Preparing for the Harvest

Preparing for the Harvest

by | Aug 18, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Outdoor Adventures

Preparing for the Harvest

You have to love gardening. A lot of waiting and tender loving care, without the certainty that the results will be worth all the effort.

Will it be worth it? You might ask, putting yourself through the work necessary without any guarantee of reward? Initially, when we first plant our seeds, we just have to hope it will. After time goes by, suddenly out of nowhere, our tomato plants are laden with fruit.

Windsor is home to some of the world’s largest pumpkins. Magical things happen here.

In our monthly Maintaining Health series, we are witness to similar growth and change. No matter what stage of recovery people may be in, sometimes seeing what is possible provides us with the fuel and confidence we need to continue.

Fall is a great time to start sewing your seeds of change. A number of programs are about to start. Call us now to see what works best for you.

Warm thoughts,

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

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Balance, Friday's Inspiration, Mindfulness, Recovery, Relaxation

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

Trauma recovery is hard work.

Just because recovery is your focus does not mean that you don’t need down time.

It’s not only therapists who need vacations. Clients too need therapy breaks.

Taking time off work due to injury is not the same thing as a vacation. Doing the work to recover requires steady effort and focus. Other people might perceive time away from the job as time off or vacation. We know it’s far from that.

Just as we would take breaks to rest and recharge from our jobs, the same is true for trauma recovery.

How much time do you think would be healthy or helpful for you?

Please enjoy it, guilt free, and know that we are doing the same.

Warm thoughts,

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

Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

by | Aug 4, 2023 | Balance, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

We recently learned that many of our Landing Strong community members are rock hounds. I thought it was just me, wandering the beaches of Nova Scotia gleefully gathering prized specimens. It turns out, it’s a shared passion. We are united in the joy we glean from finding beauty in our craggy shores.

Is there something simple and beautiful that helps you keep your thoughts in the moment?

– Appreciating the afterglow of a sunset as the pink hue reflects on water.
– Enjoying a cool iced tea on a hot day.
– Hearing the sound of waves crashing on a long expanse of sandy beach.

It’s often the simple things that ground us. Rather than actively working to problem solve the future, or process the past, these activities hold our attention, actively engaging us in the present. There is something calming about going out in the world with the sole intention of nothing bigger than finding the next great rock.

Warm thoughts,

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

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

by | Jul 28, 2023 | Challenge, Community, Courage, Grief, Love, Support

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

We join you this afternoon with an acknowledgement of the hardship and loss faced by the people in our community, expressing thanks to the first responders who put themselves at risk assisting those who were trapped by flood waters.

We feel gratitude for those who are safe, and want to express our sympathy and support for those who have endured unimaginable hardship. Our hearts are with you.

In such challenging times, it is important to acknowledge the valiant efforts of the Brooklyn Fire Department, in addition to all other emergency, hydro, and road repair crews who worked around the clock to restore safety and order.

If you were part of this emergency response and are struggling, please feel free to reach out and give us a call. Know that we are here for you.

Warm thoughts,

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

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Thankful for partners who pick us up

by | Jul 21, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Love

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Tomorrow is a big day for me. Friends and family are flying in from across Canada to witness the marriage of my son Kyle to his beautiful bride Kaitlin. What a pleasure it will be to celebrate the joy of two happy young people who form such a strong partnership. This is the beginning of the next stage of their journey together.

I can’t help but reflect on the role of partners, spouses and friends in being witness to our lives, celebrating the good moments as well as offering support and lifting our spirits when it may be needed.

In group, we perform a similar function for one another, celebrating the wins, commiserating with challenges, and ensuring no one is walking alone.

I wanted the opportunity to share my joy with you, just as you so often share your life’s important moments with us.

Warm thoughts,

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