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

[Peppermintbach]

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 🙂

[Gambit87]

my 30 seconds yesterday was relaxing at a park after work!

and giving myself another gold star! 79 days left.

[Birdy77]

I understand exactly what you mean Quirky.

Dear Pepper and every lovely person here posting and reading.

I went for a swim in the ocean this morning, my first of the year.

It has been such a harrowing and just awful time, and today i plunged my body into the beautiful cool salt water, floated on my back and looked up at the clouds, and as sad as it sounds, i think that was my first true moment of joy and letting-go of the 2020 so far.

As i floated, i looked back towards the bush - half of what i could see was burnt black.

But being held by the water and seeing flushes of new green growth amongst the burnt bush, i felt a sense of hope - a feeling so unfamiliar at the moment, and really, really nice.

It was refreshing because mostly this summer has been a heavy atmosphere of fear, despair and sadness.

Love and light to all.

🌻birdy xo

[Guest_4643]

Hi everyone.

I can't think of anything lately or today, as hard as I've tried. I apologise.

I still appreciate this thread and think it's a nice idea. Just having a hard time lately, I don't know what to do.

Nice 30 seconds of survival though everybody.

Tayla

[Peppermintbach]

Hi wonderful people,

A warm thank you for your insights, thoughts & contributions 🙂

katyonthehamsterwheel: It made me smile to read that Gambit’s comments lifted your spirit a little.

It sounds as though you’ve been having a rough time. Kind thoughts to you....

Gambit: not long till your annual service leave. Exciting times ahead...

I absolutely love your idea to reward yourself with gold stars. Tomorrow, you will have 78 gold stars left, so you’ll be that little bit closer to your holiday 😉

I hope relaxing at the park yesterday helped bring you some peace...

Quirky: hugs...I know you’ve been going through so much. Lost so much...

I think what you’re saying makes a lot of sense. I agree that during better times, moments of relief are infinitely easier to find.

Traumatic times adds a whole new challenge to finding those tiny moments...

I’m glad this thread offers some very small comfort to you. Thinking of you xoxo

birdy: lovely friend, I know you probably really needed that moment.

Your heart sounds broken & you sound so tired, so to see some green growth must have been a very special moment. Finally, a signal of hope...

Maybe salt water truly is healing 😉

Love, hugs & protection to you & your family xoxox

Tayla: it’s okay, gentle & easy does it...there’s absolutely no need to apologise. You sound as though you’re struggling too...

I think those moments can’t be forced...maybe try to let those moments come to you rather than searching too hard for them...

Thank you for your lovely, supportive words 🙂

Kindness & care to all,

Pepper

[Guest_4643]

Hey Pepper, thanks for your reply and understanding.

Hugs,

Tayla x

[Gambit87]

Yesterday instead of driving to a suit fitting (normally a 20 minute drive), I took the train (a 40 minute commute) and I enjoyed every second of it.

It was so nice to just sit and relax and watch the world go by.

[Hanna3]

Today a friend who lives far away in another state was kind to me. I miss her and was grateful for her friendship. I sent her a text telling her what a great pal she is. I know her family are not kind to her. I felt happy to send her words that I hope made her feel that someone values her.

[Gambit87]

Yesterday I spent a few hours with my parents. Eating cake and drinking coffee, it was exactly what I needed.

[Guest_2496]

I had lunch with my daughter in a park today. It was very peaceful.

[Guest_4643]

I love this thread, nice 30 seconds of survival everyone!

Today, mine would be:

• Going for a couple of walks daily, nice walking tracks & nice bird life where I live, & pretty peaceful. It was nice today since the weather where I am in Regional VIC was in the 20s, & a nice breeze.
• Reading positive quotes, & mental health stuff, to remind me I'm unfortunately not alone. I know it sounds weird but sometimes it can help.
• Music (rock & metal). Especially in my bedroom at night, I like that time alone most of the time.
• Funny stuff - memes, funny videos, stuff like that.
• Going on these forums. I feel like I care more about others here than myself.

Tayla x