I felt completely powerless. But I didn’t stay there. I fought back.
That’s the difference, isn’t it? Not letting the darkness win.”
Lesson 2: Overcome Fear & Be Proud
Next, I told him how anxiety had always tried to convince me that I should be afraid of everything — that I wouldn’t be able to handle anything that came my way.
“But today,” I said, “I know anxiety is just doing what challenges do — it preys on our thoughts. It whispers doubts and tries to steal our power.”
Now, instead of shrinking back, I take pride in every accomplishment — even the small ones. And I even take pride in my mistakes, because they mean I’m still in the game. I’m showing up. I’m living life.”
John grinned. “Taking pride, huh? That’s important. I used to be afraid too — afraid I wouldn’t survive long enough to make things right.” He paused, his eyes narrowing as if reliving old battles. “But fear only had as much power as I gave it. Every step forward is a victory, whether it’s big or small. Even the missteps? They mean you’re still moving, still fighting.”
I laughed. “Exactly! Once I stopped letting anxiety call the shots, I started feeling good about my life again. I’m not just surviving anymore — I’m thriving. And I’m grateful for that fear, because it taught me how to be proud of showing up every day.”
John’s Takeaway:
In typical John no-nonsense fashion, he summed it up: “Celebrate every step forward. That’s how you triumph.”
Lesson 3: Fully Living Life—Thanks, Emotions!
Finally, I shared a tough lesson from my struggle with alcoholism. “I used to drink to hide from my emotions, John. But that only made me fear them more. It was like trying to outrun a shadow.”
I paused. “But now? I’ve been sober for 17 years. And instead of running, I’ve learned to embrace my emotions — like a true Mental Health Warrior. That’s how I finally started living. Fully. Honestly. With the whole range of human experience.”
I smiled. “And here’s the best part: instead of numbing myself, I actually enjoy the good times. Before, I was just surviving. But not anymore. Today, I LIVE — and I’m grateful for those struggles, because without them, I might never have learned how.”
John’s Takeaway:
John’s face softened, and for a moment, the legendary assassin looked almost vulnerable.
“Same here,” he admitted quietly. “There was a time when I was hiding too. I didn’t want to deal with what I was feeling, so I buried it. But pushing it away didn’t kill the pain — it just killed a part of me.”
He straightened, his voice steady. “It wasn’t until I stopped running that I actually started living. And the crazy thing? Now I’m grateful for the fight — because it showed me what living really means.”
John’s Wisdom
After sharing my three lessons, John gave me his take on how he’s applied those same ideas in his own life. He’s no stranger to struggling with emotions — grief, anger, loss, and everything in between.
John Wick, the ultimate warrior, looked at me and said, “These challenges don’t define us. If anything, they shape us. They teach us more than we realize, and they give us strength we didn’t know we had.”
He paused, his voice steady but weighted with experience. “Grief taught me love matters. Fear taught me courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s moving forward anyway. And pain? Pain taught me that I’m still alive, and that means I still have something worth fighting for.”
Then he leaned closer, locking eyes with me. “So yeah, Bruce — I get why you’re grateful for your challenges. Without mine, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Wrap Up
As we both finished pumping gas, John turned to me with that intense gaze he’s known for. “Let’s spread the word,” he said. “People need to know they can become Mental Health Warriors — take their challenges and turn them into strength.”
I nodded. “Absolutely. Who would’ve thought we’d be standing here, grateful for our challenges?”
Before we parted ways, I reached into my car and handed John a copy of my book, I Triumphed over Bipolar, Alcoholism and Anxiety Disorder by Becoming a Mental Health Warrior. “This is the blueprint, John. Pass it along to someone who needs it.”
He took it with that trademark nod, the kind that says more than words ever could. Then we both hopped into our cars — John, back to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, and me, back to face my day with a whole new appreciation for the life lessons my mental health challenges have taught me.
As I pulled away, I couldn’t help but reflect: two warriors, vastly different lives, same truth — our struggles made us stronger.
And as strange as it may sound, we are both, as Mental Health Warriors, genuinely thankful for the lessons our challenges have brought us!
Bruce Schutter
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