Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

by | Oct 3, 2025 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Recovery, Virtual Community

Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

Those of you who know me know that I have a passion for adventure…and climbing mountains. I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro three times, and this year, I’m preparing to climb it for the fourth. But this time, it won’t just be my journey; I want to take four Landing Strong community members with me.

The mountain has taught me many lessons, but perhaps the most important one is this: the summit isn’t the point. The real transformation happens long before you reach the peak. It happens in the training.

Climbing a mountain is not simply about fitness. It’s about shifting how we see ourselves; learning to let go of the limiting beliefs that whisper we’re not strong enough, not resilient enough, not ready.

The first time I prepared for Kilimanjaro, I didn’t actually climb it. My role was to lead the community service portion of the trip. Yet the months of preparation changed me. My husband and daughter summited that year. I remember watching my 12 year old daughter’s strength and determination. After they completed the climb, she told me I was capable, even when I didn’t fully believe it myself. And she was right. Sometimes we need someone else to hold the vision of who we might become until we are ready to see it ourselves.

So I offer you this question: which mountain do you want to climb this year?
Maybe it’s Kilimanjaro. Maybe it’s something closer to home. The climb might be a literal peak or a personal one. What matters is that you choose to begin, and that you’re willing to train; not just your body, but your heart, mind, and spirit.

This March, we will travel to Tanzania. Together we’ll spend a week on safari, a week doing community service, and a week on Mount Kilimanjaro. Our community service project this year is close to my heart: building a girls’ dormitory so that young women can safely pursue their high school education. The training begins soon, and it will require commitment, consistency, and courage.

This journey is led by my husband Joe Seagram, in partnership with King’s Edgehill School and Summits Africa.  It is alcohol-free, smoke-free and cannabis-free (cannabis is not legal in Tanzania). Because we will be traveling with King’s-Edgehill School, we’ll be in the company of incredible high school students.

Here’s how you can join us:

  • If you’re interested in being one of the four Landing Strong community members making the climb, please reach out to us directly at info@landingstrong.com
  • If you’d like to be part of the virtual training program and train alongside us from home, keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending details very soon.

The summit may be a breathtaking moment—but it is not the goal. The goal is to discover what we are capable of along the way.

So I ask you again: which mountain do you want to climb?

Warmly,

 

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

When freedom meets responsibility

When freedom meets responsibility

by | Aug 22, 2025 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Compassion, Courage, Wellbeing, Wisdom

When Freedom Meets Responsibility

I’ve always found my deepest sense of calm in the woods; it’s my sanctuary. So when the recent restrictions came into effect, limiting access to forested trails, I felt a surge of frustration. It seemed unnecessary, even intrusive, as though a small but important freedom was being taken from me.

A few days ago, while walking the Blockhouse Loop I spotted a man standing over dry grass, cigarette in hand. Ashes dropped onto the tinder-dry vegetation at his feet. I felt a spike of alarm. I approached him gently, asking him to move to the paved area, pointing out the risk of fire and our shared responsibility to take extra care. He laughed, smiled, and thankfully, complied.

It was after this moment that my perspective shifted. Common sense I realized, isn’t always common. Sometimes restrictions exist because not everyone takes precautions on their own. Rather than being resentful I now hold deep respect for those tasked with maintaining safety for all.

My gratitude extends too, to the first responders working tirelessly to contain the wildfires sweeping our provinces. The few hours of smoke we inhaled last Saturday were but the faintest hint of what they endure daily.

Freedom I’ve learned isn’t only about what I want. It’s about choosing care for the greater good.

We’re currently filling two great group programs, and fall is the perfect time to join us.  We have Identity & Transition coming up on Fridays September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17.  We also are loading up our popular Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program September 9th, 16th, 23rd, October 2nd (Thursday), 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th. (945am to noon)
Optional 3-hour retreat Nov 4th. (9 to noon)

Contact Julie to learn more and to get on the list! 902-472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com 

 

Warmly,

 

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Finding our way together

Finding our way together

by | Aug 15, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Community, Growth, Leadership, Support, Wisdom

Finding our way together

The other day was incredibly hot. Joe was out of town, so I found myself in charge of our three dogs. Normally, on days like this, we’d head to Grey Mountain to let them cool off in the river.

“I can do this,” I thought to myself, even though I have absolutely zero sense of direction.

We made our way up the mountain, and just as we started, the sky opened into a sudden, freak thunderstorm. The first part of the trail went smoothly, and feeling braver than usual, I decided to try a second loop.

Big mistake.

Within minutes, I was turned around, completely soaked, and had no idea where I was. After ninety minutes wandering in rain-drenched clothes, with poor 13-year-old Nara struggling to keep up, I began imagining what I might need to do if we were stuck out there overnight.

Then, by sheer luck, a chance turn brought me back to the right road, and there was my car, appearing from the opposite direction than I’d expected. Relief washed over me.

Reflecting back, it struck me how tempting it is to tell ourselves we can handle things alone. And often, we can. But that doesn’t always mean it’s the wisest, or kindest choice.

Trauma recovery isn’t so different. Just because you can try to navigate it by yourself doesn’t mean you should.

There’s strength in reaching out. In choosing to walk the trail alongside others who understand the twists and turns.

At Landing Strong, that’s exactly what we’re here for: to help you find your way, even when the path feels unclear.

You don’t have to do it alone. And truly, you were never meant to.

Warmly,

 

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Rooted together

Rooted together

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Community, Compassion, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Our Team, Support, Wisdom

Rooted together

Sometimes it can feel like there isn’t much solid ground beneath us. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling shaky and unsure of our footing. But the truth is, we’re often more grounded than we realize.

Like the trees that weather even the fiercest storms, we’re hardwired for resilience. It’s in our nature.

At Landing Strong, we chose our name intentionally. A single tree standing alone is vulnerable to the elements. But a stand of trees? Together, they shelter and protect each other, buffering against adversity. It’s the strength of connection that makes the difference.

So, ask yourself: Are you standing alone right now?

We’d love for you to join us. In fact, we’re quite literally climbing trees together! Our second annual Family Day at Ontree Adventure Park is just around the corner, followed by a shared lunch at Bent Ridge.

Come be part of the forest. Find shelter, strength, and a little adventure with us!   

Please contact Julie to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972. 

 

Warmly,

 

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

The wisdom of knowing when to unplug

The wisdom of knowing when to unplug

by | Aug 1, 2025 | Balance, Growth, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Self-Care, Wisdom

The wisdom of knowing when to unplug


Finding peace doesn’t always come easily. The world is noisy; full of opinions, obligations, and information overload. Shutting it out, even briefly, takes effort. It’s not passive. It’s a practice.

Even my new 9-week-old granddaughter Evelyn seems to sense this. When she’s had enough, she simply closes her eyes, shutting out the world. It’s remarkable, really. Long before she has words, she knows how to take space.

Lately, her parents have been test-driving a pair of sound-reducing headphones in preparation of an upcoming social gathering.  They want to make sure she is not overwhelmed by the noise. 

It makes me wonder: when do we give ourselves permission to unplug? Do we wait until we’re overwhelmed? Until irritability, fatigue, or sadness push us into retreat? Or can we begin noticing the signals earlier; the tightness in our chest, the mind that won’t stop spinning?

At Landing Strong, we often talk about learning to listen inward. The goal isn’t to escape life, but to create rhythms that allow us to stay grounded within it. That might mean a walk without your phone, a moment of stillness before the next conversation, or simply breathing before you respond. The challenge isn’t knowing we need peace. It’s allowing ourselves to seek it before we reach our limit.

Take a page from Evelyn’s book. When the world gets too loud, you’re allowed to soften your gaze, put on your metaphorical earphones, and rest.

It’s not too early to sign up for our Community Connections program Monday August 11th.  Shawn from New Scotland Fly Rods will be guiding us on a fly-fishing excursion!  Spaces are limited.

Please contact us to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972


Warmly,

 

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong