Are you on your list?

Are you on your list?

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Relaxation, Self-Care

Are you on your list?

This is a busy time of year when we often start making lists.

These lists often focus on things we need to do for others, seldom do they reflect activities we need to do for ourselves. As you enter the holiday season I invite you to set aside time to reflect on how far you’ve come, and what steps you might like to take moving forward.

On our website, you see lists of all the programs for the year ahead. Now is the perfect time to plan your recovery journey. Ideally, we would have you sign up for all the programs you are potentially interested in.

The first of our foundation series, “Stop Faking Good Start Feeling Good” emotions management program starts in January. We appreciate you signing up in advance so that we know how many cohorts to run.

For those who’ve already completed the foundation series, we have some new and exciting offerings:

• Make time for mindfulness. A 9-week MBSR program (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) might be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Two hours per week for eight weeks plus assigned home practices with a half-day finale.
• We have an assortment of exciting Community Connection activities and outings lined up for you.
• We’re exploring the possibility of running a CBT insomnia program. If interested let Julie know so we can add your name to the list.
• In February, we’ll offer a week-long holistic wellness program for women affected by military and work-related sexual misconduct. This is a small-sized program so it’s not too early to get your name on the list.

So, while caring for others, please take the time to care for yourself.

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Team Strong supports our community

Team Strong supports our community

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Change, Community, Courage, Growth, Our Team, Recovery

Team Strong supports our community

Monday was a powerful day as volunteers from our Landing Strong community gathered at the Windsor Food Bank (Matthew 25) to help with Christmas hamper preparations.

In true veteran/first responder form, we worked like a smoothly oiled machine with maximum efficiency. 500 bags were packed in just under two hours! Ashley the director at the food bank, marveled at the speed and productivity of the group. We left with an incredible sense of satisfaction and pride in our ability to give back to the community.

Our local food bank is an incredibly valuable resource supporting up to 600 individuals in West Hants monthly. This number represents a 20% increase over last year. Led tirelessly by a passionate volunteer team with Ashley and Tina at the helm, the folks at the food bank are working long hours to ensure no one in our community goes without.

Our Landing Strong community expressed great satisfaction at being able to do this volunteer work. Many noted that they felt unable to go out into the community individually to volunteer, but with the safety and support of their peers Team Strong was created.

How might you help? There’s a variety of ways. Feel free to contact Ashley or Tina through their Facebook page, or call 798-4313. You can also email matthew25windsor@gmail.com.

We’re going back as a group again soon. Please reach out to Jen if you’re interested in joining Team Strong. We welcome suggestions and ideas for other volunteer opportunities as a team, reach out anytime.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Connection is key-the power of community

Connection is key-the power of community

by | Nov 29, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Community, Relaxation, Resources, Wellbeing

Connection is key – the power of community

When we think of PTSD, we might envision a person hunched over, sitting alone in a dark room. Operational stress injuries can indeed be isolating when we bear the burden alone.

Only through connection with an understanding community, can we melt away the shame that keeps us immobilized.

If you have been following our social media, you’ll have seen many photos of people in active recovery. They’re full of smiles and are clearly in good company. That’s not by chance. They know something important.
They know that working in groups speeds up recovery and allows us to go further. Significant forward momentum requires knowledge, support, and community.

By working together, we will all go further. Look for the smiles…you’ll know where to find us. Trauma recovery might not look the way you imagined.

We’re loading up programs for the new year, connect soon to save your seat.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Letting in the light

Letting in the light

by | Nov 22, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Creativity, Outdoor Adventures, Wellbeing

Letting in the light

Darkness arrives sooner these days, tricking us into thinking that the day is over when in fact, we still have a few good hours ahead. The animals take their cue from the environment, retreating to their burrows and nests with food stores collected in preparation for a long winter’s nap. This is a time when our natural inclination might also be to go into hibernation, packing it in early, grabbing snacks and settling in front of the TV long before we normally would.

The way I figure it, we can do one of two things:

1) Give in to the hibernation urge, only to emerge from our homes in the springtime as fluffed-out, chipmunk versions of ourselves.
2) Create an opportunity to invite new practices and routines into our lives.

We’d like to offer a few ideas that we hope might inspire you:

  • Consider taking a night hike. Opening the door and tromping out into the darkness might at first feel daunting, but with the right mindset and equipment, it can be thoroughly enjoyable. Joe and I purchased neon-colored collars for our dogs and headlamps and flashlights for ourselves. The lazy feelings we might feel early in the evening quickly evaporate when replaced by the invigoration of crisp night air and star-studded skies.
  • Winter is the perfect time to start new art projects. Consider exploring and further expanding on some of the ideas we’ve gained from our time together at Maker’s. A recent Community Connections workshop with Jen has prompted me to pull out my watercolors with the hopes of making a slew of handmade Christmas cards.
  • It’s a great time to try new recipes and pull out those crockpots to make hearty, bone-warming soups and stews. A fresh loaf of baked bread does wonders for the soul.
  • Cozying around the woodstove or fireplace with a good book, needlework or game of cards reminds us of the joys of yesteryear.
  • We can brighten up the darkness inside our homes through candles, fairy lights, or reflective sparkle lanterns.
  • Signing up for a local pickleball league or purchasing a gym membership keeps the juices flowing.
  • Most importantly, staying connected to your community and joining others for small social gatherings in the form of meals or shared cups of coffee gets us out of the house and helps to deepen friendships.

We’d love to hear which strategies you use to ensure your life is full of the light and laughter it deserves.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Respect for those who are injured

Respect for those who are injured

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Gratitude, Remembrance

Respect for those who are injured

Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye.  Not all those who have served are acknowledged.

For many, the details of the things that caused harm remain hidden; threatening to eat away at us until we are but a shadow of our former selves.

Central to recovery and healing lies the value of respect. To move forward, we must live in a society that understands our injuries, free of stigma. We must be supported by systems that care and place client needs at the forefront of decision making, and equally importantly, we must find the strength to respect ourselves.

This week, my husband Joe shared the following video with me, describing a talk he gave to students at his school about respect. He explained, “At its best, respect is a kind of love… It’s a continuous process of paying attention to people. Including yourself.”

I hope that you are able to make time and space for yourselves, viewing yourselves as we see you, with the respect and compassion you so deserve.

Know that we stand in your corner.

 

 

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

Just how good are you?

Just how good are you?

by | Nov 8, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration

Just how good are you?

What do you say when people ask you where you are in your recovery?

“I’m way better than last year thanks but not yet as good as next year.”

“Moving in the right direction.”

Or my personal favorite shared by someone in group this week:

“Operating at an advanced level with exceptions”

The reality is, recovery is a journey, not a destination. It’s not something we “arrive” at, with the trip ending at a gold ribboned finish line and a crowd cheering us on. Make no mistake, as you recover, we will be there to celebrate your accomplishments, handing you healthy snacks and encouragement along the way. But often the gains will be more stealth. Suddenly you can sit with your back to the door without worries. You may no longer jump three feet off your chair when someone coughs loudly. Or heaven forbid, you may even enjoy a shopping trip to Costco.

With physical health, we understand that there isn’t an end point; a time when we say “great, my work is done, I’m good for life.” It’s a lifelong commitment. Emotional health is no different. There is really no such thing as “recovery,” because it isn’t an all or nothing concept.

Perhaps it’s more accurate to think of recovery from occupational stress injury as a continuum: a practice and commitment to long-term health.

For members of our community interested in deepening your tool kit, we will be offering an eight-week (2 hours per week) program of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, this program is designed to provide intensive mindfulness training to help manage stress and reduce anxiety, depression, and pain.

Please give Julie a call if you are interested (902) 472-2972.

 

We hope to see you soon,

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

Big ideas, small packages

Big ideas, small packages

by | Nov 1, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Relaxation, Self-Awareness

Big ideas, small packages

Life is about big ideas, but it doesn’t always come in the way we expect it.

I started this growing season full of enthusiasm and ambition. On top of the usual tomatoes, carrots, and beans I thought I’d try my hand at cantaloupe, and watermelon, and retry last year’s failed crop; cucumbers.

I am happy to report that I was able to grow some of each. The unexpected part was their size. Some magical fairy dust was sprinkled over my garden, making everything grow in miniature.

Life can sometimes be like that. We might have big dreams that are delivered to us in small packages. The trick is celebrating and accepting whatever comes our way.

You may have had big dreams about your career and feel that somehow things didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. The skill lies in recognizing the growth and abundance that still lies in your journey.

Sometimes victory comes in small steps. For me, I’ll aim at growing next year’s crop one inch bigger.

 

Warmly,

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

Leaning in together

Leaning in together

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Anger, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Grief, Media, Remembrance

Leaning in together

It’s been a tough week in Nova Scotia. The news has been hard and sad. How do we respond when difficult things happen to members of our community?

My heart reaches out to the mother who lost her 19 year-old daughter, her extended family, friends and co-workers at Walmart. I am mindful of the impact on first responders who were called to the scene. We also extend our deepest sympathy to the RCMP officers, family members and friends who lost a colleague and loved one. First responders were also called to this troubling scene.

It’s natural to try to try to fill in the blanks, guessing at the details in an effort to understand what happened. It’s human nature.

Instead of judging, I want to lean in with compassion, knowing that extreme actions only come from deep places of hurt. As an organization we want to be sure that we are doing everything possible to provide a network of support for those who might be faltering or injured. If you or anyone you know needs a helping hand, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are only a phone call away. If we all lean in, we can be sure no-one gets left behind. Please know that a community stands behind you.

I invite you to make time to ground yourself in nature this weekend, soaking in the fall colours and beauty that surrounds us. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh fall air. Be liberal with your hugs and generous with understanding.

 

Our hearts united,

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

Building on small successes

Building on small successes

by | Oct 18, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, joy, Love

Building on small successes

A few weeks ago we shared news of our Community Connections Fly Fishing which provided a new skill and fun at the water’s edge. The day ended with some equally joyful cranberry picking.

Wanting to share the joy of the day and the specialness of the experience with family, I took them back to the same spot this Thanksgiving weekend. I’m happy to report that in under an hour and with the sun beaming down upon us we were each able to pick a large bowl of cranberries. My cranberries have already been transformed into delicious bottles of jam, the first of which we enjoyed at our Thanksgiving meal.

Although it rained on Saturday soon after, with winds whipping up and the temperature suddenly dropping five degrees, the window of sunshine, companionship, and play was a beautiful way to start the day.

We are all subjected to sudden turns of weather in our lives. Recovery and health involve selectively attending to our successes and systematically building upon them. Going out once for coffee with a friend or group can buoy your spirits, but committing to doing so regularly can help keep you afloat, even adding wind to your sails. Taking one group program might be helpful, but in and of itself it won’t be enough. It’s the gradual and gentle addition of programs over time that creates the momentum necessary for significant growth.

Drop us a line if you’re interested in joining Community Connections this Monday. We’re creating fall wreaths and enjoying hot coffee and sweet treats at Landing Strong.

 

We hope to see you there,

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

Good things come to those who work

Good things come to those who work

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Grief

Good things come to those who wait work.

Recovery can be a slow and arduous process.
‘Will I be ready to get back to work by the end of the month?’ clients might ask hopefully.

I shake my head knowing silently that after a career of service it will likely take more than a month to turn things around.

The good news is, good things do in fact come to those who are willing to put the work in.

We see it in our community. Veterans and first responders who’ve been chipping away at their injuries are indeed emerging as new versions of themselves. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of attending a group program, they strap on their athletic gear, rubber boots, sunhats, and hiking shoes as we climb tree tops, go fly fishing, forage for wild cranberries and complete hikes together.

Rather than trying to protect themselves by staying at home, these wise souls understand that with risk comes reward.

It is only through leaps of faith, breaths of courage and hard work that recovery starts to take shape. Every single one of the people behind the smiling faces you may have seen in recent photos, was likely at one point hesitant to leave the safety of home.

Not only are they engaging, they but they are eagerly asking when the next time is that they can bring their partners and spouses.

The work of recovery is good not just for those who are injured, but also for their families. When we look after ourselves the whole world benefits.

We are excited to be offering four great group programs in the upcoming months:

Community Connection 9-noon October 7th, 21st
Maintaining Health October 17th
Advanced Skills in Trauma Recovery
Thursdays November 7th, 14th, 28th, December 5th, 12th
Mind/Body Health & Recovery
Fridays November 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, December 5th

Call (902) 472-2972 or email Julie at info@landingstrong.com
to learn more, or sign up.


We hope to see you soon,

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