Do your actions reflect your values?

Do your actions reflect your values?

by | May 10, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Communication, Community, Creativity

Do your actions reflect your values?

I recently made the effort to visit an old friend who is near and dear to my heart. I knew her from a previous life, and we both had intentions of staying in touch. But you know how it goes…weeks turn into months which somehow turn into years. The visit was wonderful, and we picked up right where we left off. I left feeling grounded, happy and inspired.

Do you have someone in your life who has somehow made their way unintentionally into your rearview mirror? If so, I encourage you to drop them a line, reminding them what they mean to you.

Our actions do reflect our intentions. This is very much the theme of our upcoming Healthy Living program which allows an opportunity for participants to examine habits, try new skills and develop new hobbies. Mornings are spent at Landing Strong. After enjoying lunch together, we go as a group to Windsor Maker’s Studio for an opportunity to develop our artistic skills (e.g., pottery, woodworking, painting, drawing, glasswork).

Is the life you are leading reflective of the values and people you hold most dear?

Come get involved with us…you may be surprised by how much fun you have.

Warm thoughts,

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

 

 

Do your actions reflect your values?

Do your actions reflect your values?

by | May 10, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Creativity, Growth, Recovery

Do your actions reflect your values? 

I recently made the effort to visit an old friend who is near and dear to my heart. I knew her from a previous life, and we both had intentions of staying in touch. But you know how it goes…weeks turn into months which somehow turn into years. The visit was wonderful, and we picked up right where we left off. I left feeling grounded, happy and inspired.

Do you have someone in your life who has somehow made their way unintentionally into your rearview mirror? If so, I encourage you to drop them a line, reminding them what they mean to you.

Our actions do reflect our intentions. This is very much the theme of our upcoming Healthy Living program which allows an opportunity for participants to examine habits, try new skills and develop new hobbies. Mornings are spent at Landing Strong. After enjoying lunch together, we go as a group to Windsor Maker’s Studio for an opportunity to develop our artistic skills (e.g., pottery, woodworking, painting, drawing, glasswork).

Is the life you are leading reflective of the values and people you hold most dear?

Come get involved with us…you may be surprised by how much fun you have.

Warm thoughts,

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

We All Need A Place Where We Feel Welcomed

We All Need A Place Where We Feel Welcomed

by | May 3, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, joy, Support

We all need a place where we feel welcomed

My mother used to own an antique store in Rosseau, Muskoka.

Things pretty much shut down during the winter but as spring emerged, so too did the seasonal cottagers who invariably popped by her store for a quick “hello”.

What seemed like a chance encounter really served as an opportunity for them to announce that “they’re back”.

I realized that her store was so much more than a place where old things were sold. Antiques are about people’s stories, lives and histories. My mother’s role in this small village was to bear witness to her customers’ stories but also to serve as an informal welcoming committee for cottagers returning and opening up for the spring.

We all need a place and people who welcome us; someone with whom we can share the trials of winter as well as joining to celebrate the warmth and light of spring. We hope to create that experience for you here at Landing Strong.

Whether you’re attending our programs or you’re a friend who pops online to read this blog each Friday, know that you are an important part of our community.

Warm thoughts,

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

 

Holding on to what is dear to us

Holding on to what is dear to us

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration

Holding on to what’s dear to us

On a recent trip to Tanzania, I had an unexpected encounter with a bird of prey. I was sitting quietly enjoying a long-awaited lunch when a Verreaux Eagle swooped down and tried to grab the chicken wrap I was eating right from my grasp. What I failed to mention was how hangry I was. Belinda versus Falcon. Who do you think won? Needless to say, I don’t back down when things are important to me, I rose from the tug of war victorious!

I proceeded to gobble down the sandwich thrilled with my spoils of war only to reflect on the many disgusting things the bird likely had his feet in before trying to make off with my lunch. Yet, it did nothing to diminish the satisfaction of having won.

I tell you this story with a smile because in many ways it reflects the work we’re all doing here. You are all part of this community because deep down there is something that you really want that you’re not willing to let go of. Forces of life or nature may try to pull it from your grasp, but I know you’re not letting go of the things that are dear to you.

Today is a special day at Landing Strong as we recognize and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of veterans and first responders who continue to work on their health through program involvement. We call it a ‘Celebration of Unsung Heroes’ because the heroic efforts often come after the traumas. Courage takes the form of being willing to be seen and giving voice to experiences that have long been kept silent. This work is indeed worthy of recognition and celebration.

Warm thoughts,


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

 

Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome?

Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome?

by | Apr 19, 2024 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Courage

Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is very real; we’ve all experienced it at some point. It’s that general feeling of self-doubt that creeps in silently, right when we’re expected to perform our best.

I was considering taking a risk recently, something that is a bit outside of my comfort zone.

I drafted a proposal to speak about a topic that interests me, on a subject matter that would stretch my abilities. I felt a wave of Imposter Syndrome wash over me. I had spent the weekend researching and working on it and submitted a proposal that I was rather proud of. What was that nagging voice in my head that challenged me, I wondered?

Then I realized the truth. Imposter Syndrome was simply a sign that I was pushing myself to grow. Venturing out of the land of predictable or ordinary, I dared to try to do something that scared me. There is the possibility I might fail. But then again, I might grow.

When you first started your profession, I bet that you struggled with Impostor Syndrome. Even if you are injured or unable to work, you might feel as though you haven’t earned the right to be off. You are used to caring for others. Caring for yourself might just feel wrong. Please know that this is the norm, not the exception.

I invite you to step forward into self-compassion.

Consider making space for yourself to grow. Whether through individual counseling, or group work. I’m willing to take a bet on you…are you?

Warm thoughts,

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