topic 30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today? in Staying well

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:04:37 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have a little survival idea that want to run by you all:

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often as you like or as infrequently as you like. It also doesn’t have to be 30 seconds either. That’s just a number that I chose, because I thought it would be doable for most people. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival.

I would love to hear from you 🙂

I’ll start:

On my way to work, I spotted some Christmas decorations, and instantly thought “oh, that’s so pretty!”

30 seconds of relief from my troubles. 30 seconds of survival.

Background/inspiration for this thread:

I was inspired by a book that I’ve been reading. It’s based on real life events where a woman lost her husband unexpectedly, and was left both a widow & single parent overnight.

As you can imagine, she struggled with immense grief and loss, and was unsure when she would be able to see beyond it...reminders of him were everywhere, and she wasn’t sure when the pain would ever subside.

But during a work meeting, while giving a presentation (or maybe she was chairing a meeting?), in that brief period, she forgot about her loss as she was immersed in her work. Sure, of course, her grief returned (as it often does). But in that brief moment, she felt a sense of “normalcy”, if there ever was such a thing.

Okay, so maybe work won’t be your “thing” and maybe it’s not grief that you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s something else (that’s okay and valid).

What I’m getting at is recognising our capacity to survive by recalling brief moments of survival. It all adds up...

Moments when either your pain, heartbreak, loss, disappointment (whatever you’re going through) was temporarily forgotten or even subsided a little. Moments, however fleeting but nonetheless important, of survival 🙂

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Aaronsis — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 23:34:11 GMT

Oh Pepper..I love this thread...YESSSS

While I cannot contribute as I am not suffering personally with mental health...only with grief...however, I think that this is such a great thread...what do people do and what is their happy place when times are so very tough.

It covers all sorts of Mental Health issues all rolled up into one..what do you do/say/feel to get a "break"...great conversation and I can't wait to read what others say too.

Hugs to you Pepper

Sarah

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Soberlicious96 — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:24:03 GMT

When I was 12 years old (1983) I was in the Ash Wednesday bushfires; in that we were unable to evacuate to a safe spot in time and became trapped in a burning building and lost everything. It was truly the most horrendous night of my life.

But my 30 seconds of relief was when I was staying at my Nan's house in the days that followed (while Mum and Dad were getting caravans set up for us to live in), and when I woke up in the morning, I could hear the beautiful warble of the magpies and other birds singing in her garden. It was just so beautiful and calming and has never failed to give me relief. Even today, even if there are no magpies around, I just have to 'imagine' that sound and I feel instant relief.

And in the last week or so, with all this wind around and all those fires in NSW, I am doing a fair bit of imagining that sound.

Anyway, great thread, thanks! xo

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Guest_2496 — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 06:28:45 GMT

Such a great idea, thank you!

Today I’ve had two so far. Reading with my grandson before his nap; and then stacking the dishwasher at their house - realised when I’d finished I’d been totally immersed (no pun intended ha ha).

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Wolfy — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:57:35 GMT

Well my 30 seconds was first when I seen my house (comfort zone) then had another one when I got it the shower and literally sat down and let the water run over me it felt so good for a minute 🙂

I really like the sound of this thread

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 22:01:06 GMT

Hi all,

Thank you so very much for sharing your survival moments. I’ve really gained from reading and I’m touched that you have been so receptive to this thread idea.

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate your contributions.

Aaronsis/Sarah: a warm thank you for the generous & supportive feedback. I’m so grateful for your kind words.

I think grief is very difficult, and as with all struggles, it’s completely valid. I can empathise with your struggles with grief...

Thank you for the hugs and here’s some hugs for you too 🙂

Soberlicious: I can’t even imagine how distressing & traumatic Ash Wednesday must have been for you...it’s clearly something that has been ingrained in your memory now...

I love how magpies gave you some comfort and relief back then, and even to this day, they still comfort you. I think that’s very special & moments of calm like yours can make all the difference...thank you so much for sharing...

Annie: 2 x moments of relief/survival. I think that’s fantastic!

It made me smile to read about your grandson and your puns are always welcome 😉 I bet they have some clean dishes now. Thank you so very much for sharing.

Wolfy: it’s great to hear from you too. I agree that home can be a safe haven/sanctuary.

Water pressure can be very soothing. I’m so glad you found 2 moments of resilience today. Well done 🙂

All readers:

Please feel free to contribute any time, as often or as infrequently as you like.

The premise of this thread (as in my opening post):

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often as you like or as infrequently as you like. It also doesn’t have to be 30 seconds either. That’s just a number that I chose, because I thought it would be doable for most people. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival.

I would love to hear from anyone who’s happy to share.

Kindness and care,

Pepper

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Birdy77 — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 22:14:09 GMT

Absolutely lovely thread 😊

I found peace this morning tying up my tomato plants to their supports 🌱

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 22:26:31 GMT

Hi wonderful people,

Lovely friend/birdy: Thank you very much for sharing. That made me smile. I hope you get some lovely ripe tomatoes soon.

What a beautiful moment of peace, immersion in nature and self nurturance xoxox

All readers:

The premise of this thread (as per my opening post):

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often as you like or as infrequently as you like. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival. That’s just a number that I chose because I think it’s doable for most people 😉

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Quercus — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:08:55 GMT

Hi Pepper and all,

Not remotely surprised to see you come up with this fabulous idea for a thread. Thank you Pepper for all you give of yourself to these forums.

My moment of peace was working on my dry stacked rock wall today. Hot sun and physical work keep me busy.

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Paw Prints — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 12:37:40 GMT

Hi all,

My 30+ seconds was watching the fairy wrens use my bird bath. Now the weather is warming up they are using it most days. Today it was a pair of wrens....bright blue boy....browny grey girl..... who took it in turns whilst the other kept watch.

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

quirkywords — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:24:53 GMT

Pepper,

Thnaks for this great thread and I like Nat appreciate all the time and effort you put onnthe forum.

30 secs I watch the sheer joy in my grand daughters face as she laughs and chats.

As she lives a fair distance away , I have a lovely short video maybe less than 30 secs of her chatting away . I play this a lot when I need cheering up .

Quirky

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:03:58 GMT

More than 30 seconds, but a reprieve from the weeks I've spent grieving and lonely -

Yoga. Had to drag myself there and then wished I hadn't, but after a while on the mat I found that my mind was finally quiet for a bit.

Stand up paddleboarding. Putting all my energy into paddling my board, surrounded by water, allowed me some peace of mind for a bit.

Great thread. Thanks

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

quirkywords — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:52:07 GMT

Pepper,

have been feeling a bit down this week and today had a day out with my friend who I don't get to spend much time with.

My 30 seconds was when we were being silly and I laughed and I don't laugh that much so catching myself and enjoying the experience was so precious.

Quirky

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 01:34:09 GMT

Hello,

I’m very thankful for your contributions here 🙂

All readers:

The premise of this thread:

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often or as infrequently as you like. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival. That’s just a number that I chose because I think it’s doable for most people 😉

Quercus: Thank you very much for your kind words. I think that’s lovely of you to say. Thank you for all you do for the forums. Sincerely appreciated 🙂

Your dry stacked wall sounds as though it’s coming along nicely. I know some people find physically challenging work to be an excellent way to de stress. Good work!

Paw Prints: I adore fairy wrens! I have a soft spot for blue fairy wrens. Gorgeous...

I love how the pair looked out for each other by taking turns in the bird baths, so the other could keep an eye out for predators. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

Quirky: Thank you also for your very supportive words. I’m grateful that you’re so open to this thread.

Thank you to you for always making everyone feel included, including me. I love how genuinely open minded you are, as I really do value your capacity to see things from multiple perspectives.

I think your granddaughter’s video must hold such a special place in your heart. I can imagine the love, connection & joy that it brings you.

I felt sad to hear that you’ve been having a rough time. If it helps you to feel a tiny bit less alone, so have I...if you like hugs, here is one from me...

But I’m glad you found some relief & laughter with your friend. I think moments of connection can be uplifting. Connection can help heal...

kayonthehamsterwheel: I feel for your grief & feelings of loneliness. Both can be very painful...

I’m so glad yoga helped, & I admire how you pushed yourself to go. I think sometimes it helps to push ourselves to do things that we know will help. Well done 🙂

I smiled to read about your paddle boarding. I have never been but it must be one incredible experience!

Me: I decided to wrap a huge blanket, technically a throw, around myself like a cocoon at 1 point. I found that oddly comforting..

I had read about using blankets/ weighted blankets as a self soothing strategy, & suddenly remembered it when I was struggling

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 02:32:25 GMT

Today it's coffee. That first sip is always a treat. I've woken up in a bad headspace today and I think I'll take your cocoon idea and curl up and ignore the world

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 22:04:29 GMT

Hello,

Katyonthehamsterwheel: I feel sad to hear how much you have been struggling. It sounds as though you’ve been going through a hard time...

I hope the cocoon helped a little. Apparently, the cocoon is even better if you have a weighted blanket, or so I heard 🙂

I love coffee! It’s one of my morning highlights, so I can relate to your relief and joy from the first sip...beautiful...

Thinking of you...

Me: when my pen makes contact with paper, I can create a whole new world or tell a previously untold story. The world feels temporarily better, and I feel a little safer and more understood...

It’s incredible what we can do with a single pen and sketchbook 🙂

All readers:
The premise of this thread:

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often or as infrequently as you like. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival: relief, reprieve or respite. That’s just a number that I chose because I think it’s doable for most people 😉

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

quirkywords — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:32:10 GMT

Today I had chat with people from UK driving around Australia. For 30 seconds or more I listened to them and really concentrated. I felt refreshed after listening.

Quirky

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Peppermintbach — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 22:36:52 GMT

Hi Quirky (& a wave to all),

Good for you, I’m glad that you had that moment of relief. Precious moments...

Also, I hope those people are enjoying their exploration of Australia 🙂

Kind thoughts to you,

Pepper

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

hope4joy — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:47:03 GMT

Hi Quirky and every one else on this thread, what a nice way to frame one's day in looking for the bursts of joy/ immersion. I'm fighting off a cold at the moment and am also waiting to hear back on an offer I've made to buy my first home, so was proud to just get through the day at work today. But I had two little bright moments that made me come back to the present. Firstly some acquaintances posted their family photo with santa and the 4 of them were in full goth attire with incredible face paint and looking mighty scary, especially their young child, and it cracked me up and had me chuckling for at least the next hour on and off! I also shared it with a few colleagues. Then at lunch time I was going for a walk and some guys were in harnesses ready to climb bunya pine trees to harvest the cones - as they get massive and could injure someone - and that also tickled my fancy that they get to do that as a job, harvesting pine cones on cherry pickers and by climbing - what a wonderful office! So I very much relate to those little shiny moments amongst what can be a difficult day.

30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

Paw Prints — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 14:51:45 GMT

Hello Peppy & everyone,

My 30 sec today was watching my Woofa sulk like a petulant teenager after I told him off for bravely barking at the scary pillow on my bed.

Paws