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

Feel the fear and do it anyway

Feel the fear and do it anyway

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Courage, Friday Inspiration

I grew up in a big old house in downtown Toronto. In the garden there were flowers, in the basement there were monsters. I was sure of it.

I remember reacting with dread anytime I was asked to go down to that dark, spider-filled place. I would retrieve whatever I had been asked to get, flicking off the light and sprinting up the stairs as fast as my six-year-old legs could carry me.

Somehow I knew that if I could just move fast enough and leave enough distance between myself and the things I feared, I would be okay.

When we are injured and isolated, our monsters multiply. In an effort to protect ourselves, we naturally pull back from forces that threaten to harm us. The challenge with this is the more we avoid the things we fear, the bigger they become.

We all have things we may be afraid to do, the question is, are we able to find the courage to try it anyway?

Our upcoming program Healthy Living is all about giving new things a try. Give us a call to learn more.

The mornings take place here at Landing Strong, and the afternoons are at Maker’s Studio.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, I faced those monsters in the basement years ago.

Warm Regards and Happy Easter,


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

Warm thoughts,

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

Two steps forward, one step back

Two steps forward, one step back

by | Jun 12, 2020 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Compassion, Recovery

They may reappear when you least expect it.  Just when things were getting better, a symptom returns, reminding you of a past that you had hoped was left behind. 

What does it mean when old symptoms reappear?  

Even when you’re working hard on your recovery, it’s normal for symptoms to occasionally come back.  

It’s really hard to feel like you’re not making forward progress, or that you’re not recovering even though you’re doing the work.  But we know that recovery isn’t linear.  Our symptoms serve as indicators that our total load has crept up higher than is healthy.  By paying attention to it, we are able to examine the areas of our life that need to be addressed.  

There’s a lot of background stress these days, so don’t be surprised if the buffer is thin.  The amount of stress we can handle under normal conditions isn’t the same as what we can handle during challenging times.  Instead of judging ourselves, let’s try to practice compassion.  See if there is anything you can do to lighten your load, and remember… this too shall pass.  

Warm regards,

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

Dawn of a new beginning

Dawn of a new beginning

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Growth

Today is the day things start to return to normal.  The dawn of a new beginning.  Stores will open.  We can go out for dinner again.  Heck if I’m lucky I may even score a haircut in the near future.

When we are faced with threat, it’s normal to be hesitant to step back out there.

It’s like falling off a horse… it can be hard to get back on.  The problem is, if we don’t, it will be hard to get back into a normal routine.  A natural recovery curve happens after any traumatic exposure.  It’s natural to want to hide in order to keep ourselves safe, but we will never really know that the danger has passed until we leave our rabbit holes. It’s only by putting ourselves out there, that we are able to know that we can experience new things without negative consequences.  

If we avoid going out, we never learn that it’s safe. That’s when we get stuck.

So I encourage you to go out.  Do it safely, of course, practicing social distancing and proper health precautions.  But take the steps necessary to restore a semblance of normalcy to your life.

Enjoy the beauty of the sunrise.  Laugh with a neighbour.  Share a meal with a friend.

Warm regards,

Embracing the power of positive change

Embracing the power of positive change

by | Apr 17, 2020 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Self-Awareness, Support, Trauma

My dogs are completely ridiculous.  When I come home each day, they charge towards me at top speed, so filled with glee that they can hardly contain themselves.  They are so excited that they start jumping on one another in a playful Ninja manner, the little dog trying to nip the haunches of her older sister in an effort to reach me first.  They quickly become a blurred black and white explosion of play and energy, forgetting the fact that they were even coming to see me. 

When they are relaxed, it’s not uncommon to see them mirroring one another, their bodies unconsciously copying the posture and mood of the other.  What we are witnessing is co-regulation in action.  Because they are close, the mood and actions of one significantly affects the mood and actions of the other.

Co-regulation is that moment by moment interaction between the central nervous system of one person (or dog) with another.  

When you laugh, I laugh with you.  

When you cry, I feel the heaviness in my chest, and instinctively reach out.

Being in close proximity with one another during this COVID crisis, we can’t help but have a profound effect on those around us.  Our central nervous systems are in synchronicity, constantly interacting, bouncing off one another and mirroring emotions that we may not even be aware of.  How I am feeling has a huge effect on my household, and how others are feeling affects me.  At this time in particular, it’s incredibly important that we are aware of the manner in which we are contributing to, or detracting from the health and well-being of those in our circle.

Co-regulation doesn’t just happen in person.  It can also travel through the internet.  Another person’s anger can transmit virtually.  So can joy.  I’m careful in deciding which news to watch, because in general, bad news sells.  This morning CTV focussed on new vaccination efforts, miracle plane landings, and funny bad haircuts, and I started my day off with a smile.

I invite you to take the time to notice what you are feeling, and set an intention about the mood you want to spread to those you love.  Attached is a fun exercise called “Cookie breathing” developed by Liana Lowenstein which might help.  Try practicing, and see if you experience an internal shift.

Warm Regards,
Belinda

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

Being the architect of my universe

Being the architect of my universe

by | Jan 9, 2020 | Anxiety, Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Creativity

I fully enjoyed my holidays, but have to admit…the thought of returning to work is somewhat daunting. 

I can’t help but think of the large to do list awaiting me.  The tightness in my chest serves as a reminder that I may be expecting too much of myself.  I don’t think I’m alone in this regard.

“I am the architect of my universe,” I remind myself.  “If I don’t like the way something feels, it’s no one’s job but mine to change it”. 

I decided to set aside some time this afternoon and draw up lists.  Get those “to do” things out of my head and onto paper.  I assigned them priorities. The list isn’t actually as long as I thought.  

The beauty of the sun glistening on the lake reminds me that deadlines are arbitrary.  There is really nothing that is urgent: no one is going to die if I don’t get it all done immediately. Instead of things I have to do, I’ll view my tasks as things I can feel good about accomplishing.

Most importantly, I’ll make sure to add a bunch of fun and creative things to my list.  If this is to be my job description for the next year…I want it to be creative, engaging and enjoyable.

I add an extra list…creative hobby ideas, and feel myself lighten.

Changing the world might be important, but so is enjoying the day 🙂 

Warm wishes,

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