Beauty is a form of resistance

Beauty is a form of resistance

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Creativity, Gratitude

Beauty is a form of resistance  

 

The world feels heavy lately.

It’s easy to get swept up in the noise: the grief, injustice, and constant stream of bad news. As people who care deeply, we want to stay aware. But there’s a difference between being informed and being overwhelmed. And when we lose our footing, it becomes harder to show up for others in the way we want to.


A recent walk through a waterfowl park in Sackville N.B. reminded me of this. The world hadn’t changed, but something within me had. The air was quiet. A heron skimmed the water. Blackbirds rose from the reeds in a flurry of wings and song. For a moment, I was still. And I remembered: beauty heals.


At Landing Strong, we often speak about the importance of grounding. That process doesn’t always come from deep internal work. Sometimes, it starts with stepping outside, softening our gaze, and noticing what’s good. The natural world has a way of reminding us that peace is possible, even when things feel chaotic.


Seeking out beauty isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. It reminds us of what’s worth holding onto. It helps us breathe more deeply, listen more fully, and lead with compassion instead of reactivity.


So, if the world feels too loud today, go outside. Notice the breeze. Watch the trees move. Find something beautiful, however small, and let it anchor you. The steadier we are within ourselves, the better we are for others.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Celebrating our Community

Celebrating our Community

by | Jun 20, 2025 | Community, Courage, Creativity, Gratitude, Recovery, Self-Awareness

Celebrating our Community 

 

How do we possibly begin to tell you how wonderful the Artisanal Fair was?

Last Friday we held an event to celebrate our Landing Strong community.  The celebration began by highlighting the community contribution of our Landing Strong members, as they were awarded coins for their efforts in making our world a safer place.  

Serenaded by veteran and first responder musicians, we enjoyed Chef Randi’s delectable treats as we toured eighteen tables that formed our Artisanal Fair.  

Reading the Artist’s Statements, and viewing their creative works, it was impossible not to see the beautiful forms that recovery can take.  

The event created a feeling, that is difficult to explain through words.  Instead, we are sharing a photos and clips of music so that you can appreciate just how special the day really was. 

A big shout out to all those who made this day a resounding success.  Whether you were an exhibitor, a greeter, a planner, or assisted with setup and take down, it was a fantastic, combined effort.   

We appreciate each and every one of you. 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Apple or booty?

Apple or booty?

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Growth, Recovery, Resilience, Self-Awareness

Apple or booty?

Is it just me, or does this apple look like someone’s backside?

Sometimes, things don’t always look the way we expect. It can all be a matter of perspective.

When people think of PTSD they may imagine forlorn faces, anxiety and isolation. Yes, it sometimes looks like that, but anyone that comes to our programs knows that recovery often takes the form of connection, laughter, creativity and hope.

How many times have I heard raucous laughter erupting from the group room, or witnessed people proudly showing off their creations at Maker’s Studio?

It may feel like the best way to stay safe is to stay at home, but we know from experience that the opposite is true.

We look forward to seeing you Friday June 13th for our Recognition Celebration, and first-ever Artisanal Fair. Come enjoy the creative talents of our Landing Strong community. We hope you will join us.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Big things are just around the corner

Big things are just around the corner

by | Jun 6, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Courage, Creativity, Growth, joy

Big things are just around the corner

I know it’s coming, do you?

In previous years the staff at Landing Strong put on our annual Recognition Celebration. It’s a time where we pause to recognize the contribution to community of our Landing Strong members, as well as their efforts made to restore health.

This year the celebration is taking a different form. We are excited to be hosting the celebration in conjunction with our first ever Artisanal Fair.

This offers an opportunity for veterans and first responders to showcase their creative works, often symbolic of their journeys of recovery.

Our first organizational meeting was met with 17 enthusiastic members, eager to participate to ensure this event is a success.

Many of you have already signed up, don’t worry, we have an artist’s table reserved for you.

On a personal note, I’m excited for the formal launch of two books.
Summiting your PTSD Mountain: Lessons from Kilimanjaro and Standing Strong a workbook for Veterans and First Responders Navigating the Stress of Service. Free copies of both will be available to those who attend!

This event is open to the public from 3:30-5:00 pm. For members of our Landing Strong community, you are invited to arrive at 1:45pm, for our private Recognition Celebration that begins at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of admission we are accepting non-perishable donations to the Matthew 25 food bank.

Please help us spread the word! We hope to see you there!

 

Warmly,

 

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

Are you taking time for you?

Are you taking time for you?

by | May 30, 2025 | Balance, Challenge, Mindfulness, Recovery

Are you taking time for you?

Often people think of recovery as an active process…which it is. Equally important though, is allowing ourselves time to rest and recover. Many people will say they feel guilty when they’re not working or doing something productive. I would argue that being unproductive, at times, is essential.

I have a little trick I do with myself to determine if I’ve rested enough. When relaxed, I can assemble jigsaw puzzles quite quickly. When stressed or my mind is racing, my thoughts are too disorganized to see the natural pattern before me.

How do you gauge when you’ve rested enough?

How do you know if it’s time to work or play?

We’re only good to others to the extent that we’re good to ourselves. Having healthy pastimes and leisure pursuits is an important component of recovery.

We have two opportunities to engage in healthy pastimes with us next month. We have Community Connections coming up June 9th and Maintaining Health coming up June 19th.

Contact Julie to sign up. 902472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com We hope to see you soon.

 

Warmly,

 

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