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 🙂

[Padfoot02]

Hi Tayla,

Yes I di have a band, we've learned two songs together but we're all good enough to start making our own music. Thank you for the concern about the panic attack, I'm only so light hearted about mine because they rarely happen. And the music I'm working on might actually be right up your ally XD. Its going to be a somewhat depressing album because that's about how my life's been pretty recently.

Luckily I have a whole room for my music stuff so I can just lock myself in there and focus on it for hours or even days at a time.

I hope you and anyone reading this has a good morning/afternoon/night.

From Padfoot.

[Guest_4643]

Hey Padfoot.

No worries at all, I'll always care and be here to support you.

The music sounds interesting, would be great to hear it!

I wish I learnt how to play instruments, I guess it's better late than never though. Glad that you have a space like that to get your mind off things.

Thanks, I hope you have a good day/morning/afternoon/night too, aswell as everyone else reading.

Tayla

[Guest_4643]

My 30 seconds of survival today was:

Walking down to the art show in town with Dad then walking home, so one of my daily walks. I went yesterday with Mum but I wanted to show Dad, I like all that stuff.

That's about it really. Not much, I know.

Tayla

[PhoebeWings]

A visit to an Art gallery/exhibition that I’m really drawn to, always dissolves a painful feeling or depressed mood for me.

Whilst I’m there, soaking it all in - I’m completely given to the experience.

Lovely that you went twice Tayla, taking both your parents 🙂

[PhoebeWings]

What do you know..... I’m sailing along feeling pretty good, grateful and appreciating life.

Then out of the blue, a couple of not insignificant things happened that tore at some old hurts - and my inner world shifted over a 24 hour period.

I remind myself that there will always be bad days, be patient.

Over the last few weeks, Ive been sitting with my feelings and it’s been good for me. - but the last 48 hours delivered dark darts of real pain.

So, my 30 seconds of survival was when a cheeky kookaburra landed on my porch just a few inches away from where I was sitting and my beautiful cat just stared and stared and the kookaburra brightly stood his ground. In the end, my cat walked back inside....stared out by a darn bird.

These creatures, what would we do without them? 🙂

[Guest_4643]

Hi Phoebe.

I'm the same as you, I love art stuff, aswell as crafts, wood work, metal work, so hands on things really.

I'm sorry that you're struggling, I am too a lot lately but reading threads like this helps a little aswell as the forums in general, walking daily, ect. It's not much I know but still.

Kookaburras are gorgeous, we have 6 we feed aswell as Magpies and other birds around so that makes me happy too, I love all animals. I'm glad that cheered you up.

I'm here for you and anyone if they need me, always.

Take care everyone.

Tayla

[Gambit87]

Hi everyone

I've had 2 30 second moments recently -

Had an amazing night with my taekwondo crew (dinner and pool) and I left there feeling warm, valued and refreshed(?) it was so nice to be around people that want to be around you.

Yesterday I went to sculptures by the sea in perth! Although im not a crowd person - I checked out all of the amazing art work people had created! Then I had a quiet beer at a great small bar. I feel as if im reconnecting with the things I like doing and learning to relax again.

[Guest_1643]

Hi all, hope you're having a good day.
I don't really have a calm moment today, I've been very stressed and shaky. I guess my calm moment is coming here, which feels non-judgemental and peaceful. I'm glad I have this place to go to, and an opportunity to check in here, as I don't get to do so very often. Wishing everyone a good week

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Think I've said this before, but mine's coming in here and seeing that amongst the pain, people are still trying, still sitting with it, still moving forward, still finding little bits of light. Makes me feel good, so thanks. Agree with you Sleepy, and best wishes to you too x

[Peppermintbach]

Hi wonderful people,

As always, an appreciative thank you for your gorgeous contributions, mutual support & insights.

Everyone is welcome to share their 30 seconds, give or take, of relief or respite here 🙂

Tayla: it’s lovely to see you here. I’m so glad that you’re finding the forums supportive.

The wetlands sound stunning! The kookaburra & fragrant eucalyptus must be quite the sight & scent. They sound soothing. Mindfulness indeed 😉

I hope you enjoyed the art show. I think it’s fantastic that you have such an interest in it. It’s people, like you, who attend the shows that help make it happen.

Padfoot: Congratulations on bravely asking the girl out, & getting a girlfriend. Your good news made me smile 🙂

I’m excited to hear that you’re making progress on your new album. It sounds like it’s really helping you I process & express some painful emotions. I’m sorry to hear about the panic attack though...

I loved Birds of Prey too! I loved the acting, cinematography & soundtrack.

Thank you for your very encouraging words. Your words, “...creativity needs as much time as possible” moved me.” I also love your drawing by the way!

Gambit: it sounds like you had a fantastic day enjoying the museum & town during your walk.

I love how you’re reconnecting with old interests, & making time for all those connections in your life. Your taekwondo team sounds like they really value your time & company, & that’s priceless.

Yes, I agree that sand sculptures can be pretty impressive!

Phoebe: it sounds as though you’ve been having a rough time. I think it can be very intense & disorienting when old pains resurface, but you seem to be taking it in your stride. Accepting both pleasant & less pleasant emotions...the ebb & flow...

I imagine maybe it took you a little by surprise, considering you’ve been in a fairly good headspace lately. So maybe the surprise factor added to the intensity of it all...

I think that was one brave & determined kookaburra. What a sight...the staring contest of kookaburra versus cat.

I think art shows can help transport people to another world. It can refocuse our lens on a different “reality”...

Sleepy: I feel saddened to hear that you’ve been struggling, but I’m glad you have this place to visit...a safe haven of sorts...

Thank you so much for the well wishes too 🙂

katyonthehamsterwheel: thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I loved how you said that you felt inspired by people still trying despite their pain...thank you

Pepper