When we think of PTSD, we might envision a person hunched over, sitting alone in a dark room. Operational stress injuries can indeed be isolating when we bear the burden alone.
Only through connection with an understanding community, can we melt away the shame that keeps us immobilized.
If you have been following our social media, you’ll have seen many photos of people in active recovery. They’re full of smiles and are clearly in good company. That’s not by chance. They know something important. They know that working in groups speeds up recovery and allows us to go further. Significant forward momentum requires knowledge, support, and community.
By working together, we will all go further. Look for the smiles…you’ll know where to find us. Trauma recovery might not look the way you imagined.
We’re loading up programs for the new year, connect soon to save your seat.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
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
Following injury, many veterans and first responders are faced with the dilemma of whether they will return to their former occupations.
During my trip to Tanzania, in a remote community on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, I met Mayan, a local goatherd. Even at the age of seven, he understood his destiny.
Shy at first, he quickly warmed up when he saw his 40 goats surrounding me in an attempt to snag my bowl of afternoon popcorn. Grateful for his assistance I rewarded him with half of the bowl, and we happily sat on a large rock, watching the sunset, sharing the crunchy treat.
I can’t help but wonder at the vast difference between our two worlds. The choices we have in comparison to the predestined fate of the Maasai people.
I’m grateful for our choices, but appreciative of the simple and happy life they lead.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This week I had the opportunity to meet some Maasai women living by the plains of the Serengeti who were selling their beaded handiwork.
After the expected amount of haggling, I struck a deal with one of them and purchased a few bracelets. Pleased with the exchange, she spit in her hand and held it out for me to shake.
Naturally I accepted her offer and shook back, knowing it was a mutual sign of agreement and respect.
Knowing the local customs sometimes takes a leap of faith. Like those who are transitioning out of military careers, understanding the norms and nuances of civilian life can come as somewhat of a culture shock.
Allowing yourself patience and grace is an important part of the journey.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This week my husband Joe and I set off on an adventure to Tanzania in a leadership expedition with 21 high school students.
We will be doing community service, going on safari, and hopefully summiting Kilimanjaro.
One of the things I most value about travel is having an opportunity to gain perspective, and viewing our lives through a different lens.
In the Ethiopian airport, I met a woman en route to Kenya, who made me smile. Her diamond-studded glasses caught my eye, even across a crowded airport. No matter what uniform or customary dress we wear, our personalities can’t help but shine through.
I wonder how your personality shines. What small forms of expression do you have to allow people to see the true you?
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This month has been a bit challenging for me. My father’s health is declining, and as a result, I’ve made a few extra trips to Toronto in recent weeks.
On the last flight to Toronto, I wasn’t feeling particularly chatty. I sat beside a polished young woman. She was well-coiffed, armed in high heels, a white designer bag and immaculate make-up.
She didn’t make much eye contact, so I took it as my cue that we wouldn’t chat. I developed an internal story about who she might be based on her appearance. As we got up to leave, she stood and with her perfectly manicured hands passed me my bag from the overhead compartment, even though she did not have one of her own.
This thoughtful gesture prompted me to revise my initial appraisal of her. We chatted as we stood in line for our bags, and I learned that she holds a doctoral degree in genetic engineering and is dedicating her life working to develop drugs to cure hereditary illnesses. She was passionate, thoughtful, and inspired. My superficial impression proved to be very wrong.
This brief interaction encouraged me to be more open to the idea of getting to know people before judging them.
On the flight home, I felt exhausted, after five days in the hospital at my father’s bedside. An elderly woman, was sitting beside me, scribbling furiously into a journal. Her notes were organized and meticulous. Remembering my earlier vow, I threw her a line, asking if she was a writer. It turns out she holds a master’s degree in divinity and has spent the latter part of her life on a spiritual quest.
The next three hours proved to be a fulsome conversation around topics of Buddhism, consciousness, spirituality, quantum physics and mysticism. She writes under the penname Augusta. The conversation was good enough that I ordered two of her books. I left the plane feeling grounded, calm and appreciative.
I am grateful to the universe for sending both women my way. I wonder how often people of potential importance in our lives are sent to us, but we miss the opportunity to benefit from them because we are closed off or not looking.
I am renewed in my commitment to being open and receptive to what the universe has to offer. I hope you will do the same.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
