Sitting with ourselves

Sitting with ourselves

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, Wisdom

Sitting with ourselves

I stumbled across this serene spot on the Acacia Valley trail near Digby.

It called out, inviting me to sit and enjoy the quiet stillness that exists both outside and within.

How often do we make this time for ourselves? Is there a spot around you where you can enjoy such moments? Can you allow yourself time to write a thought, take a photo, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you?

It’s easy to busy ourselves with the demands of life, and sitting with ourselves isn’t always easy. Whether you do it alone, or in the company of trusted others, consider pressing the pause button and savoring the moment.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Taking that first step

Taking that first step

by | Aug 23, 2024 | Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Growth

Taking that first step

I’m so excited!

Yes, it’s Friday, but that’s not the reason. Monday is our big Landing Strong OnTree adventure followed by a pizza-lunch party at Bent Ridge.

Jen Whalen has been coordinating this event. Wanting to be a strong lead, she’s been practicing for the big day by scaling buildings in Halifax.

When I asked her about this training regimen she shared that the hardest part was taking the first step. Once she got started, it wasn’t difficult and the feelings of fear transformed into exhilaration and excitement.

To tackle these high buildings, she followed these critical steps:
1) Convince herself that the harness was safe; trusting those around her to support her.
2) Believe in the possibility that she could do it.
3) Manage her breathing to calm her body, even when her adrenalin was pumping.

I love Jen’s description because it’s very much like the decision-making process for entering a new program. It just takes that first step. Once you’re there, things quickly get easier. No harness required.

We’re loading up for our Identity and Transition group which starts September 20th. Our half-day Community Connection Program will be meeting every second week starting this Monday. Our next Maintaining Health session is September 19th. Come be part of the fun!

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, joy, Wisdom

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Mavillette Beach is one of my favourite places in the province.

At low tide the expansive sand is vast, the water’s edge almost out of sight from the steps that lead down to the beach.

Every day I try to plan a mini-adventure. Something small that connects me with nature and brings me joy. Whether it be a swim, a forest walk, or running my toes through tidal waters as they work their way across the warm sand. These are the simple things that enrich our lives.

Is there somewhere you go to regularly that allows you to appreciate the beauty of our province? What are the senses that you experience there, that refresh your soul? Are you able to get out and enjoy the aspects of summer that are accessible to you?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

How are you colouring your world?

How are you colouring your world?

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Forgiveness, Friday Inspiration, Mindfulness, Resilience, Wisdom

How are you colouring your world?

While walking home from work the other day, this beautiful sight caught my eye. Some people might see a sidewalk. For this little girl, it was a canvas waiting to be painted.

Our thoughts really do become our reality. They shape our world.

If I wake up in the morning fearful of the bad things that might happen in my day, I’m surely going to selectively attend to the unpleasant aspects of life. If on the other hand, I wake up thinking of the world in technicolor, this too, can pave my reality as the day unfolds. The day begins before we get out of bed. It often starts the night before, by the way we put ourselves to sleep.

What loving practices, self-care routines, or aspirations do you build on to set yourself up for a colourful day of abundance?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Houston, we have a problem

Houston, we have a problem

by | Aug 2, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Forgiveness, Friday Inspiration, Mindfulness, Resilience, Wisdom

Houston, we have a problem.

I have a problem. It’s a Canada Goose problem.

Don’t get me wrong, I love our iconic Canadian feathered friends, but I don’t love their poop.

Despite my best efforts, the lawn at our lake house is covered with their dark tarry mess. I bought an owl, designed to scare them away. It seems this plan backfired. This owl soon became their best friend. I come home from work only to find the geese nestled lovingly beside her, their numbers growing with each passing day.

Many people are hesitant to join our programs, thinking they may, like the owl, scare others off. Perhaps there’s a fear of not fitting in. Newcomers to Landing Strong frequently report how quickly they felt at ease and settled into our group programs.

Once you arrive, you too may quickly learn that birds of a feather, flock together. We may look different, but underneath it all, our shared experiences unite us.

We’re currently enrolling for our Identity & Transition program, as well as our brand new Community Connection program.

As always, our monthly Maintaining Health series is open to all members of our community.

Warm thoughts,

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