A good news story to brighten your day

A good news story to brighten your day

by | May 19, 2023 | Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Leadership, Media, Support

A good news story to brighten your day

Every year, MADD Canada recognizes police officers who are going above and beyond to keep our roads safe. 

This year marked the launch of MADD Canada’s Constable Heidi Stevenson’s Watch Award Ceremony, held at the RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth. This new awards program was introduced to recognize officers who remove the most impaired drivers from the roads. The Top Performer for 2022 was Constable Scott Aldridge, RCMP. The 2022 Gold Awards were presented to officers who removed 24 or more impaired drivers. We’re proud to acknowledge Constable Kristopher Hansen from the Halifax Regional Police as one of the 5 Gold Award recipients. This is the second time Kris has been recognized by MADD. In 2019, he received an award for being the Top Performer in the Province for the year 2018.

This award ceremony serves as a lovely acknowledgement of the significant impact Heidi Stevenson had in the province, as well as recognizing those who walk in her footsteps as part of her legacy. Heidi was Kris’ instructor for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Impaired Detection, and Drug Recognition Expert. Kris in turn taught the Impaired Driving Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing courses to 5 of the 7 Bronze Award recipients. 

Landing Strong applauds the effort of all the recipients of this most prestigious award. 

This level of commitment, tenacity, and courage helps make our province one of the best places to live. 

Warm thoughts,

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

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

by | May 12, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, joy, Plan, Support

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Today was a glorious day where we celebrated a deserving group of people, all of whom are receiving recognition for their contribution of service to community. Not everyone is up to attending a public event. That’s okay. Please know that we see and recognize you (you may even be receiving something special when we next see you).

I was thinking about the depth of our Landing Strong community, and the total number of years of service of our members. Some are newer in their careers, many have served over 30 years. We even have a few members who have served our country for over 40 years.

I thought it might be fun to do a little math.

185 people have gone through our programs since we opened in 2018. Let’s say the average person has served their community for 20 years. That translates into 3,700 total years of service.

This is the stuff on which nations are built.

I’m proud to know you, and to be connected to such an impressive group of individuals.

Warm thoughts,

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

A cause for celebration

A cause for celebration

by | May 5, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

A cause for celebration

In this busy-paced life we lead, I am reminded of the importance of reflection: taking the time necessary to gather our thoughts, celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. Today is such a day at Landing Strong. Led by Board Members Tara Burley, Adrienne Oldham and the team from Fire Inside Leadership, our Landing Strong Team took the morning to discuss our shared vision for the organization, remembering to be kind to ourselves as we collectively strive to reach ambitious goals for the future. I want to take this moment to thank all of the staff, Board Members and consultants at Landing Strong for the hard work they do, guided by their hearts and passions to help others navigate their way towards health and wellness.

I also look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Landing Strong Community members next week during our Celebration of Unsung Heroes Event. Not a graduation, but a celebration of continued work and contribution to community.

Warm thoughts,

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

Taking time to celebrate

Taking time to celebrate

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

Taking time to celebrate

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Minister of National Defense Anita Anand as well as reconnecting with Landing Strong’s friend MP Kody Blois. After inspecting the Cadet Color Party, Minister Anand toured King’s Edgehill School including the historic A. Gordon Cooper Library where we plan to hold our Recognition Ceremony on May 12. Minister Anand shared her gratitude for the service of our Landing Strong Members, expressing deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into recovery following injury. Last year’s “Celebration of Unsung Heroes” served as a graduation ceremony for those who completed our Foundation Programs or Workforce Reintegration Programs. This year, we are shifting the focus from graduation to that of continued effort and growth made by all members who have participated in at least three Foundation programs or attended our Maintaining Health Series.You will have received your invitation by email. Please let us know if it did not reach you. This is a great opportunity to connect with familiar faces from the Landing Strong community and spend some time together. It’s also a chance to introduce a partner or someone important to Landing Strong. We had a great turnout last year and have been working hard to ensure this year’s event is just as memorable. The school choir is preparing a special treat for us. If you’re not sure how recently you were in group, but are interested in coming, just give us a shout so we can make sure there is a seat for you (as well as anyone important you might like to bring). Whether you’re attending for yourself, or to show support for your peers, we hope that you will join us for this special event. What can I expect?

  • This celebration will be very similar to last year, so you can expect to see the Landing Strong Staff and Board of Directors, enjoy some yummy treats, pick up some free Landing Strong swag, and cheer on your friends as the Landing Strong team shares a few nice words about the personal growth and contribution to community that our members have made this past year. Feel free to dress up a bit or just keep it casual, whatever you are most comfortable wearing is absolutely fine. 

Is there Parking?

  • This event is being held at the A. Gordon Cooper Library, King’s-Edgehill School. There will be signs directing you where to go and lots of free parking. You can park on front hill in front of the library. We encourage everyone to arrive a couple minutes early to allow yourself time to use the restroom, grab some light refreshments and find your seat before our 2pm start. Please let us know if you can make it, either by phone (902 472 2972) or email (jwhalen@landingstrong.com). 

We look forward to seeing you for this special event.

Warm thoughts,

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

Making a difference

Making a difference

by | Apr 21, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

Making a difference

This has not been an easy time for those of you who are in law enforcement and emergency response.

You repeatedly bear witness to people on their worst days and still continue to dedicate yourselves to a life of service.

Our society would not function without you.

Please know that this does not go unnoticed. What you do is appreciated.

We often refer to the Landing Strong community. This is not just those of you who have participated in our programs, but all of those military members, veterans, first responders, frontline healthcare workers, correctional staff, and more who collectively have chosen a life that is both challenging and has incredible impact on all the members of the public who benefit from your efforts.
You do make a difference.

Warm thoughts,

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

The beauty in vulnerability

The beauty in vulnerability

by | Apr 14, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

The beauty in vulnerability

Fifteen years ago, I wrote a book about my experiences working as a psychologist in a federal penitentiary. It’s dark, haunted, and not surprisingly, unpublished. It remains an important part of me, and I can appreciate it from a new perspective now. The work in the prison was powerful but not something I could do long term while maintaining my health.

I’ve always found it helpful to use creative forms of self-expression as a way of processing my emotions. I’m working on a new book now, and it feels very different, almost as though a different author is writing it. Where I am today is very different to how I felt fifteen years ago.

Creative self-expression is a theme that has been prominent in our Landing Strong community members as well. As people recover, they are able to show themselves to the world through their work; be it photography, art, woodworking or writing.

Each piece is very different, but they are similar in that they are accurate reflections of that person’s experience. I’ve come to appreciate that what makes art beautiful is not only the piece itself, but the honesty and vulnerability that went into creating it.

Warm thoughts,

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

Hardwired to Help

Hardwired to Help

by | Mar 31, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Self-Awareness

Hardwired to Help

When people call 911, it’s an indication that something is wrong, and they require help. We’re trained to look for problems.

The same is true for most military members, health care professionals and first responders.

When things are going well, the phone tends to be silent. People reach out because they need something. Our work trains us to approach each interaction looking to quickly assess the problem, and see how we might assist.

This can be a hard pattern to step out of when we leave the office or our work.

It can be exhausting. At work, there may always be a problem. When we go home, it’s important that we allow ourselves to rest. It makes the challenging moments more rewarding and keeps us healthier in the long run.

Allow yourselves to enjoy the silent moments when they occur. Our best selves emerge after stretches of quality down time. This is only possible when we are able to truly allow ourselves to be off duty.

Warm thoughts,

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

Only you know what your needs are

Only you know what your needs are

by | Mar 24, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Self-Awareness

Only you know what your needs are

Everyone responds to trauma differently. Whether it’s directly, or through secondary exposure, it’s normal to need support at some point in time. You and a co-worker might have been exposed to the same traumatic event. They might seem fine while you feel shaken. Their experience does not invalidate yours. If something in you feels off, there’s likely a good reason for it. It’s not what happens that’s important, but rather the meaning within the context of our lives that counts.

A diagnosis isn’t required to join our community. We can help you access the support and care that you need to get things moving. If you feel like something isn’t quite right and would like assistance getting back to who you want to be, we’d love to help.

You are the expert in knowing what you need. Only you know what is truly going on inside.

Group members are non-judgemental and welcoming, regardless of how long or in what capacity you served.

Warm thoughts,

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

Reclaiming our place within community

Reclaiming our place within community

by | Mar 17, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Self-Awareness

Reclaiming our place within community

Often following injury, we withdraw. Over time, this becomes the norm, not the exception. Even the thought of entering busy crowded places can become overwhelming. We forget that often the reason these places are so busy is because they are generally where people are having fun. It’s not a threat, but a place of joy.

I was sitting in a restaurant, and there was a very happy large table of people beside me. It was clear that they were a group of friends having a great time midweek. I was delighted to recognize one of our Landing Strong Members among them. This person later shared that this is not something they would have been doing last year. Now it is a regular highlight of their week.

“I wouldn’t never have been able to be in a big group like that before doing group programs with Landing Strong.”

Participating in programs is an important step in recovering joy.

It allows us to gain comfort sharing and being seen by others.

Warm thoughts,

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

Making space for reflection

Making space for reflection

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Self-Awareness

Making space for reflection

As I look forward to taking a week-long vacation later this month, I am reminded of the importance of pacing in any of the work we do. Recovery may be a full time job, but like any job, it’s necessary to take breaks. The trick is knowing when we need to rest and for how long, mindful that it doesn’t turn into avoidance. One of the most important things about vacation is that it allows us time to return and see things from a fresh perspective. Meaningful changes happen when we allow ourselves the time and space for reflection.

Where do I hope to be in five years?

What about this time next year?

How do I want to feel?

What is my recovery mission?

All you have to know is the desired destination. We’ll help you with the journey.

We are offering a number of programs leading up to the summer:

  • Our monthly Maintaining Health program is this coming Friday (not our usual Thursday).
  • We still have spots in Overcoming Trauma: Your Past is not your future, starting later this month.

Give us a call so we can help you get to where you want to be.

Warm thoughts,

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