topic Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end in Staying well

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

The_Abyss — Sat, 06 May 2017 07:30:36 GMT

It was recently suggested that I start this thread to collect your stories (and put down my own) around the theme of beating adversity.

Was there a time you thought all was lost, only to come through a "winner" in the end? A time when you were having a bad day, but a touch of kindness turned things around? A time you thought you'd never make it though, only to come up grinning? A time when the going got tough and the tough got going?

They don't have to be happy stories, just happy endings!

Time to rack the brain and get story telling!

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

The_Abyss — Sat, 06 May 2017 07:52:23 GMT

The moon was bright on the deserted plain, the stars bright in the inky blackness. Not a soul around, not a sound. Feet blistered, toenails black, lips cracked, muscles sore. Every step like broken glass. Alone. Feeling like giving up, of lying down on the cold stone in the dark. I had been walking for nearly 18 hours today, the fifth day in a row on my feet. Needing sleep, feeling like giving up.

Wait, what's that! A light on the horizon, a whiff of music floating on the breeze. Hope renewed. Inching closer.

A barbed wire fence - caught, my heavy pack snagged in the blackness. Skin torn, blood trickling.

The light - was it just an illusion? No, back up the hill, muscles screaming in protest. There it is, the light growing brighter.

Another hour passes. Was that the tinkling of laughter? Turning to catch the sound. The music louder now, unmistakable.

A body of water - too deep to go through? Will have to go around. Stars mocking. Another hour and another.

Is that the hint of dawn colouring the sky? A slow pink, spreading across the horizon?

Voices now. Am I hallucinating?

Wait! What is that? A row of flags, gently flapping in the dawn breeze. The music clearer now. A row of tents. People huddled. A slow claps erupts, building to a thundering roar. Chanting my name. A building excitement.

My pace quickens. A slow run. The finish line sight. Relief all round. Last place, but I made it. I survived!

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

blondguy — Sat, 06 May 2017 09:40:05 GMT

Hi Abyss

Great thread topic! The Forums are a great form of therapy for me since I joined in early 2016

In a nutshell....

Severe anxiety attack in traffic in 1983....I still remember it....the day..the time...the weather...
GP asking me to check my exhaust for any leaks as per the dizzyness of having a bad panic attack..seriously
Me thinking I could 'get over it' with natural remedies......for 13 years. That didnt work...Bad Idea!
GP visit in 1996...She was brilliant except I had a 'closed mind on meds"....Then tried a small dose of an AD
4 Weeks later....80% of the anxiety was gone and I could concentrate on the weekly therapy without the dark clouds getting in the way.
No more Cold sweats and nightmares since 1996 with small med dosage....Yay!

End Result.......Anxiety attacks have nearly gone (95%) and have manageable depression and have been working in a senior corporate role for the whole period.....with a few terminations by having a mental illness...but thats okay

I hope some of that has helped

Excellent thread Abyss!

my kind thoughts

Paul

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

The_Abyss — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:02:35 GMT

Well done Paul. Classic example of how a change in mindset (accepting help / ADs) allowed you to break through that barrier. Congratulations on your "win"!

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

CMF — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:25:45 GMT

love it Paul, thank you.

good one TA

Triumph against adversity - your stories of beating the odds, surviving hardship, or "winning" at the end

blondguy — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:29:45 GMT

Thanks TA 🙂 and Country Music Festival 🙂

This is a really good thread TA

Paulx