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]

Lovely Birdy,

I will write more fully later - right now I have to attend to an errand.

But.....can I just say that my heart is pumping big time and I can tell this beautiful piece of writing is going to gift me again and again.

Thank you... ❤️❤️❤️

Will come back later - can’t wait to search out this lovely writer and the full poem XXX

[Peppermintbach]

Hi wonderful people,

Padfoot: Thank you so much again for the encouraging words. You’re very thoughtful, & I appreciate it

That is indeed bittersweet news. But still, congratulations on your pending, & long overdue, rise in ranks. I’m very pleased for you 🙂

Some extra cash & being able to do something you love is wonderful. I hope your friend has an incredible 18th that is forever remembered.

Laughs, I just want to be able to leave home whenever I want, & regularly see my friends & family again 😉

Alas, social distancing is what we are all meant to be doing...I’m not happy about it, but I’m sticking to it...not much I can do about it right now...thanks again though...

Tayla: yes, feeling valued & cared for is a basic human need. I’m so glad your psychiatrist seems to have your best interest at heart, & is so supportive:)

Hopefully your script is filled soon, & that there aren’t further delays...

Phoebe: Thank you very much for the supportive words, & it makes me happy that you’re getting something out of this thread. Yes, I was moved by Padfoot’s caring 🙂

What a special moment you shared with us. Thank you...

I think you & birdy have something in common. I sense a certain connection...a mutual understanding of sorts....

I think it’s a lovely, gentle goal to share your worldview with more people. It’s inspiring that you appreciate the small (but great) wonders of the world.

I’m surprised, but touched that you plan to share the 30 seconds concept. Thank you...that made me smile

Lovely birdy: that poem is very beautiful. It’s also very “you”...

I’m always slightly baffled when people say they remember something that I’ve said or my threads. I think it’s because I have a conflicted relationship with words...nevertheless, I’m moved that you thought of this thread 🙂

That poem has a soft gentleness about it. It envelopes you in a feeling of comfort & hope at the end. Beautiful...

Thank you so much for sharing that with Phoebe & everyone else here xoxox

Kindness and care to all,

Pepper

[Padfoot02]

Hi Everyone. I hope you're all doing well. If you aren't, then tell me about what's wrong. I'm all eyes.

My slightly more than 30 seconds today is going to be the two-hour-long study I have at school today AND hanging out with Rhiannon after school. Hopefully, it's some relief for her as well because she might be getting fired from her job which isn't great. I've also got about 200 more songs to dump onto the iPod which is gonna be time-consuming and monotonous. woohoo. The party should be great though, I asked him if I can bring Rhiannon with me and he said that it's fine. As I'm typing this I'm sitting in math trying to not bang my head against the wall. I'm planning on doing a collaboration on Instagram with another guitarist to cover a green day song which is at least something to look forward to.

Anyway, I hope you all stay safe and healthy during these times of unnecessary panic. It will all blow over eventually.

from Padfoot

[quirkywords]

Pepper thanks for all your summaries on this thread and all your contributions on the forum. They are appreciated.

Yesterday was a hard day but I finally got in and had a shower around noon and then did not want to get out!!

Only a small thing that seems harder now I have no routine.

est wishes to all who are struggling.

Quirky

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds recently was having a beer with one of my poker friends.

I was walking past a bar on my way to the train station to go home, I heard someone say my name I turned around and saw one of the guys I play poker with and he just said 'have a beer with me'.

My first instinct was to say no (for no particular reason) but I thought - theres no reason for me to say no and its ok to have a drink, so I did.

It was so nice to just chat about random things.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

An appreciative thank you for your contributions 🙂

I love reading about your latest moments of peace, respite & relief.

Padfoot: I’m very sorry to hear that Rhiannon might lose her job. That must be so upsetting for her...

200 songs does sound rather tedious. The whole process must feel so monotonous. I bet you can’t wait till it’s done.

Oh yes, I’m not that keen on maths either (laughs). It was something that I’ve been particularly interested in, so I empathise with your frustrations...

I hope your music collaboration goes well though. That’s pretty exciting!

Also, thank you for the well wishes. I like your kindness...

Quirky: thank you so much for the encouragement 🙂 It made me smile.

Thank you for always being so supportive, & generously sharing your thoughts & experiences...

Yesterday sounds very rough, & the lack of routine must make things that much harder. So I think it’s an inspiring achievement that you showered. Well done 🙂

Besides, I think it all starts with small steps anyway. In many ways, small things make up most of our lives...

Gambit: yes, the joy of friendship...I’m so happy that you bumped into your friend.

Being able to spend time & talk to friends really is a gift. It sounds as though your conversation flowed easily and naturally....

Me: Today, I almost cried in relief when I ventured out for groceries (& wandered into a few other places seeing as I was out anyway). It was nice, even though I had to keep at least 1.5m distance from everyone, or as much as I could as it wasn’t always practical or easy...

I had been feeling increasingly claustrophobic at home (social distancing). After a few hours out, I felt calmer, grounded & more like myself...

I also felt much more inspired. As I was in a calmer headspace, & feeling less trapped/claustrophobic, I felt the desire to create return.

So I think my moment of relief today was that I felt more like myself, & that the urge to do something artistic finally started to return 🙂

Thank you for reading...

Kindness and care to all...

Pepper

[Gambit87]

Hi Pepper!

I'm glad you felt better after getting out and about!

Thats going to be my biggest issue I think if im forced to work from home or have to go into lockdown/quarantine. I'll be able to get through it though, it will only be temporary.

I hope you have a good day

[Guest_1643]

Hi Pepper and Gambit!

Good to hear some positive moments you found during these crazy times! It does feel so so much better to keep connected. I must admit I push myself to go out even though I have fear of what's happening. Today was stressful but yesterday I enjoyed sitting in a new armchair I purcased for my place, and looking out the window. I like how I can create little spaces of calm in my apartment, and hope to buy more nice things for myself over this time. Plants, cushions, whatever. If I'm goign to be home I'm going to look at soothing and pretty things!

[Guest_4643]

My 30 seconds today was getting my meds sorted, my Psychiatrist faxed them to the Pharmacy since no one else wants to help me (god knows why).

& colouring in, & going for a long walk with my Dog.

Tayla

[Guest_1643]

I think this is my favoruite thread, i can't cope with the idea of whole days - but 30 seconds can be beautiful.