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 over the easter break was seeing my parents.

My parents live about 40 mins away from me and in WA we have zones setup around the state and you cant go into a different zone. So my mother messagesd me and said we live in the same zone and youre allowed to have 2 visitors - so we're coming over. Bless her.

It was so great having coffee and hot cross buns - it definitely helped with my cabin fever.

[Tay100]

Hi Gambit87

That's so good: coffee, familiar company and a listening ear can be the greatest thing, especially with hot cross buns at easter! Wish we had the same allowance for visiting where I live!

[Guest_1643]

Hey all... i think these little moments are underrated....
I had to get change for a twenty dollar note (For my building laundry!) and a brief interaction with the store guy was so sweet and pleasant.... miss those small chats! (Now I can do my laundry).
My moments are hot, soothing curry and slow walks at night under the stars. Last nigt could not sleep so i walked around my block. The night sky was breathtaking and the stillness rejuvenated me

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone.

How are you all doing? From what I've read you all seem to be doing okay.

My 30 seconds for the last two days was the fact that I wrote a song and really like. I just need to record it and some other things and it's all good to go.I've called it 'Death Day' because it's the most fitting name. My part is on acoustic guitar while I've got bass and drums accompanying. I just gotta hope I can explain what I need from the drummer in my band XD. I didn't plan on writing it, nor did I expect it to fit into the album as well as it dies, which is a bonus. Of course, I've been texting Rhiannon a heap which is good.

Yeah so as always, stay safe and healthy. I can't wait to read all your contributions to this thread.

from Padfoot

[blondguy]

Hey Pepper

Just sending you some bear hugs in this difficult time - if thats okay

My 30 seconds was being in the sun in a warm day in Melbourne....Just taking one day at a time at the moment

Paul

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds was going the full length on my walk yesterday!

I thought to myself that I would only go half of my normal walk yesterday because it was starting to get a little dark but i ended up just getting into it and did the whole distance.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

A wholehearted thank you for all this wondering sharing & mutual support here.

Everyone is welcome to read along and/or share your moments of insight, relief & respite 🙂

Monkey_Magic: it’s lovely to see you here. I admire your resilience 🙂

Sleepy: curries are delicious & that night sky must have been enchanting. Yes, nature has a way of taking our breath away, but I’m sorry about the insomnia...

I think most of us humans crave connections, especially in a time like now...no wonder that moment in the store was so precious 🙂

PhoebeWings: thank you so much for the unexpected answer. I think you have a beautiful spirit, & a tender outlook on life with your “faith” model. But I also realise that tenderness or “faith” was hard won...

It’s okay, gentle & easy does it....you absolutely don’t need to apologise for anything. I think we all carry our own pain, so no one ever needs to apologise for their inner bruising here...the forums are a safe space like that 😉

Thank you for your generosity, kindness & gorgeous peonies, which made me smile. I love flowers!

Sigh, I miss my friends/family, as I can’t see them in person during the pandemic, so it’s all virtual now...a waiting game & a lesson of patience for me.

Tay: I use an app called Relax Melodies to layer sounds 🙂

Gambit: yum, I love hot cross buns! But more than that, I love the beautiful relationship you have with your parents, especially your Mum.

I feel your love, appreciation & respect for all the relationships in your life from your parents to your friends to your gorgeous partner. I think, in a way, you’re like to me as we both regularly/consistently make time for people we care about.

Excellent work on the full walk. I’m happy you’re getting fresh air & exercise.

Padfoot: well done on your song writing. I feel excited for you & the band, but I also know it’s a nerve racking process to try to get others to understand your artistic vision.
I hope you & Rhiannon are both doing well.

Paul: thank you so much for the bear hugs. I love hugs, so they are happily accepted, & here are some from me as well 🙂

I think sitting in the sun can make a big difference, & it helps to be in a beautiful city too. I love Melbourne; I think a lot of people do. It has a such a friendly, welcoming, vibrant, & artistic vibe there.

Thank you for all that you do on the forums for so many. You’re someone that I look up to, admire & respect.

Kindness and care to all,

Pepper

[Speak Your Truth]

Hello everyone. I am feeling so awful today. My stomach is churning and the loneliness of isolation is overwhelming me. Then I found myself feeling guilty because I do not have ‘that virus’

So my 30 seconds is putting on the calming app I listen to. It’s the ABC Kids Listen app. There are sections definitely only for kids, but it also has sections called ‘Dreamtime’ and ‘Lullabies’ - really lovely music that adults can enjoy as well. Sometimes I listen to it when I’m in bed before sleeping.

I also use lavender spray, that you can buy at Coles, Woolies or Chemist Warehouse - it really helps me go to sleep. I spray the air over the bottom half of my bed.

kind thought and hugs 🤗 to you all. Cala

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone,

After a morning of recording, I've got a good chunk of vocals recorded for my song. My recording session, however, was ended by my pop accidentally jump scaring me. So my recording area is right near the back door of my house and I had headphones about to record another section when I hear (from less than a meter away) my name called out. I felt myself physically jolt and my heart suddenly started beating really damn quick. I then took a break so I could get my head back. If anyone wants to hear a little sample of it so far then I'll post it on youtube or something :D. Anyway, that was my 30 seconds today.

Hope you all have a good day and stay safe and healthy.

from Padfoot

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well.

Not a lot to report from me over the last two days. I've continued recording my song on the computer. Lucky for me the computer is running WINDOWS XP so it takes ages to boot up the computer itself and just as long to launch audacity.

Although I have moved the computer to my room and figured out to make a recording booth. I've put the computer in the corner of the room where there is a built-in desk thing. So the mic and everything is on it, I've got my in-wall wardrobes right next to the desk so I've just opened the cupboard and draped my heavy and basically soundproof blanket over it. Then I take the mattress off the bed and put it up next to the door to make a little 'room' which I then drape another blanket from the top of the mattress to the cupboard above the desk and badda bing badda boom, I've got a relatively soundproof recording booth 😄

I guess that's my 30 seconds for the last few days, figuring out the recording booth and recording vocals for the song.

Anyway, I hope you all stay safe and healthy, you'll all be alright.

from Padfoot.