by Landing Strong | Feb 12, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Friday's Inspiration, Love, Wisdom
It’s hard not to ask the question, especially at this time of year. The following answers were offered by young children in response to a survey by the Couples Institute regarding the question “What is love?”
Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your fries without making them give you any of theirs
– Chrissy age 6
Love is what makes you smile when you are tired
– Terri, age 4
Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day
– Noelle 7
Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken
– Elaine age 5
Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day
– Mary Ann age 4
You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it, But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget
– Jessica age 8
Perhaps the best example of love wasn’t something that was said, but done. Leo Buscaglia shared this special moment he witnessed:
A four year old child had an elderly gentleman as a next door neighbour who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said “Nothing, I just helped him cry”.
For me, love is an action. It’s about moving toward rather than moving away. It’s about staying present, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about patiently waiting through silence, until emotions can form.
Love is what keeps us whole, allows us to heal, giving the walk forward meaning.
Warm thoughts and lots of love on this Valentine’s Day,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Feb 5, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Support
“I got you a delicious cake,” said the mole
“Did you?”
“Yes”
“Where is it?”
“I ate it,” said the mole
“Oh”
“But I got you another.”
“Did you? Where is that one?”
“The same thing seems to have happened.”
-The Boy, the Mole the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to show up for someone even if we might not know what to do. Or maybe we try to say something and it comes out all wrong.
Many people are hesitant to join group because it can be scary.
“What if I say the wrong thing? What if I don’t belong?” Or even worse, “What if I say something that injures someone?”
Being in group is about meeting people where they are at. Everyone starts in a different space, and goes at their own speed. We aren’t supposed to all be the same. We don’t always say or do the right thing. But somehow we work it out.
I can promise you one thing …we won’t eat your cake! Give us a call and join us for a group program this spring.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Jan 26, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Support
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help” said the horse.
“When have you been at your strongest?” Asked the boy
“When I have dared to show my weakness”
- The Boy, the Mole the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
I used to belief courage was about doing things that involved incredible risk: Running into burning buildings; putting oneself into the line of fire; more recently caring for those with contagious diseases.
These are indeed acts of courage.
What I have learned to appreciate though, is a quieter more invisible form of courage. It’s the force that motivates us to speak when it’s easier to remain silent. To stand up and be seen when we can blend in or remain invisible. To ask for help when in many ways it’s less effort to simply carry on.
Asking for help may be one of the hardest and most courageous things we can do.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Jan 8, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Growth, Our Program
The wonderful thing about starting a New Year is that it’s a fresh start.
This is the time of year when we reflect on who’ve we’ve been this past year, and who we want to be in the year ahead. The ritual of making New Year’s resolutions is a cultural tradition that normalizes the act of publically declaring our intention to change- identifying the ways in which we hope to grow, and asking those around us to support us.
Implicit in this is the notion that change is more likely to occur when we don’t do it alone
The trick is starting small and doing it in good company. Together, we’ve got this.
Consider making us part of your change. Give us a call to see which programs might be best for you. There’s always room for one more.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Jan 8, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday Inspiration, Mindfulness
Every Christmas Day I know two things will be true:
- I will likely eat chocolate for breakfast
- I’ll spend time connecting with people I love.
This year, although I’m fairly certain a Toblerone bar will make its way into my stocking, I also know the way I’ll connect with others will look different. With some people, I’ll connect with by phone, others by computer.
The largest community, though, I’ll hold in my thoughts.
When people are thinking about us, we often feel it. Even when we may feel alone, our community is still there. The connection is simply quieter… but not forgotten.
Know that each and every one of you are in our thoughts.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season and looking forward to connecting in the New Year.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
by Landing Strong | Dec 18, 2020 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery
Have you ever noticed the expression on people’s faces when they’re riding the subway? It’s a specific look: slack face, eyes downcast staring intently at an imaginary object on the floor. Some people wear ear buds, some read their digital novels, others close their eyes and escape to their thoughts to pass the time. There’s something about being in transit that’s uncomfortable. We’re willing to endure it, because it doesn’t last and it’s taking us somewhere we want to be. Like an ill-fitting coat, we’ll put up with it temporarily because we know that, in a short time, we’ll be able to take it off and be somewhere better.
If you’re feeling a bit uncomfortable with the spot you’re in, know that it’s normal. It can feel like a long dark tunnel, where you’re impatiently waiting to get to your destination. It’s good to remind ourselves that any good trip has periods of discomfort. It’s the nature of transit. Don’t let it scare you. It’s worth the journey.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
