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

Preparing for the Harvest

Preparing for the Harvest

by | Aug 18, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Outdoor Adventures

Preparing for the Harvest

You have to love gardening. A lot of waiting and tender loving care, without the certainty that the results will be worth all the effort.

Will it be worth it? You might ask, putting yourself through the work necessary without any guarantee of reward? Initially, when we first plant our seeds, we just have to hope it will. After time goes by, suddenly out of nowhere, our tomato plants are laden with fruit.

Windsor is home to some of the world’s largest pumpkins. Magical things happen here.

In our monthly Maintaining Health series, we are witness to similar growth and change. No matter what stage of recovery people may be in, sometimes seeing what is possible provides us with the fuel and confidence we need to continue.

Fall is a great time to start sewing your seeds of change. A number of programs are about to start. Call us now to see what works best for you.

Warm thoughts,

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

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Thankful for partners who pick us up

by | Jul 21, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Love

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Tomorrow is a big day for me. Friends and family are flying in from across Canada to witness the marriage of my son Kyle to his beautiful bride Kaitlin. What a pleasure it will be to celebrate the joy of two happy young people who form such a strong partnership. This is the beginning of the next stage of their journey together.

I can’t help but reflect on the role of partners, spouses and friends in being witness to our lives, celebrating the good moments as well as offering support and lifting our spirits when it may be needed.

In group, we perform a similar function for one another, celebrating the wins, commiserating with challenges, and ensuring no one is walking alone.

I wanted the opportunity to share my joy with you, just as you so often share your life’s important moments with us.

Warm thoughts,

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

Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?

by | Jul 14, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery

Are we there yet?

In any journey, it’s easy to get hung up on the destination. “Are we there yet?!” our internal voice demands, wanting to know when the point of arrival has come. I’ve shifted my mindset around this concept in recent years, realizing that half the joy lies in the journey itself. It’s something my parents seemed to have figured out given the numerous adventurous road trips we took together as a family. The journey was the whole point. 

Trauma recovery is similar, in that there is never actually an end point. This doesn’t mean it’ll always be hard, but continuous movement is part of ongoing health. 

Join the movement by pre-registering for one of our fall programs today.  

Warm thoughts,

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

It’s hot

It’s hot

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration

It’s hot

It’s hot. When it’s hot, we have to pace ourselves differently. We all know that. Similarly, if we’re shouldering heavier burdens in life because of our particular circumstances, that too requires adaptation. 

When I was a kid, I’d run about with high energy regardless of the weather. Today, I’m mindful not to do big hikes or long walks until the cooler evening temperatures set in. There’s no shame in the fact that your needs now might be different than what they were 20 years ago. In fact, it’s a skill knowing how to adapt so that you can thrive. 

After years of service, many veterans and first responders are accustomed to overriding their needs so that they might help others. Health and recovery involve doing the opposite – tending to your needs first, so that you’re in better shape for everyone around you. 

Reflecting on your current circumstances, how might you best pace yourself for success? 

We’re carrying on with the theme of pacing in this month’s Maintaining Health program. Please be sure to call or email if you’re coming so we know to save a seat for you. (902) 472-2972 or admin@landingstrong.com 

Warm thoughts,

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