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]

My 30 seconds turned into over 60 minutes.

My lovely son and I chatted via FaceTime. We text mostly every other day, but it was great just seeing each other, he in the UK and me here... both lying on our beds yakking and putting to rights the world cos we’re Soooo wise 😆

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

Thanks so much for keeping this thread going. It’s moving to see so many people share their moments of relief, insight, & reflections 🙂

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

Phoebe: I hope you found some peace & satisfaction in your recent painting. But I feel saddened by how deeply you are obviously missing loved ones. I can empathise with those feelings...

What a beautiful & precious moment you shared with your son via FaceTime though. It must been such a cherished 60 minutes of conversation & bonding.

The seed packet mix clearly brought you such delight & gratitude. Thank you for sharing that moment too...

Gambit: watching the ducks & Willy wagtails sounds so peaceful

I think it’s heartwarming that you’re connecting with people, both your friend & the local cafe owner. Meaningful connections are important.

I smiled to read that you did some laundry. I think freshly washed clothes & sheets is really lovely.

Padfoot: congratulations on your recent 2 month anniversary with Rhiannon. How very, very special.

Also, it sounds like your chemistry lessons are going well, despite a recent mishap. Nice work overall though! I’m sorry about your foot though. It sounds very painful.

I think it’s inspiring how you throw yourself into your creative passions, especially your song writing. Your drawing sounds like it turned out really well!

Your thoughts about your band being a lifeline to your drummer moved me. I think that’s the power of the arts, whether it’s music, painting, drawing, poetry, dance, theatre, etc.

I understand that. Creativity has kept me going during lockdown when I haven’t been able to access my usual emotional supports or felt let down by people. I have been throwing myself into art recently. It’s my most reliable friend 🙂

Quirky: well done on your persistence. I admire how you stuck it out & committed to the task at hand. What an accomplishment!

Felix: your cat is clearly a very loyal & treasured friend to you. There must be so much comfort & reassurance to wake up with your beautiful cat by your side.

kindness & care to all,

Pepper

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone😁

I hope you’re all doing well.

My 30 seconds today was reading the messages from Pepper and Aunty Phoebe (You kind of did that to yourself). It was also having a practice of one of my hsc performances in music today. I did Holiday by Green Day. Because of social distancing rules I’ve had to adapt to have backing tracks for most of my songs but oh well. I took my guitar Billie so I could play something I prefer to play instead of school guitars, it was good because I actually wasn’t too harshly judged because of it. I’ve got stickers all over it, it’s what I lovingly refer to as my punk rock machine.

Thank you pepper for your words, I’m glad to hear you’re embracing your creativity during these times

And thanks Aunty Phoebe, I’m enjoying songwriting. If you noticed I talked about the drummer of my band, well she’s working on songs as well. She can’t play guitar so she does the one string random stuff but that’s why we have a band. So I can write the guitar and bass, she does the drums. The girl on bass (one of our friends) doesn’t actually play bass but she’s willing to learn any parts I write for her. But we’re all kinda good at lyrics so yeh.

Anyhoo, stay safe and healthy as always

from Padfoot

[PhoebeWings]

“Aunty Phoebe (You kind of did that to yourself).”

Ahhh, you’re funny 😉

Here’s a present. A pair of sensible socks and a pack of cosy vests.

👍

[Padfoot02]

Well what can I say, I hide pain with comedy xD

It is nice to have a female "parental" figure tho, even if it's over the internet 😄

[quirkywords]

My 30 secs is very simple today, I have a tendency to get mad at myself. Accidentally I broke a glass bowl and it was my only one. I just swept in up and dint let my inner critic call me names.

only small but it helped.

[PhoebeWings]

@Quirky

Ouuuuucccchhh!

[Gambit87]

I am really struggling right now.

my 30 seconds yesterday was looking at the amazing sunset! such beautiful colouring. I felt a hint of relaxation the mind felt free for a little while.

[Padfoot02]

Hey people.

My 30 seconds today is playing my switch with my friend at lunch. I'm also working on a drawing for my friend's 18th birthday because I couldn't buy her anything so yeh.

Not much new to report other than the fact my school goes back to normal next week and I get tomorrow off which is great.

Anyhoo, stay safe and warm and I hope to hear from you again.

from Padfoot

[Gambit87]

my 30 seconds yesterday was speaking to my psychologist.

I was feeling all over the place, I called the clinic and my psychologist was booked out but she fitted me in at the end of her day.

i feel so blessed.