Are you taking time for you?

Are you taking time for you?

by | May 30, 2025 | Balance, Challenge, Mindfulness, Recovery

Are you taking time for you?

Often people think of recovery as an active process…which it is. Equally important though, is allowing ourselves time to rest and recover. Many people will say they feel guilty when they’re not working or doing something productive. I would argue that being unproductive, at times, is essential.

I have a little trick I do with myself to determine if I’ve rested enough. When relaxed, I can assemble jigsaw puzzles quite quickly. When stressed or my mind is racing, my thoughts are too disorganized to see the natural pattern before me.

How do you gauge when you’ve rested enough?

How do you know if it’s time to work or play?

We’re only good to others to the extent that we’re good to ourselves. Having healthy pastimes and leisure pursuits is an important component of recovery.

We have two opportunities to engage in healthy pastimes with us next month. We have Community Connections coming up June 9th and Maintaining Health coming up June 19th.

Contact Julie to sign up. 902472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com We hope to see you soon.

 

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

It’s not easy waiting

It’s not easy waiting

by | Apr 11, 2025 | Anger, Challenge, Depression, Friday Inspiration

                                                       It’s not easy waiting

Is it really snowing again?

Let’s just give ourselves a shake. Not only are our April gardens blanketed in snow, but as I write this blog my son and daughter-in-law are 10 days overdue in the arrival of their first child. I hope by the time you read this, that status will have changed.

It’s not easy waiting for things we are anticipating.

You may be feeling the same way about your recovery.
Maybe you’re waiting to start. Maybe you’re mid-way, wishing things would speed up. Or perhaps you’re well on your way on your path to recovery. Regardless, sometimes the more we want something, the harder it is to find patience.

It is often true that good things come to those who wait.

The snow will melt and be replaced by warm breaths of spring.

A bouncing baby (hopefully) will arrive soon.

And…recovery isn’t a pipe dream but something that is waiting for you.

 

Warmly,

 

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

When helpers need help

When helpers need help

by | Mar 28, 2025 | Challenge, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Support

When helpers need help

We’ve all done it, although may be hesitant to admit it: locked ourselves out of our cars. For me, it happened on a frigid, cold wintery night.

Choir practice had just ended, and the cars were quickly pulling away when I realized my keys, phone, and wallet were locked inside my car.

I quickly flagged the attention of a peer who generously offered to call CAA and sit and wait with me until they arrived. Not wanting to inconvenience her, I accepted the call to CAA, but insisted that she go home, emphatically stating, “I am a big girl thanks, I’ll be fine.”

A half an hour later, as I stood alone in the parking lot with the -20 degree windchill sweeping through me, I questioned my decision.

I’m so used to being the one to help others that it can be hard for me to recognize when I, too, need help.

As fate would have it, a solitary figure came out of the building to another car in the far corner of the lot. Another choir member had stayed late so that she could lock up the building. She insisted that I come inside her car for warmth. This time, I happily accepted. Worried I was keeping her up late with no sight of CAA on the horizon, she reassured me, “It’s no problem at all! I just received my chemotherapy treatment this afternoon, and it keeps me up all night.”

So, we sat together in her car, learning about one another as we waited. What started as misfortune turned into a gift as I had the opportunity to get to know her better.

I am humbled by this experience and what it taught me; that friends really are strangers we’ve not yet met, and perhaps more importantly, it doesn’t matter how strong we are, we all benefit from a helping hand in times of need.

We still have a few seats left in two great group programs. Overcoming Trauma and Building Resiliency, and Navigating Next Steps. Get in touch to see which one is right for you. info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972.

 

 

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

Team Strong supports our community

Team Strong supports our community

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Change, Community, Courage, Growth, Our Team, Recovery

Team Strong supports our community

Monday was a powerful day as volunteers from our Landing Strong community gathered at the Windsor Food Bank (Matthew 25) to help with Christmas hamper preparations.

In true veteran/first responder form, we worked like a smoothly oiled machine with maximum efficiency. 500 bags were packed in just under two hours! Ashley the director at the food bank, marveled at the speed and productivity of the group. We left with an incredible sense of satisfaction and pride in our ability to give back to the community.

Our local food bank is an incredibly valuable resource supporting up to 600 individuals in West Hants monthly. This number represents a 20% increase over last year. Led tirelessly by a passionate volunteer team with Ashley and Tina at the helm, the folks at the food bank are working long hours to ensure no one in our community goes without.

Our Landing Strong community expressed great satisfaction at being able to do this volunteer work. Many noted that they felt unable to go out into the community individually to volunteer, but with the safety and support of their peers Team Strong was created.

How might you help? There’s a variety of ways. Feel free to contact Ashley or Tina through their Facebook page, or call 798-4313. You can also email matthew25windsor@gmail.com.

We’re going back as a group again soon. Please reach out to Jen if you’re interested in joining Team Strong. We welcome suggestions and ideas for other volunteer opportunities as a team, reach out anytime.

 

Warmly,

 

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