I hesitate to share this with you because I like to keep our weekly chats upbeat. But as we always say… show up as you are. In the spirit of authenticity, I’m going to try to do just that.
We recently lost our beloved dog Zuri. Thirteen years of a full life should be a cause for celebration, but I just feel sad.
My instinct is to pull away from the pain, busying myself with the details of life, but a slow throb in my temples serves as a reminder of the deep sense of loss I feel.
I think to myself, maybe I can’t have another dog, this is too hard.
But then I’m reminded of all of the people we work with who are injured. Our consistent message to them is don’t avoid your emotions. In order to experience positive emotions, we have to open ourselves to the hard ones. Closing ourselves off eliminates the possibility of love. By keeping our hearts open despite fears associated with potential loss we allow our world to expand, and we are not left home alone in our pain.
Whether we’ve experienced the loss of an animal, a loved one, or a dream of something that that played out differently than we had hoped, together we will remember the importance of opening ourselves to hope and possibilities of new growth.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This past Monday was a magical morning as Shawn Pineo from New Scotland Fly Rods led us on a fly-fishing adventure for our Community Connection day.
On the shores of Panuke Lake with the sun beaming down on our shoulders, we tied, cast, reeled, and laughed together.
Not everyone was physically able to participate but that didn’t stop them from sharing fish stories and banter by the water’s edge.
I’d like to report that many fish were caught, but truth be told, the biggest catch of the day was cranberries. We left literally with buckets of them.
PS: Did you know that fly-fishing hip waiters allow one to lie in a field of red cranberries without fear of red stains? This is optimal for a speedy collection.
I left with my heart full and a big smile on my face. The lightness and levity of the morning went a long way to setting the tone for a wonderful week.
Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected. I’m eternally grateful to Shawn for creating such a warm welcoming environment and generously sharing his equipment with us. But I’m ridiculously pleased with the bounty of cranberries which will form the basis of my Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
I went into the day knowing that fishing wasn’t likely my thing, but I left pleased to have taken part.
Please join us for the next Community Connection group as we take a fall walk on the Manning Nature trails, followed by a coffee outing to Gerrish and Grey. We’ll be collecting natural wilderness treasures for our upcoming wreath-making workshop which will take place two weeks later.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
During a recent trip to Toronto, I spied this little book library in my brother’s neighborhood.
It caught my eye for a number of reasons. Firstly it’s a free library. I know the creator of this tiny cabinet loves books and sharing good reads. Secondly, it’s not just a book-lending library, it is an actual library. Zoom in to peek closely at the photo and you will see the intricate details inside.
This level of thought and intention filled my heart and kept me smiling the entire way home. It made Toronto feel like a friendly happy place, full of good people and good neighbors.
Is there anything you are doing to send out similar messages of laughter and light to the world around you?
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Have I mentioned my beautiful little puppy Kira lately? She continues to bring us lots of joy but in a true Pomsky manner has an abundance of energy and is a bit of a scamp.
Her latest habit, dare I mention it on social media, is scouring the house for underwear. I’ve gone to great pains to hide these silken delicacies but even this morning caught her happily chomping on what I thought had been a well-hidden pile of laundry.
I estimate that over the past month, I have lost approximately ten pairs. In an attempt to rectify the situation, I took a trip to the Halifax Shopping Center last weekend. Imagine my surprise when passing by Victoria’s Secret, I saw a sign that read: ‘Buy 3 pairs of underwear, get 5 pairs FREE!’
I assumed it had to be a gimmick, perhaps an effort to get rid of their worst inventory, but no it was just an amazing deal. For $60 after tax, I left smiling with sixteen new pairs in tow.
Suddenly all the stress associated with Kira’s mischief faded away. Even this morning when she jumped 5 feet to the top of my bureau, I smiled thinking, gotcha! I’m still six pairs ahead!
Sometimes in life, the world can feel overwhelming. It’s at exactly these times that I open my mind to the possibility of the universe correcting itself. A part of me wasn’t surprised by the amazing deal at the mall. The universe was simply putting my week upside right again.
How often do you look for signs that the universe is operating in your favor? It may be happening more often than you think.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Before Landing Strong existed, it was merely a concept on paper. In the paper version, I envisioned a Community Connection day where veterans and first responders who had been injured in service gathered in a supportive group to participate in a community event.
The picture I cut out for my vision board was an advertising image for OnTree Adventure Park. I dreamt that maybe one day our community could go there together. Monday, August 26th was a hallmark event as the dream became a reality.
Forty-five members of our Landing Strong community came together for a day of connection, challenge, and fun. This first Community Connection day was a special one, as we extended the invitation to family and friends.
Some of the feedback we received from the day speaks for itself (it’s long but well worth the read):
I wanted to thank you and Landing Strong for an incredible day. I was feeling it for sure the day after, but it was a good sore. The kind that reminds me how good it feels to be active, something I’ve been really struggling with this past year. It was a confidence boost and I felt inspired to get out for some movement yesterday again. The first community connection day was an opportunity to try something that I might not have considered, and because the venue was wheelchair accessible, I was able to invite a friend to come and do something adventurous. I brought two friends that I recently met and we encouraged each other in our moments of hesitation and cheered those moments in the air. The drive home was filled with meaningful conversation and friendships were strengthened. We definitely bonded that day and have plans to do more together. It was great to see familiar faces from our Landing Strong community but not have the focus on us as a group but rather on our own family and friend groups. I’m not in a financial position to afford these kinds of outings on my own so I really appreciate the opportunity to be involved. Thanks again for this day and to the Funders for supporting this initiative! – S
My goodness, it was a wonderful day! My husband and daughter got to meet some of the people in my life I hold so near to my heart. They appreciated seeing the people I share my deepest with. On a personal note, though I feel so physically broken, I was surprised my abilities! I am still extremely competitive and was able to almost complete a black diamond – hardest level. That did so much for my self-worth. Having my able-bodied young blood see that I am still in the game gave me a rejuvenated sense of self. Thank you so much for allowing my family to see the real me! – A
This community connection day was awesome. The soldier always says “you can take the girl out the soldier but you can never take the soldier out of the girl.” …the soldier is talking to the girl and telling her that she loves her soooo much that she is willing to let her go and let her stand up and be seen. At the same time, the girl is talking to the soldier and thanking her. This day boosted my confidence and has helped me in this journey forward. It was great to have my family be a part of it, and see the people in my Landing Strong family. – T
My daughter and I had a really great day. We had a lot of fun, pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone, and got to hang out with our Landing Strong community. I find it really beneficial to bring our families into a fun experience. It is cool to see other families and then my daughter knows where I go numerous times a month; I feel it removes the ‘wall’ between my two families. Thanks so much for putting this on, it was an incredible day!! -R
Thank you for helping make a dream become reality. Together we will create so many more.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
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
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
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
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
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
