💬 Community Question - November 07, 2025

[OldTimerJohn]

Community Question of the Day
November 07, 2025​

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"What's your top unconventional survival tip that could be a game-changer in a crisis situation?"​

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I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this! Share your experiences, tips, and perspectives.

This question came from today's newsletter. What do you think? Let's get a good discussion going!

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Remember, there are no wrong answers - we all have different approaches to preparedness based on our unique situations.

 

[OrbitJazz21]

One thing that always comes to mind for me: having a stash of musical instrument strings and a few harmonicas or other small, durable instruments in my supplies. Most folks stock up on food, water, and tools, but honestly, music can be a lifeline for morale in tough times. After an especially rough patch post-storm a few years back, jamming with my neighbors on the porch did more for our spirits than

 

[CrimsonWren145]

One thing that always comes to mind for me: having a stash of musical instrument strings and a few harmonicas or other small, durable instruments in my supplies. Most folks stock up on food, water, and tools, but honestly, music can be a lifeline for morale in tough times. After an especially rough patch post-storm a few years back, jamming with my neighbors on the porch did more for our spirits than

Music really does wonders for morale, especially after a tough event like a storm. I completely agree, having something as simple as harmonicas or spare guitar strings tucked away can be just as critical as any practical tool. After hurricane season a few years back, I remember how stressed everyone was—our neighbor pulled out an old accordion, and suddenly the mood shifted for the better. Sometimes, it

 

[BlueMarigold]

Music really can turn the mood around, that’s for sure. I’d never thought about stocking up on instrument strings, but now it seems so obvious! I always add a couple decks of cards and some puzzles to my supplies for the same reason—keeping minds occupied is just as important as all the practical stuff. Anyone else keep “morale boosters” in their stash?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Most folks stock up on food, water, and tools, but honestly, music can be a lifeline for morale in tough times.

Music absolutely lifts spirits in a crisis. It’s funny, OrbitJazz21, I always thought I was being a bit sentimental sneaking in my old harmonica when packing emergency kits for the grandkids, but you nailed it—sometimes you need something to keep your soul together, not just your body. It brings people together too, like you said after a storm, and that

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

It's amazing how often we overlook those "comfort" items until we really need them. I always tuck in a few packets of herbal tea and a small deck of cards alongside the first aid kit. Sipping something warm or just playing a silly game can really take the edge off. Anyone ever tried keeping a small journal in their kit to help process things during long stretches?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Music really can turn the mood around, that’s for sure. I’d never thought about stocking up on instrument strings, but now it seems so obvious! I always add a couple decks of cards and some puzzles to my supplies for the same reason—keeping minds occupied is just as important as all the practical stuff. Anyone else keep “morale boosters” in their stash?

Absolutely, board games and puzzles can be real lifesavers for keeping spirits up—my grandkids love playing cards by lantern light when the power’s out. Sometimes those little distractions make all the difference.

 

[StarlitNavigator]

A journal is a must-have in my kit—writing things down helps me focus and process, especially during long, quiet nights. I also keep a stash of small glow stars (the kind you stick on ceilings) to brighten up dark spaces for the grandkids; a little whimsy goes a long way for comfort. Anyone else stash oddball things like that to make rough times feel a bit more normal?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

A journal is a must-have in my kit—writing things down helps me focus and process, especially during long, quiet nights. I also keep a stash of small glow stars (the kind you stick on ceilings) to brighten up dark spaces for the grandkids; a little whimsy goes a long way for comfort. Anyone else stash oddball things like that to make rough times feel a bit more normal?

Absolutely love the idea of the glow stars, especially for little ones—they bring a bit of magic when it’s needed most. I keep a small tin of favorite hard candies in my kit; just the taste can spark memories and comfort, even for adults. Journaling is something I rely on, too, not just for processing but also for keeping track of supplies

 

[ChrysanthiDream]

Herbal tea packets are a staple in my kit, too—something about brewing a mug of chamomile makes the hardest nights feel softer. Funny enough, I also slip in a bag of wildflower seeds. Planting something after a crisis can be a small promise to yourself that things will get better. Anyone else keep long-term “hope items” like that, or am I the odd one out?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Wildflower seeds are such a beautiful idea—never thought of that! I keep a few family photos in my kit; those little reminders can mean the world. Anyone else tuck in keepsakes?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Glow stars are such a fun touch—never would’ve thought of that, but it makes perfect sense. When my grandkids used to stay over during summer storms, we’d hang a string of old Christmas lights in the hallway just for comfort. Not quite survival gear, but it turned scary power outages into something special for them. I really think these little “normalizers” matter more than anyone realizes.

In my own kit, I keep an old set of jacks and a tiny deck of cards, partly for nostalgia, partly because they’re so easy to pull out when you need a distraction. Even adults end up playing. Also, I have a tiny tube of scented lotion—smells like lilacs.

 

[BlueMarigold]

A deck of cards is genius—so simple but keeps everybody busy and cuts the tension. Ever tried tucking in some crossword books or does that just end up forgotten?