What’s your Thanksgiving Back-up plan?

What’s your Thanksgiving Back-up plan?

by | Oct 12, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Wellbeing

What’s your Thanksgiving Backup Plan?

It must be Friday, because once again there’s a potential storm forecast this Thanksgiving weekend.

I don’t know about you, but I’m taking special joy in finding hacks to dodge the weather. Turkey remains on the menu, but we don’t necessarily need electricity to make this meal a success. Slow-roasted turkey over a charcoal BBQ provides a heavenly smoky flavor that has spoiled me for life.

What work arounds do you have to ensure the potentially wet weather doesn’t dampen your spirits?

Although we all have our special ways of preparing this time honored meal, ultimately, we know that Thanksgiving is about so much more.

This weekend offers an opportunity to practice gratitude, for the richness of our lives, the people in it and the beautiful province and country that we live in.

Regardless of the weather I feel grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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

Do I stay or do I go?

Do I stay or do I go?

by | Sep 29, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

Do I stay or do I go? 

It’s not always an easy decision. You may not feel as though things are quite right, but those around you might not see it. At what point do you make the decision to take time off and prioritize your health?

You’ve been trained to push through the challenging times. If you’ve been “managing” well enough in your current role, how do you justify taking a step back, whether it be in your career, volunteer activities or even social life? In reality, the only person who truly knows the depths of what’s going on is you.

If you feel that you need some time to focus on your health and wellbeing, we’re here to help walk you through this process and get you to where you want to be. Luckily, this does not have to be an all or nothing decision. There is skill in knowing how to take snips of meaningful time for yourself, ensuring you are re-filling the well as you water the garden.

At work, we routinely assessed and prioritize situations. What would this look like if you applied the same concepts to your personal life? What tasks or commitments would you cut down on? Are there any areas that need attention?

How often are you carving out time to hand out with friends or do activities that you enjoy?

Is your bedtime allowing you enough time to rest?

Is your food and water consumption supporting your health and energy throughout the day?

Do you have activities that inspire you?

Warm thoughts,

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

We’re all in the same storm.

We’re all in the same storm.

by | Sep 22, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Compassion, Recovery, Resilience

We’re all in the same storm.

We’re all in the same storm, just different boats. It’s not what happens to us that’s important, it’s the meaning of it within the context of our lives.

Before Dorian, Fiona or our recent flooding, we may have been buying storm chips and dare we say even a bit excited about the possibility of a storm. This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Because we are so connected to one another and are aware of the hardships our friends and neighbours have experienced, these weather events take on new meaning.

If you’re looking for support, we’re only a call away. You don’t need to “earn” your spot in counselling or our programs. If you’re ready there is a seat waiting for you. There’s currently no wait list.

Warm thoughts,

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

No storm lasts forever.

No storm lasts forever.

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Recovery, Resilience

No storm lasts forever. 

Nova Scotians love to talk about the weather. It’s a time-honored tradition, presumably linked to the fact that many residents of the province work in fishing and farming. Their safety and livelihood depended on good weather. We are also a unique province in the frequency with which we experience multiple seasons in the same day.

Over the past few months there has been a shift. Talking about the weather has been less a source of amusement, and more a source of anxiety or concern. There have been good reasons for it, for some of the greatest hardships we have faced recently have been connected to extreme weather.

It is in times when we are being tested that we truly witness the strength of community. Alone in a storm, no-one fares well. Together, we are stronger and better prepared to face what the elements might bring.

When we are connected with others, it is easier to remember that no storm lasts forever.
Find your strength within community.

We have a number of programs starting this fall. New members are always welcome. Fell free to give us a call.

Warm thoughts,

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

Smiling at our dogs

Smiling at our dogs

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, joy, Love

Smiling at our dogs

This week, a close friend of mine got a new puppy. The puppy is unbelievably cute, filling the house with joyful excitement. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked down on my two older dogs, and lovingly think how funny looking they are. Don’t get me wrong, they have their cute moments. But late at night, when overtired, they often resemble gargoyles or gremlins.

How often do you smile simply because you are appreciating the beauty or amusement of a dog’s face? Can you find joy even in the humour?

Todays note is really about finding small things in your daily life that spark joy. Whether it is your dog’s face, watching the vegetables in your garden grow, proudly displaying a grandchild’s crayon masterpiece on your fridge, or making the perfect cup of coffee, these are little moments that make our day.

It may not be a day of big accomplishments, but it can still be a good one due to an accumulation of tiny perfect moments.

Warm thoughts,

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

Are you sleeping at night?

Are you sleeping at night?

by | Aug 25, 2023 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Mindfulness, Recovery, Relaxation

Are you sleeping at night?

“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn

This week my sleep has been elusive. I know why. I’ve been watching too much news that documents multiple natural disasters as they unfold. My heart and thoughts have been with people around the world struggling as they face adversity.

Our humanity compels us to watch, but the format of presentation, jumping from story to story and image to image, does not allow for mindful processing of what we witness.

I know that it’s only by acknowledging the impact things have on us that we are able to properly attend to our needs.

What I really need to do is find a moment when I can simply be still and present with my emotions.

Doing art is a helpful activity that allows me to make sense of my day.

If I allow myself this time for reflection, I will sleep better.

Is there any part in your day that allows you to pause and reflect on how you are doing? What might carving out this time for yourself look like?

There’s no “right way” of doing mindfulness. It’s a matter of what is right for you.

Warm thoughts,

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