Side by side in harmony

Side by side in harmony

by | May 16, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Gratitude, Love

Side by side in harmony 

In a recent trip to Cuba there was a free book library at the towel exchange. I couldn’t help but notice how happily the books were snuggled up against one another, almost as though friends, despite the fact they came from different parts of the world and spoke different languages.

If only it were so simple… I thought to myself.

I can’t control things on the world’s stage, but I can control the intentional way I might greet friends I have not yet met. I want to lean in with curiosity and wonder rather that assuming people might fall into stereotypes of who I think they could be.

We have choices on how much media we consume and when. We also have choices on how we allow it to affect us.

To a certain extent, the key to solving global conflict starts at home; in the quality and nature of simple interactions we have with one another. We can be part of the problem, or part of the solution, it’s our choice.

There’s still time to sign up for our Healthy Living program, and
we are also loading a Care for the Caregiver one-day workshop at the Halifax Military Family Resource Center on May 30th.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Double date square day

Double date square day

by | May 2, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Self-Care

Double date square day

Today was a little rough. I got through it, with the help of friends but I have to confess it was double date square day. You know them. We’ve all had them, those day that once the adrenaline has settled, we want nothing more than to load up on carbs and sugar.

I know at such times I should take my sugar cravings as a cue that it’s time to go for a walk.

Change the scenery.

Change the pace.

Change the perspective.

You’ll be happy to know that’s exactly what I’m going to do next. Shake off the cobwebs with some fresh air, activity and a dog walk.

We’re currently loading our Healthy Living group program which will be on Tuesdays May 20th, 27th, June 3rd,17th, 24th. Join us as we work together to develop healthy routines and curb harmful habits. It’s not too early to get on the list.

 

Warmly,

 

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

When life gives you lemons

When life gives you lemons

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude, Growth, Resilience

When life gives you lemons 

 

A couple years ago I wrote a blog about surviving the dreariness of Covid isolation by growing lemons and limes indoors.

One of the trees has done well. The second, a scraggly rag-tag bush, has struggled. This past summer, I almost threw it out, convinced I had killed it. Instead, I poured love into it, doing my best to nurture it back to health.

The photo above shows what one of the branches produced this week; three glorious lemons.

How is it possible, you might ask, that something so little can produce something so big? Ah, isn’t that the picture of resilience!

Like the lemon tree, you too might at times have felt less than the best version of yourself. With love, care and nurturing, growth is inevitable.

We’re currently loading our Healthy Living program: May 20th, 27th, June 3rd,17th, 24th. We also have just a couple spaces left in our Surviving to Thriving retreat: April 27-May 2. Call us today to sign up. 902-472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com

 

Warmly,

 

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

Good things are just around the corner

Good things are just around the corner

by | Apr 4, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Gratitude

Good things are just around the corner

This week, when we turn on the news or look out the window, everything feels grey. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead, I choose to be intentional about introducing color and positive energy into my life. Starting with these beautiful tulips.

Given to me a week ago, it’s astonishing to see how they keep getting stronger and more beautiful. It makes no sense. Even though the sun’s not shining, these resilient flowers are pushing their way forward, toward brightness and life.


What if we all did the same? We need not see sunny skies to know they are just around the corner.

How are you bringing color into your life? Are you able to be intentional about introducing pockets of beauty and joy into a week that could otherwise be hard?

We’ve got some great group programs coming up. Monday April 7th we have our half-day Community Connections where we’ll be creating an Easter themed craft. We are also loading up our Healthy Living program Tuesdays May 20th, 27th, June 3rd,17th, 24th, and our Surviving to Thriving retreat April 27th-May 2nd has just a couple seats left. Connect today to save your seat: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972

 

Warmly,

 

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

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