Moving forward, moving strong

Moving forward, moving strong

by | Apr 18, 2025 | Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration, PTSD

Moving forward, moving strong

Five years ago today, marks the anniversary of one of the hardest days Nova Scotia has ever seen. None of us have forgotten the losses incurred and sacrifices made.

Resilience is defined by our ability to get back up after we’ve been knocked down. Over this time period our Landing Strong community has grown significantly both in numbers and in steps forward in recovery. It takes courage to allow oneself to be seen following injury.

We are running not just programs, but also numerous social outings and community volunteer initiatives. This June we plan to showcase the creative talents and skills of our members in our 3rd annual Recognition Celebration and first ever Artisanal Fair (Friday June 13th in the afternoon).

Yes, there have been dark days, but we move forward as a community and province, doing everything in our power to keep our citizens safe, healthy and strong.

The Artisanal Fair will be a celebration of all that has been overcome and the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. We hope to see you there.

 

Warmly,

 

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

It’s not easy waiting

It’s not easy waiting

by | Apr 11, 2025 | Anger, Challenge, Depression, Friday Inspiration

                                                       It’s not easy waiting

Is it really snowing again?

Let’s just give ourselves a shake. Not only are our April gardens blanketed in snow, but as I write this blog my son and daughter-in-law are 10 days overdue in the arrival of their first child. I hope by the time you read this, that status will have changed.

It’s not easy waiting for things we are anticipating.

You may be feeling the same way about your recovery.
Maybe you’re waiting to start. Maybe you’re mid-way, wishing things would speed up. Or perhaps you’re well on your way on your path to recovery. Regardless, sometimes the more we want something, the harder it is to find patience.

It is often true that good things come to those who wait.

The snow will melt and be replaced by warm breaths of spring.

A bouncing baby (hopefully) will arrive soon.

And…recovery isn’t a pipe dream but something that is waiting for you.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Good things are just around the corner

Good things are just around the corner

by | Apr 4, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude

Good things are just around the corner

This week, when we turn on the news or look out the window, everything feels grey. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead, I choose to be intentional about introducing color and positive energy into my life. Starting with these beautiful tulips.

Given to me a week ago, it’s astonishing to see how they keep getting stronger and more beautiful. It makes no sense. Even though the sun’s not shining, these resilient flowers are pushing their way forward, toward brightness and life.


What if we all did the same? We need not see sunny skies to know they are just around the corner.

How are you bringing color into your life? Are you able to be intentional about introducing pockets of beauty and joy into a week that could otherwise be hard?

We’ve got some great group programs coming up. Monday April 7th we have our half-day Community Connections where we’ll be creating an Easter themed craft. We are also loading up our Healthy Living program Tuesdays May 20th, 27th, June 3rd,17th, 24th, and our Surviving to Thriving retreat April 27th-May 2nd has just a couple seats left. Connect today to save your seat: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972

 

Warmly,

 

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

When helpers need help

When helpers need help

by | Mar 28, 2025 | Challenge, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Support

When helpers need help

We’ve all done it, although may be hesitant to admit it: locked ourselves out of our cars. For me, it happened on a frigid, cold wintery night.

Choir practice had just ended, and the cars were quickly pulling away when I realized my keys, phone, and wallet were locked inside my car.

I quickly flagged the attention of a peer who generously offered to call CAA and sit and wait with me until they arrived. Not wanting to inconvenience her, I accepted the call to CAA, but insisted that she go home, emphatically stating, “I am a big girl thanks, I’ll be fine.”

A half an hour later, as I stood alone in the parking lot with the -20 degree windchill sweeping through me, I questioned my decision.

I’m so used to being the one to help others that it can be hard for me to recognize when I, too, need help.

As fate would have it, a solitary figure came out of the building to another car in the far corner of the lot. Another choir member had stayed late so that she could lock up the building. She insisted that I come inside her car for warmth. This time, I happily accepted. Worried I was keeping her up late with no sight of CAA on the horizon, she reassured me, “It’s no problem at all! I just received my chemotherapy treatment this afternoon, and it keeps me up all night.”

So, we sat together in her car, learning about one another as we waited. What started as misfortune turned into a gift as I had the opportunity to get to know her better.

I am humbled by this experience and what it taught me; that friends really are strangers we’ve not yet met, and perhaps more importantly, it doesn’t matter how strong we are, we all benefit from a helping hand in times of need.

We still have a few seats left in two great group programs. Overcoming Trauma and Building Resiliency, and Navigating Next Steps. Get in touch to see which one is right for you. info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972.

 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Taking time to notice the beauty

Taking time to notice the beauty

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude, Love, Resilience

Taking time to notice the beauty

Driving back from Halifax recently, I was rewarded with a breathtaking sunset. Once I arrived home, I witnessed a brilliant beam of light shining directly upwards, illuminating a Canadian flag.

I believe it was the universe’s way of reminding me to take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. I am grateful for our country and the people who have fought to protect it. I am grateful for our lands and the abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the people in my life who enrich my day-to-day experience.

Landing Strong is a powerful part of my internal community. I hope it is for you too. The good news is there’s always room for one more.

We’re currently filling seats for our Overcoming Trauma & Building Resiliency program, and Navigating Next Steps program. Call today to learn more or to save your seat. 902-472-2972 or email info@landingstrong.com

 

Warmly,

 

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

A little exercise goes a long way

A little exercise goes a long way

by | Feb 28, 2025 | Growth, Plan, PTSD, Recovery, Resilience

A little exercise goes a long way

A little exercise goes a long way

Have I mentioned recently that our dog Kira is a scamp?

Half Huskey, half Pomeranian, she’s hard-wired for high levels of activity and social engagement. She likes to play a game with us called “How long is your toilet paper roll?”

If we haven’t taken her outside for sufficient exercise, she darts downstairs when we’re not looking and papers the entire first floor. She knows she’s not allowed to, so she retreats to the timeout spot immediately afterward, awaiting our reproach. She just can’t help herself.

Kira’s behaviors serve as a reminder of the importance of exercise as part of our daily regime to maintain good mental health. This time of year it’s easy to hunker in, wrap ourselves in cuddly blankets, indulge in comfort foods, and watch more TV than we normally would. Kira knows to expend energy to balance herself while we, on the other hand, tend to do the opposite. To avoid the inevitable slump of winter, our bodies need boosters to recharge.

What activities do you do to inject life into your winter? Even a quick walk around the block can have the same jubilating effect as toilet-papering your home.

We are currently loading up our Overcoming Trauma & Resiliency program. Is your name on the list? We’d love to see you.

 

Warmly,

 

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

A place to call home

A place to call home

by | Feb 21, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Community, Growth, Recovery, Resilience

                                               

                                           

A place to call home

One of the things I’m most proud of is the warmth with which the Landing Strong community welcomes new members.

In a recent Community Connections group, I noticed a steady stream of participants coming up to a new member to introduce themselves in welcome.

They all remember how hard their first day was, and the strength it takes to simply show up.

Walking through the doors for the first time is the hardest part. Once you witness the warmth with which you’re greeted, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.

Not only will you be greeted with open arms, but you will also be supported on your journey of recovery. Last week, one of our members debuted a new song he had just written. Surrounded by the support of friendship and encouragement of his peers, he courageously sang of an imaginary Inn where a safe refuge exists for those who are struggling. His words of hope hung like droplets of sweet honey that we all drank in.

There’s a spot for you in our programs and a seat for you at our table. We’re currently loading up for our Overcoming Trauma and Resiliency program, we’d love to see you there.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Waiting for the weather to change

Waiting for the weather to change

by | Feb 14, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Recovery, Resilience

                                            Waiting for the weather to change

Winter can feel long as we tire of early darkness and long winter nights. So too can recovery from PTSD. We may be impatient for change, eagerly awaiting the return of sunshine and warmth in our lives.

The bad news is that nature doesn’t fast-track spring just because we want it to. Similarly, wanting to get better quickly often has the adverse effect of slowing it down. It’s only by fully understanding and processing the emotions connected with traumatic injury that we can change the seasons of our experience.

The winter of your injuries will transform into spring if you take the steps to help that happen. Stick with it, and soon enough you’ll be enjoying the warm days of summer again.

We are now filling seats for our Overcoming Trauma & Building Resilience program, and we have just a few seats left for our women-only Surviving to Thriving program. Perhaps this is your time to get on the list?

Warmly,

 

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

Many minds working for you

Many minds working for you

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Compassion, Friday Inspiration, Leadership, Our Team

Back row from left to right: Rich Dunbar, Mackenzie Robinson, Jen Whalen, Pam Turcotte, Daniel Mowat-Rose, Deborah Eaton, Mark Larkin, Kate Stanley, Jillian Gorbold, Adrienne Oldham, Louis Coutinho
Front row left to right: Belinda Seagram, Alex Duguay, Sarah Gray, Ben Wallace, Ryan Sasaki, Shawn Hiscott, Julian Young

Many minds working for you

A few weeks ago the Landing Strong Board of Directors and many staff members, got together for our annual retreat. Enthusiasm was high, and dedication was strong as we worked together to review how far we’ve come, where we are, and where we’re headed next as an organization.

The 100% attendance rate of our volunteer Board reflected the commitment they all hold to ensuring that none of our veterans or first responders are left behind following injury.

It’s impossible not to take note of just how much the organization has grown since its inception. Equally inspiring is the depth of commitment on behalf of the Board and Staff to continue to grow the services available to those who are suffering.

We don’t just want to provide good programs. We are committed to providing the best possible services to our community. This often involves thinking outside the box and determining which wrap-around solutions best fit our client’s needs.

The fact that 18 people gave up a sunny Saturday to brainstorm, collaborate, and envision the future together serves as a testament to our collective dream.

From our hearts to yours.

 

Warmly,

 

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

I resolve…to do more of the things I’m doing right

I resolve…to do more of the things I’m doing right

by | Jan 10, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Change, Compassion, Friday Inspiration

I resolve…to do more of the things that I’m doing right

January is often the time when we take inventory of our lives, identifying things we might like to improve on or change. This year we encourage you to do the opposite. Rather than assessing things that are ‘going wrong’, perhaps our energies are better invested in looking at those things that are going right.

Instead of reviewing New Year resolutions of things you’d like to change, why not lean into appreciation for your strengths and achievements over the past year?
• What things have you done well that you’d like to continue to build on?
• What steps have you taken to cultivate positive relationships?
• In what areas have you experienced unexpected and welcomed growth?

Creating these lists is often a lot harder than the self-judgment that routinely accompanies New Year’s resolutions. But think about it…doesn’t a list of strengths set a truer path for the road ahead?

You are growing faster than you realize.

 

Warmly,

 

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