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 lately has been going for morning walks to get a coffee, then walking around looking at all the shops for an hour or so.

not being able to get out and about is affecting me a bit.

However I know the purpose of social distancing/isolation is for the benefit for everyone.

[PhoebeWings]

Dear Annie,

Thank you for your kind words.

Hope you are keeping safe and well,

Hugs

Phoebe.

[quirkywords]

Today I am having a rest day in bed because I need to. I do not feel guilty yet, and hope I can catch up on lost sleep.

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds today was calling my mum!

She is always a bright ray of positivity! even in times like these she is always positive.

she gives me so much strength and she always makes me smile when ive spoken with her.

[Tay100]

Hi Gambit87

That's so lovely to hear, calling parents or loved ones can be so invigorating, nothing beats it! A phone call mean everything in these times of social distancing 🙂

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

A grateful & warm thank you for helping to keep this thread going. I think it’s wonderful for us to share our moments of relief & respite.

Sometimes those small moments make all the difference:)

Sleepy: things sound as though they have been overwhelming for you lately. The stress must be rough...

I’m glad you’ve been eating a little better. Your crunchy tofu sounds delicious! I’ve had something like that in the past, & it’s so good. I really like salt & pepper (laughs) crunchy tofu. So good!

I agree that music can help enormously. I’m not familiar with Leonard Cohen’s music, but it has clearly been helping you 🙂

Annie: thank you very much, I’m so happy to hear that this thread gives you a little peace.

Meditations can be wonderful. It can really help ground us, so I’m glad you’ve been practising it.

Padfoot: I imagine the transition to online learning must be something you’re still getting used to. I’m glad you took a few days to rest & just recharge.

I’m impressed by the range of activities that you have been spending time on! Learning to code, music, organising your studio & helping Rhiannon. You certainly know how to keep preoccupied & help people 🙂

I hope your online chemistry lesson went well, & that Rhiannon is okay.

Tay: well done on using good time management & planning skills! I think it’s a fantastic idea to break down your academic demands into micro tasks. Nice one 🙂

All the best with your thesis!

Gambit: I’m glad you’re managing to go for some walks. Exercise is so important, especially when we are spending more time home these days.

Your relationship with your Mum is beautiful. I’m glad you’re keeping in touch with her over the phone.

She sounds as though she is an absolute blessing in your life. Lights up your life...

Phoebe: it’s so good to see you hear from you. I hope you’re keeping well 🙂

Quirky: rest days are so important. I hope you managed to catch up on some sleep.

Me: I think with everything that is happening both in Australia & around the world, I suppose my moment of peace is just learning to take things day by day.

It’s hard but I’m trying not to think too far ahead right now, & just to try to be grounded in the here & now.

Today’s ups & downs are today’s ups & downs.

Tomorrow’s ups & downs will be tomorrow’s ups & downs.

Kind & caring thoughts to all.

May you all stay safe...

Pepper

[Guest_2496]

Hi Pepper

Yep, day by day... strange isn’t it that I have no excuse now not to exercise, clean, write ‘that’ book but some days I can barely do anything!

Today’s 30 seconds...a cup of tea in my mum’s old chair and tiger balm on the shoulders 🙂

[alasdayr]

My 30 second survival plan:

1. Count by 19's to 190. (Have not memorized my 19 times table, so this takes considerable concentration. If I start getting too quick on 19's, then I'll start on the next prime number table (23, 29, 31, etc..) - This is a spot delay/deferral tactic that can calm the racing mind enough to take a next step).
2. Open phone and refer to safety plan (flip through a few photos/memories).
3. Phone a friend (that I have an arrangement with).

If still in danger, continue working through safety plan.

Currently working through this plan at least one time per day (on an average day). Mental state fluctuates and in far from stable. Most times never get to step 3. However, I have more steps on the plan if I need it.

Alasdayr.

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing alright.

As of writing this (12:14 am 3/4/2020) I've been going well with my online classes. I've been practising my band's first song, I've figured out how to plug an old Singstar mic into my amp so now I can hear myself sing while I practice. Yesterday (technically) was Rhiannon and my one month anniversary which with the new isolation laws, meant we slightly broke the law to spend a little bit of time together. Our cover is that I was picking up a guitar, which I actually did because she's letting me borrow her really expensive guitar while they're moving. She also found a new place and did the paperwork for it today so she'll hopefully be moved in by the end of next week at the latest.

My friends and I have started a discord server so we can voice chat more and socialise easier. Most of today we were on voice chat charging songs and memes while playing games and doing school work.

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well and I hope you all stay healthy during these weird as times

from Padfoot

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds today was walking around playing pokemon go haha.

great exercise and so good to get out and about.