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

 

 

Holding on to what is dear to us

Holding on to what is dear to us

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration

Holding on to what’s dear to us

On a recent trip to Tanzania, I had an unexpected encounter with a bird of prey. I was sitting quietly enjoying a long-awaited lunch when a Verreaux Eagle swooped down and tried to grab the chicken wrap I was eating right from my grasp. What I failed to mention was how hangry I was. Belinda versus Falcon. Who do you think won? Needless to say, I don’t back down when things are important to me, I rose from the tug of war victorious!

I proceeded to gobble down the sandwich thrilled with my spoils of war only to reflect on the many disgusting things the bird likely had his feet in before trying to make off with my lunch. Yet, it did nothing to diminish the satisfaction of having won.

I tell you this story with a smile because in many ways it reflects the work we’re all doing here. You are all part of this community because deep down there is something that you really want that you’re not willing to let go of. Forces of life or nature may try to pull it from your grasp, but I know you’re not letting go of the things that are dear to you.

Today is a special day at Landing Strong as we recognize and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of veterans and first responders who continue to work on their health through program involvement. We call it a ‘Celebration of Unsung Heroes’ because the heroic efforts often come after the traumas. Courage takes the form of being willing to be seen and giving voice to experiences that have long been kept silent. This work is indeed worthy of recognition and celebration.

Warm thoughts,


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