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

Peppermintbach
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

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 🙂


340 Replies 340

Hi Peppermintbach

Kind of, I moreso just look up up ambience videos on youtube of specific soundscapes I find relaxing. Do you do anything similar?

Katyonthehamsterwheel
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor
Sam Neill covering Radiohead - Creep, and his little message after it ❣

I looked it up as soon as I saw your message Katy.

Love Radiohead and admire Sam Neill.

Very sweet message...And gorgeous Ukelele he’s got.

👍

My 30 SEC of survival ( well, longer than that) was taking part in a video chat with my mum, brothers, uncle and grandmother to break up the social isolation. I felt so much better afterwards.

Hey Monkey.... that sounds really helpful. By the way MM do yu have another thread? On another thread I saw you posting about one about hospital stays etc... would you be able to point me to the direction of that one? Thanks and sending warm and cosy wishes to you for this week

Peppermintbach
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hi lovely people,

As always, I appreciate how you take the time to reach out here to share you special moments, your insights & thoughts.

Thank you so much.

Phoebe: I felt your grief, anguish & a swirl of other emotions through your words. I feel sometimes old pains resurface or gives us a nudge...

Sometimes certain feelings never completely go away, I think...scratch beneath the surface & it’s sometimes still there...

I think you have a beautiful outlook though. That always shines through. Although, I wonder is there always a lesson to be learnt? You don’t need to answer me...thinking out loud 😉

I agree about freshly washed sheets. It’s such a nice feeling & fragrant. Makes a big difference, that’s for sure.

Padfoot: I’m happy to hear that you’re feeling a bit better. Rest can do wonders sometimes...hopefully the other symptoms go away soon.

Yes, I feel social isolation is hard for a lot of people. It’s hard for me too. Us humans are, by nature, social creatures. We need people.

Easter treats & quality time with family sounds like a wonderful way to spend some of your time. Precious moments 🙂

Thank you for being so thoughtful & caring. Right now, I feel sad. I have been seeing things at work that I wish I didn’t have to see. Thank you for caring.

Tay: your ambience sounds must be soothing. I have an app that gives you a playlist of sounds e.g. rain, chimes, etc.

You can then layer the sounds to create a customised sound or music for relaxation. The drawback is it’s sadly not free.

Katyonthehamsterwheel: I know about Radiohead, but I have not heard that song. I might have to look it up.

Monkey_Magic: thankfully for video chats, right?

They are such a blessing for us to stay in touch with loved ones. I’m not sure what I would do without that technology right now, as I’m not much for phone calls (no visual cues).

Sleepy: it’s lovely to see you here. Sending my well wishes to you 🙂

Kindness & care to all,

Pepper


Hi Sleepy,

The only active thread I've got ATM is "should I suck this up". I think my content is a bit too graphic for this site at times and is deemed unhelpful. It's real and the truth but ya know....

Hi Monkey.... never saw your graphic content... was actually quite interested to find your other threads!

This place has all kinds of content.....keep posting!!

“Although, I wonder is there always a lesson to be learnt? You don’t need to answer me...thinking out loud “

🙂 I have a faith ‘model’ if you like, that trusts there is a greater purpose ( not keen on the word purpose here in this context , but it will have to do)

I have hope that every last atom of creation/life is woven into a greater tapestry which has yet to be revealed in this material dimension.

Every last atom, every dear life is precious...even if it is short and temporary in this dimension and age.

I try to keep this focus and not let traumatic loss through life experiences take me down completely. And the sweet moments in life are everything aren’t they?

Its an hour by hour, minute by minute work in hand...I’m sorry for my bruised inner mess.

Hope you are feeling great support Pepper from your offline network of friends and family, and here of course.

You give so much - here’s a big loose bouquet of glorious peonies, messily tied up with pale pink silk ribbons 🙂

Hi Peppermintbach

Yes it is very soothing, thanks! May I ask what the app is?