A few years ago I purchased a magic lamp for our Christmas table.
I loved it so much that I began bringing it out at the beginning of the month and illuminating the kitchen each night as we gathered for a meal.
It also proves to be handy for power outages, bringing a sense of wonder to what otherwise could be a cold evening.
My colleague Deb Eaton was so moved by it’s magical glow, swirling snow and vibrant red cardinals that she too had to have one. She shares that on cold days it makes her feel warm inside, bringing back memories of yesteryear. Deb bought a second one for her mother, as I did last year for my father.
I should really think about buying shares in the company given that such a simple item can bring such immense joy.
Itâs a true gift to find joy in small packages and unexpected places. Do you have any items that do the same for you?
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Itâs January, a perfect time for new beginnings.
In a world brimming with constant activity and incessant stimuli, our living spaces often mirror the chaos we might experience in daily life. Clutter accumulates, objects pile up, and our surroundings can become overwhelming.
The act of purging goes beyond mere decluttering; it’s a transformative process that transcends the physical realm. It involves sifting through belongings, evaluating their significance, and intentionally parting ways with items that no longer serve a purpose or bring genuine joy.
Like the Tasmanian Devil, I am whirling around our home donating or chucking out items that no longer serve us. My goal is to rid our home of one bag per day. Joe is not quite sure what is going on. To be fair, I may not have given him the heads up, but by osmosis he canât help but jump on the decluttering train.
Instead of winter darkness, I’m fuelled by internal light. One small piece at a time, one day at a time, I vow to emerge from my clutter, making room for what matters most.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This month has been a bit challenging for me. My fatherâs health is declining, and as a result, Iâve made a few extra trips to Toronto in recent weeks.
On the last flight to Toronto, I wasnât feeling particularly chatty. I sat beside a polished young woman. She was well-coiffed, armed in high heels, a white designer bag and immaculate make-up.
She didnât make much eye contact, so I took it as my cue that we wouldnât chat. I developed an internal story about who she might be based on her appearance. As we got up to leave, she stood and with her perfectly manicured hands passed me my bag from the overhead compartment, even though she did not have one of her own.
This thoughtful gesture prompted me to revise my initial appraisal of her. We chatted as we stood in line for our bags, and I learned that she holds a doctoral degree in genetic engineering and is dedicating her life working to develop drugs to cure hereditary illnesses. She was passionate, thoughtful, and inspired. My superficial impression proved to be very wrong.
This brief interaction encouraged me to be more open to the idea of getting to know people before judging them.
On the flight home, I felt exhausted, after five days in the hospital at my fatherâs bedside. An elderly woman, was sitting beside me, scribbling furiously into a journal. Her notes were organized and meticulous. Remembering my earlier vow, I threw her a line, asking if she was a writer. It turns out she holds a masterâs degree in divinity and has spent the latter part of her life on a spiritual quest.
The next three hours proved to be a fulsome conversation around topics of Buddhism, consciousness, spirituality, quantum physics and mysticism. She writes under the penname Augusta. The conversation was good enough that I ordered two of her books. I left the plane feeling grounded, calm and appreciative.
I am grateful to the universe for sending both women my way. I wonder how often people of potential importance in our lives are sent to us, but we miss the opportunity to benefit from them because we are closed off or not looking.
I am renewed in my commitment to being open and receptive to what the universe has to offer. I hope you will do the same.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Over the holidays I had the chance to spend time with family and friends. One young fellow, Ewan, captured my heart.
No matter what we did, Ewan was filled with excitement, fully enjoying the wonder of each moment as it unfolded.
âThis was the best day EVER!â he exclaimed after jumping from the wood-fired sauna into the ice-cold lake.
âI canât believe I got to chop down my first tree!â he shouted gleefully as the tree hit the ground.
Even when collecting rocks, he did not complain under the burden of the large, heavy bag he was carrying. His only utterance was âItâs so much better with you helping me carry the load.”
At the tender age of ten, Ewan understands that there are some burdens too big to shoulder alone. This is a truth that we somehow often lose sight of once we hit adulthood.
Having more people does indeed lighten the load. Our group programs exist for this very reason, to make sure no one walks alone. When weâre in good company the load we carry inevitably becomes easier to shoulder.
What better way can there be to start the new year than to join a community of people that understand.
If you have not yet signed up for our January program, Emotions Management, there are still a few spots available. If youâve already completed it, we look forward to seeing you at our monthly Maintaining Health program on January 18th.
Happy New Year!
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Last week, while Christmas shopping, I spied something special in the pet aisle. A cute stuffed possum.
I hadnât decided which dog would get it, but snuck it upstairs once I got home, hiding it carefully in a bag in the corner of my bedroom, just as I would when hiding gifts for children.
Two days later, I spied the possum downstairs on the kitchen counter.
âWhat is this?â I wondered picking it up. The fur was matted and hard, a sign it had been heavily slobbered on and well enjoyed.
âDid you give the dogs the toy?â I asked Joe.
âNo,â he replied shaking his head, âI thought you must have.â
The four canines stared at me, blinking innocently. I hid the possum behind my back and slowly edged my way out of the kitchen. The dogs tracked my every move, their bodies twitching with anticipation.
It was then that I spotted the chewed-up packaging for the toy, hidden under the table. I placed the possum down momentarily and was suddenly overwhelmed by a tangle of dogs fighting over the coveted critter.
My four children have grown up and left the home, only to be replaced by four others.
How are your pets behaving this season? Naughty or nice?
Iâm half tempted to give mine lumps of coal.
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
