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 was last night - my psych mixed my appointment up so I didn't get to see her.

On my way home I bought my girlfriend and I some ice-cream and we sat on the couch eating icecream together. loved every second of it 🙂

[Guest_1643]

30 seconds of calm today - visiting friends and enjoying a lovely compliment!Still feeling uplifted by it, as its not the way I see myself.....

[Guest_4643]

My 30 seconds today is just colouring in, not much I know but it's somewhat relaxing to me, and listening to music.

Tayla

[quirkywords]

30 secs I started writing a short story to fo us my thoughts onto my writing and get the out of my head ,

[Padfoot02]

Hey everyone,

So I'm gonna start this off with my coping for today. Today Rhiannon and I went on a lunch date and then had a lazy afternoon at my house. I bit the bullet and kissed her for the first time. It was honestly both the safest and most vulnerable I've been in a good while.

Now for the bad parts of this weekend. I couldn't go to the party I was supposed to go to with Rhiannon because my friend (who was going to drive me) had to cancel, I couldn't find anyone with extra room and my dad wouldn't drive us. Then, of course, the coronavirus, school is more than likely shutting down the school. But that's not even the worst part. My ENTIRE town will be probably be going into lockdown which sucks because it means that I might not be able to see Rhiannon for who knows how long. I'm going to ask my dad tomorrow if she can move in with us for a while because I don't think I'll be able to survive that long without seeing her. And I'm now actually worrying about the virus because my great-grandma is over 80, so if she gets it she's in trouble. The hospitals have already announced they won't be assisting anyone over 80 if they get it and I don't want to lose her. Not now.

Anyway, I hope you're all doing alright. I hope you stay safe and healthy, not only physically but also mentally. If you're in need of help then call someone or come back to here for a chat.

from Padfoot.

[Gambit87]

Today my 30 seconds in this crazy time was fishing and watching the sunset!

didnt catch anything but watching the sunset was beautiful.

[blondguy]

Hey Pepper

my 30 seconds of 'Survival' is taking a slow breath (Time out) and realising how lucky I am having good physical and 'reasonable' mental health

In reverse...I have had agoraphobia on and off for a long time because I didnt get my anxiety treated as early as I should have....my bad....I refused meds for 13 years and also was in denial with my anxiety/panic attacks thinking I could self heal...whoops....

Pepper...Just saying a big thankyou for you super kind post on the coping with the coronavirus thread..It means more to me than you know 🙂 🙂

• I am still stuck in the 1980's and still find survival in listening to the music from the time 🙂 Its peaceful

apologies for being invisible on your thread Pepper

Hugz....(only if thats okay of course)

Paul

[Guest_1643]

Hi Paul i think there's a lot of comfort in listening to music from a while back, i'm stuck in the decade from when I grow up too 🙂 I'm glad it brings you some good vibes, and that you're relaxing a bit with music you love.
My 30 seconds of survival today is a dvd with Mark Ruffalo when he was young 🙂 I'm watching it in my apartment, trying to stay calm.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

Thank you, as always, to all of you.

Gambit: thank you so much for the well wishes. I feel very grateful for them 🙂

Yes, I agree that quarantine/lockdown would be a struggle for many. That said, I also understand we need to do what we need to do to flatten the curve & not overwhelm our already exhausted frontline workers (doctors, nurses, etc).

I love that you were able to watch the sunset. I think that is always special, & I’m glad you have been able to enjoy some moments with your partner.

Sleepy: Thank you so much for the lovely things you said 🙂 I’m delighted this thread helps you a little...

Sigh, with the way things are, I think it’s a really good idea that you’re making your home so cosy. I think your new plants is a great idea to inject some green indoors 🙂

You sounded a little on edge the other day. I hope the movie with Mark Buffalo brought you some moments of calm...sounds like you needed it

Tayla: colouring can be wonderfully relaxing. I think it’s great that you’re getting into it.

Fantastic news that your meds are sorted, & that you have been spending time listening to music & with your gorgeous dog 🙂

Quirky: I know how much words mean to you, so it made me smile to read about your writing.

I hope the short story was a good way to process your emotions & was a good creative outlet as well. I hope you write many more stories...

Padfoot: Things sound like they’re going very well with Rhiannon. There’s a lot of trust there...

Yes, the social isolation/distancing is hard for a lot of people. I feel for your fears for your great-grandmother.

I suppose that’s also why, as lonely & strange as it may be, that we all need to practice social distancing & limit seeing friends/family so we can protect the most vulnerable.

Paul: that is more than okay. You’re very kind, but there is absolutely nothing to apologise for. We are good 🙂

You sound as though you’re doing pretty well, all things considered. I’m glad you’re on track physically, & by the sounds of things, mentally too. That’s wonderful!

I feel struggling with your agoraphobia must have been hard. It couldn’t have been an easy time in your life. I’m very happy you finally received the help & support you needed though.

About the other thread, you’re most welcome. Thanks so much for visiting. Lovely to see you here 🙂

Kindness & care,

Pepper

[Guest_4643]

Thanks Pepper. The med situation is hard, and my Psych didn't tell me how to take them properly, he just said take them 1 hour before I sleep which I did not take 1 then 2 and so forth, luckily the Pharmacist told me and put it on the box and leaflet so I'm a little frustrated and disappointed in him for that. I know everyone makes mistakes though so I won't hold it against him but I'll discuss it with him on Monday when my next session is. I feel like he hates me anyway and is trying to push me away to the triage and not deal with me anymore.

Tayla