When dreams become reality

When dreams become reality

by | Sep 6, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration, From Belinda, Gratitude, Our Program

When dreams become reality

 

Before Landing Strong existed, it was merely a concept on paper. In the paper version, I envisioned a Community Connection day where veterans and first responders who had been injured in service gathered in a supportive group to participate in a community event.

The picture I cut out for my vision board was an advertising image for OnTree Adventure Park. I dreamt that maybe one day our community could go there together. Monday, August 26th was a hallmark event as the dream became a reality.

Forty-five members of our Landing Strong community came together for a day of connection, challenge, and fun. This first Community Connection day was a special one, as we extended the invitation to family and friends.

Some of the feedback we received from the day speaks for itself (it’s long but well worth the read):

I wanted to thank you and Landing Strong for an incredible day. I was feeling it for sure the day after, but it was a good sore. The kind that reminds me how good it feels to be active, something I’ve been really struggling with this past year. It was a confidence boost and I felt inspired to get out for some movement yesterday again. The first community connection day was an opportunity to try something that I might not have considered, and because the venue was wheelchair accessible, I was able to invite a friend to come and do something adventurous. I brought two friends that I recently met and we encouraged each other in our moments of hesitation and cheered those moments in the air. The drive home was filled with meaningful conversation and friendships were strengthened. We definitely bonded that day and have plans to do more together. It was great to see familiar faces from our Landing Strong community but not have the focus on us as a group but rather on our own family and friend groups. I’m not in a financial position to afford these kinds of outings on my own so I really appreciate the opportunity to be involved. Thanks again for this day and to the Funders for supporting this initiative! – S

My goodness, it was a wonderful day! My husband and daughter got to meet some of the people in my life I hold so near to my heart. They appreciated seeing the people I share my deepest with. On a personal note, though I feel so physically broken, I was surprised my abilities! I am still extremely competitive and was able to almost complete a black diamond – hardest level. That did so much for my self-worth. Having my able-bodied young blood see that I am still in the game gave me a rejuvenated sense of self. Thank you so much for allowing my family to see the real me! – A

This community connection day was awesome. The soldier always says “you can take the girl out the soldier but you can never take the soldier out of the girl.” …the soldier is talking to the girl and telling her that she loves her soooo much that she is willing to let her go and let her stand up and be seen. At the same time, the girl is talking to the soldier and thanking her. This day boosted my confidence and has helped me in this journey forward. It was great to have my family be a part of it, and see the people in my Landing Strong family. – T

My daughter and I had a really great day. We had a lot of fun, pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone, and got to hang out with our Landing Strong community. I find it really beneficial to bring our families into a fun experience. It is cool to see other families and then my daughter knows where I go numerous times a month; I feel it removes the ‘wall’ between my two families. Thanks so much for putting this on, it was an incredible day!! -R

Thank you for helping make a dream become reality. Together we will create so many more.

Warm thoughts,

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

Taking that first step

Taking that first step

by | Aug 23, 2024 | Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Growth

Taking that first step

I’m so excited!

Yes, it’s Friday, but that’s not the reason. Monday is our big Landing Strong OnTree adventure followed by a pizza-lunch party at Bent Ridge.

Jen Whalen has been coordinating this event. Wanting to be a strong lead, she’s been practicing for the big day by scaling buildings in Halifax.

When I asked her about this training regimen she shared that the hardest part was taking the first step. Once she got started, it wasn’t difficult and the feelings of fear transformed into exhilaration and excitement.

To tackle these high buildings, she followed these critical steps:
1) Convince herself that the harness was safe; trusting those around her to support her.
2) Believe in the possibility that she could do it.
3) Manage her breathing to calm her body, even when her adrenalin was pumping.

I love Jen’s description because it’s very much like the decision-making process for entering a new program. It just takes that first step. Once you’re there, things quickly get easier. No harness required.

We’re loading up for our Identity and Transition group which starts September 20th. Our half-day Community Connection Program will be meeting every second week starting this Monday. Our next Maintaining Health session is September 19th. Come be part of the fun!

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Bridging the gap to community

Bridging the gap to community

by | Jul 19, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Growth, Mindfulness

Bridging the gap to community

It’s not always easy knowing how to fit in. If a time comes when we must step away from work, it can be hard knowing what to do next. Many people who are injured cope by staying at home. The problem is, the longer we isolate, the harder it can become to reintegrate into civilian life. Venturing out into the community might feel incredibly difficult.

An important part of any transition is building an identity for ourselves separate from the uniform. We are very excited about the launch of a new program series called Community Connection. This program focuses on bridging the gap between our old identity and the new one which we are creating for ourselves.

Every two weeks we’ll have a different activity planned. It’s an opportunity for light-hearted, good old-fashioned fun and connection. It’s open to all members of our Landing Strong community. To kick off the series, we are hosting a special event, extending an invitation to family & friends.

Come join us as we share laughs and camaraderie at OnTree Adventure Park. We will cover all costs. There are both beginner and advanced courses to ensure everyone can participate at a level they find comfortable. Some may choose just to cheer, and that’s fine as well.

Spoiler alert: This is just one of many great events planned! Keep an eye out for upcoming Community Connection days, as we explore activities such as: fly-fishing, wreath-making, bowling, a meditative nature walk, water-color card making, and visiting local coffee shops just to name a few. Feel free to sign up for one, or several of these half-day group programs.

If you have ideas of activities to explore please drop us a line.

We hope you will join us!

Warm thoughts,

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

It’s a good thing she’s cute

It’s a good thing she’s cute

by | Jun 21, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Caregivers, Challenge, Forgiveness

It’s a good thing she’s cute

Seven weeks ago we got a new puppy; a Pomsky – part Pomeranian, part Husky. Kira is a fluffy ball of happiness, mischievousness and energy. Her favorite pastimes are stealing and hiding our socks and pulling astonishing escape-artist maneuvers. Our fitness levels are rapidly improving as we do laps chasing her around the yard.

Although Kira is much smaller than her Husky ancestors, her body remembers the joy of running as though she’s pulling a dog sled. In true Husky fashion, she likes to hold lengthy conversations with us regarding her needs and opinions and does so compellingly. Needless to say, she’s the only dog allowed to sleep in our bed. Kira’s identity runs deep. Even three generations of breeding doesn’t change who she is.

If you are injured, you may think that a part of you is lost or gone forever. In truth, who you are at your core, never really changes. You may not have the same physique you had in your 20’s, but your desire to be of service is likely still strong. The dedication, determination, and values that brought you to your work continue to serve as guiding principles in your life.

Time does change us. This can be a good thing. If we better learned to recognize our strengths, it might be easier to embrace changes in our lives rather than resisting them.

Like our furry little ball of fluff, good things can come in unexpected packaging.

Warm thoughts,

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

We could be friends

We could be friends

by | May 31, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Compassion, Friday Inspiration, Support

We could be friends

A few weeks ago, my husband Joe was walking our dogs when they happened upon a skunk. Anyone who has seen my dogs knows that they look like they could be related to the skunk family.

The dogs stood and stared
and the skunk stared back. Tentatively, the skunk made steps towards them, as if inviting them to play.

“Zuri, Nara, come,” Joe commanded anxiously from the rear. Luckily the dogs obeyed. Dejected, the skunk turned around and wandered off, his head held low. Sucks to be a skunk.

Making new friends is not always easy. We all fear rejection. What if we say the wrong thing? What if we aren’t accepted? What if they say things that offend us?

Come meet new people in a supportive environment. We promise not to walk away
even if you arrive wearing black and white.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Do your actions reflect your values?

Do your actions reflect your values?

by | May 10, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Communication, Community, Creativity

Do your actions reflect your values?

I recently made the effort to visit an old friend who is near and dear to my heart. I knew her from a previous life, and we both had intentions of staying in touch. But you know how it goes
weeks turn into months which somehow turn into years. The visit was wonderful, and we picked up right where we left off. I left feeling grounded, happy and inspired.

Do you have someone in your life who has somehow made their way unintentionally into your rearview mirror? If so, I encourage you to drop them a line, reminding them what they mean to you.

Our actions do reflect our intentions. This is very much the theme of our upcoming Healthy Living program which allows an opportunity for participants to examine habits, try new skills and develop new hobbies. Mornings are spent at Landing Strong. After enjoying lunch together, we go as a group to Windsor Maker’s Studio for an opportunity to develop our artistic skills (e.g., pottery, woodworking, painting, drawing, glasswork).

Is the life you are leading reflective of the values and people you hold most dear?

Come get involved with us
you may be surprised by how much fun you have.

Warm thoughts,

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