Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

by | Dec 8, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery, Resilience

Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

Around this time last year, we were gifted a healthy and vibrant poinsettia. These red flowering plants are a symbol of the Christmas season, and we loved how it brightened the waiting area with a pop of holiday cheer.

Christmastime came and went, and this beautiful plant was moved from its central location on the coffee table to a corner of the waiting room, where it continued to show-off it’s beautiful leaves of red and green… Until it didn’t.

One day, while tidying up the space, I noticed this sad, sickly plant with the foil wrap at it’s base and remembered that I had not once since the holidays given it water!

The red leaves had long since dropped, as had most of the green ones. All that was left were a few shrivelled brown stems. I considered tossing it into the compost, but then noticed the tiniest light-green curled-up leaves beginning to unfurl.

I quickly gave it a good drink and put it into the sunshine of the kitchen. Day after day, the landing Strong team nurtured it. Slowly but surely, fresh vegetation began to appear.

It’s been almost a year now, and we are happy to report that our poinsettia is alive, healthy, and well. Just this week I’ve noticed that the vibrant red is returning! Resiliency is all around us.

Warm thoughts,

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

The powerful interesectin of creativity and resilience

The powerful interesectin of creativity and resilience

by | Dec 1, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, joy, Mindfulness, Recovery

The powerful interesection of creativity and recovery

Look at what happens when we trust what good things lie within.

Inside each of us is a hidden artist, with a creative spark waiting to be released. It may not yet know how to express itself, but it lies dormant, waiting to be discovered.

As those who are injured begin to get better, they often reconnect with their creative selves. We see it at Maker’s during our monthly Maintaining Health groups; we witness it in our staff team meetings as people’s hearts take watercolor shape on paper. Most recently, this has been revealed in our waiting room, when Fern proudly showed us an incredible piece of her art – a handcrafted, felted, Islandic inspired wool carpet, which she magically produced in just 3 days.

Such is the power when creativity and recovery intersect.

Warm thoughts, 

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

Finding Gold at the end of the rainbow

Finding Gold at the end of the rainbow

by | Nov 24, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, joy, PTSD

Finding gold at the end of the rainbow

Today I walked to work with a skip in my step and a smile on my face.

You see, my office is close to the group room. All week, I had been hearing the animated sounds of connection as participants from three separate programs formed new bonds, shared experiences, and supported one another in their respective journeys of recovery.

I can tell the programs are going well. The warmth and laughter spill across the reception area, like the heartbeat of the building.

On Friday, as I walked to work, all I needed to do was follow the rainbow.  Literally.  It took me directly to Landing Strong.

What a happy way to end a wonderful week.

Warm thoughts,

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

How many psychologists can you fit in an ambulance?

How many psychologists can you fit in an ambulance?

by | Nov 17, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Caregivers, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Leadership, PTSD, Social Media

How many psychologists can you fit into an ambulance?

A few weeks ago, Dr. Petra Woehrle and I joined a group of Psychologists for an experiential training regarding cultural considerations in working with Crown Attorneys and Paramedics.

We listened to personal stories, attended Court, and hopped into an ambulance for some high-speed drills. It was an incredible day but most of all, I was affected by the following information:


• The average career span of a paramedic used to be 5-7 years. Recently it’s been reduced to 3-5.
• The Crown Attorney’s office has lost 20% of its Prosecutors in recent years; a few to retirement, but many have found the conditions of the work too onerous to continue.
• 20% of Nova Scotia Paramedics are currently on leave.
• 25% of Halifax Regional Police are currently on leave.


This day served to renew my commitment to ensuring supports are there for those who need them.

We are grateful indeed for your service,

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

Remembrance

Remembrance

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Grief, Recovery

Remembrance

Remembrance Day is upon us.

Scarlet poppies are proudly pinned over our hearts. We find Veterans in perfectly pressed uniforms at the entrances of our grocery stores.  School hallways are adorned with crayon masterpieces on manilla paper, honoring those who’ve served and continue to serve our communities and country.

It’s a time of reflection, appreciation, remembrance.

It’s interesting to hear about the many ways people chose to honour this day.

For some it’s important for them to show up at a local cenotaph with community to pay respects.  For others retreating to a favorite secluded trail or quiet spot in nature is the perfect place to reflect and remember.

However you choose to honour this time, know that we are with you in our thoughts.

Warm thoughts,

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

Relishing our time together

Relishing our time together

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration

Relishing our time together

Last week I was speaking with Jen Whalen who shared that she recently made relish with her Mum Ann, who many of you may know through our sessions at Maker’s.

They use an old recipe card that has been lovingly handed down. It is worn, stained and the cursive writing makes it look more like an old love-letter than a recipe. Jen’s Mum thoughtfully chooses the produce from local farmers and her own garden and together they wash, peel, chop, and grind, while mason jars steam on baking racks to prepare for preservation.

Together they reminisce about childhood, and each year learn more about one another. With a smile Jen secretly admitted to that she’s not actually a huge relish fan. But she does love to share it with those who are. Finding a pretty label attaching a hand-written note, securing it with twine and handing to a friend is a simple activity that brings her great joy.

It’s all about the little things, opportunities to connect, giving to others. When we take the time to notice what small seemingly insignificant things bring us joy, we can intentionally set ourselves up for more.

Warm thoughts,

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