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 🙂

[PhoebeWings]

Hi Gambit,

I’d forgotten about Pokemon.

A friend’s son I introduced me to it a few years ago. We had loads of fun hunting little Pokemons that day.

I even got my own app back then 😁

Good that you had fun!

[Tay100]

Hi PhoebeWing

Awww yes the Pokemon Go app is about to have a massive resurgence I think, same as Animal Crossing!

My 30 seconds this morning was selecting a quality youtube rain sounds video to distract me from life stress and give me something awesomely aesthetic and calming to listen to tonight!

[PhoebeWings]

Some tough hours hère, some kinder hours.

So much going on in my heart.

I was reading through threads here at BB and I came across something Pepper wrote a few years ago.

Although it was sad, I had a warm feeling as I felt a hot shot of recognition in her words.

My 30 seconds today was reading Peppers post - when you read something that speaks right into your heart.... and makes so much sense...it’s really comforting.

Three years after you took the care to write, it gave great comfort today to someone you have never met - me 😂

I love Alan Bennett’s words;

« The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met.....And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.»

So much appreciation to everyone,

With love,

Phoebe.

[Padfoot02]

Hey everyone,

So I've been having some problems with my mum recently and I almost always freak out when she calls or texts (I haven't charged my phone in days). The only way I can talk to Rhiannon is through Facebook messenger and it shows me when mum's online so no matter how far into a convo I am with Rhiannon, I close the tab because I don't want her to message me. I don't know why I can't confront her but I know why I don't want to if that makes sense. I'm pretty sure this makes me a shit son which I came to accept long ago. So yeah, because of that I haven't exactly had a 30 seconds over the last few days.

Anyway, I hope you're all doing alright. Try and stay safe and healthy.

from Padfoot

[PhoebeWings]

Hi Padfoot,

Just sending an old Aunty-type hug - 🙂

Keep doing what helps you cope and the hard stuff can wait for another time.

Hope a sweet 30 second moment comes along soon.

👍

[Peppermintbach]

Hi wonderful people

I just want to express my appreciation for your contributions & observations. I’m sure they brighten many people’s days or gives them something to think about when they read 🙂

Everyone is most welcome to share their 30 seconds, give or take, of relief & respite.

Annie: yes, day by day does seem to be 1 way to manage this period of strangeness & change.

Your hot drink while sitting on a family heirloom sounds blissful. I hope the ointment was soothing too 🙂

Alasdayr: How courageous you are to share what helps keep you safe. It was inspiring to read...thank you so much...

I think it’s such a clever idea to count in multiples of 19. The pause as you think of each multiple must help ground you in the here & now by reorienting your thoughts to those numbers...

I admire your resilience & determination to stay safe. You’re an inspiration to us all 🙂

Padfoot: I’m happy to hear your online classes are going well. That’s great news!

Also your music sounds like it’s coming together nicely. It must make such a difference to be able to hear yourself sing more clearly now.

Congratulations on your 1 month anniversary with Rhiannon. I know it’s hard, & it’s tricky wanting privacy from your mum. So I wonder if something like FaceTime would be a good way to keep in touch with her, & you would have more privacy that way too?

I regularly FaceTime friends/family to keep in touch, for example. I personally find it’s often the next best thing during social isolation.

Gambit: I’ve never actually played Pokémon go, but I know lots of people who were into it. I imagine it’s enjoying a resurgence these days...

I think it’s great that the game helps you exercise. That’s fantastic 🙂

Tay: Animal Crossing is so popular now! I suspect it’s because people can vicariously live through the characters 😉

I think the sound of rain is so peaceful. I’m glad it’s helping to calm your mind...

Phoebe: wow, thank you so much for sharing that beautiful moment. I’m surprised, moved, & delighted 🙂

I don’t know what I wrote, but it warms my heart that it brought you feelings of understanding, comfort & warmth.

Also, that quote really is very touching. Beautiful.

I suppose, when it comes down to it, most of us humans have an innate desire to feel valued, heard & understood...& we keep reaching for that...sometimes consciously (& sometimes not).

I just wanted to say thank you. You have a gift with words, & an ability to appreciate small wonders

Kindness and care to all.

Pepper

[PhoebeWings]

Hi Pepper,

You said to Annie.....

«Your hot drink while sitting on a family heirloom sounds blissful. I hope the ointment was soothing too :)»

You know, Annie’s image with a cup of tea has stuck with me and pops up every now and then - a sweet image. ( Hi Annie 💐) I feel like painting a cosy tapestry armchair for some reason!

Anyway - My 30 seconds for the day.

Last year I ruined one of my husbands special collection vintage tees... by leaving it damp in bottom of laundry basket for a week or more. It’s white and it got covered with mould stains.

Tried soaking, washing - the stains persisted. Tee shirt relegated to back of wardrobe.

Yesterday I pulled it out thinking time to make it into a cleaning rag - but decided to have one more go.

Soaked in bleach solution overnight ( which I’ve done before) but this time - freaking magic!!! It’s come out spotless and as vintage new!

Really, I’m soooo pleased.

No seriously - I’m buzzing. 😂😂😂

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds was my psychology session yesterday!

first time ive used telehealth and it was bulked billed!

It was a great session talking about whats happening and how I felt about how it was affecting my plans etc.

felt really good and hopeful afterwards

[Tay100]

Hi Peppermintbach

Yes, it's this channel where the sounds are mixed so well and layered with different soundscapes that match a particular setting!

Andddd I realllyyy need to get Animal Crossing soon, I need to relive my glorious gaming days!

[Tay100]

Hi Gambit87

I'm glad Telehealth is working wonders for you and making you feel great! It's good that it's bulkbilled too! I must say, I feel the same about being about to volunteer and help people using technology, it's such a lifesaver, and it's good to expand our technical skills. Hope your sessions continue to go well and be productive for you 🙂