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 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

Birds of a feather flock together

Birds of a feather flock together

by | Jan 3, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Courage, Creativity, Growth, joy

Birds of a feather flock together

On a recent trip to Toronto, I came across these seven fine feathered friends. While the cold winds were blowing around them, they were relaxing comfortably together sharing the heat of their bodies as well as the warm air from the subway system that vented up from below.

Naturally, the first thing I thought of was Landing Strong. We all benefit from the strength and warmth of companionship.

While the world outside might seem cold at times, together we create a climate of warmth of comfort. There are no strangers to this place, only friends we haven’t yet met.

There’s room for plenty more. If we haven’t heard from you yet, we’d love to. Give us a call or drop us a line anytime. 902-472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com.

Our Emotions Management program starts in less than two weeks. We still have a few seats left and would love to meet you.

 

Warmly,

 

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