We have your back

We have your back

by | Feb 16, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Compassion, Courage, Grief

This week, the residents of Kansas City struggled to come to terms with the horrific outcome of what was supposed to be a joyous event. One person was killed and more than 20 wounded following a shooting during the Super Bowl parade. This was the 48th mass shooting in the United States since the beginning of the year. That’s more than one a day. What used to be an outlier event has now become alarmingly normal.

While we might get used to hearing about such events on the news, it is never normal for those who are called to respond. Our hearts naturally go to the victims and their families. What is often overlooked is the devastating impact it has on the first responder community. We rush to treat those who are physically wounded, not always recognizing the psychological devastation left behind by these incidents. Often, they are hidden or take time to surface.

Seeing this event, I am reminded of how many Nova Scotians may be living with invisible injuries. We remain committed to ensuring that we have your back; that no-one who is injured is left standing alone.

We are immensely grateful for the work our first responders do.

Warm thoughts,

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

Remembrance

Remembrance

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Grief, Recovery

Remembrance

Remembrance Day is upon us.

Scarlet poppies are proudly pinned over our hearts. We find Veterans in perfectly pressed uniforms at the entrances of our grocery stores.  School hallways are adorned with crayon masterpieces on manilla paper, honoring those who’ve served and continue to serve our communities and country.

It’s a time of reflection, appreciation, remembrance.

It’s interesting to hear about the many ways people chose to honour this day.

For some it’s important for them to show up at a local cenotaph with community to pay respects.  For others retreating to a favorite secluded trail or quiet spot in nature is the perfect place to reflect and remember.

However you choose to honour this time, know that we are with you in our thoughts.

Warm thoughts,

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

Those who run together, have fun together.

Those who run together, have fun together.

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Resilience

Those who run together have fun together


It was raining and tempting not to go, but luckily, we did and we couldn’t have had more fun!

In true Nova Scotia style, we kept up the family tradition of running the Valley Harvest Marathon, regardless of the weather.

There is indeed strength and spirit in numbers. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar thinking back to the first time you came to group? You may have sat in the parking lot coming up with a myriad of reasons why you couldn’t set foot in the door, but then, were glad you did. Perhaps you too were expecting rain, but like our family of runners, found sunshine by the end of the day.  Come run with us at Landing Strong.

Warm thoughts,

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

No storm lasts forever.

No storm lasts forever.

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Recovery, Resilience

No storm lasts forever. 

Nova Scotians love to talk about the weather. It’s a time-honored tradition, presumably linked to the fact that many residents of the province work in fishing and farming. Their safety and livelihood depended on good weather. We are also a unique province in the frequency with which we experience multiple seasons in the same day.

Over the past few months there has been a shift. Talking about the weather has been less a source of amusement, and more a source of anxiety or concern. There have been good reasons for it, for some of the greatest hardships we have faced recently have been connected to extreme weather.

It is in times when we are being tested that we truly witness the strength of community. Alone in a storm, no-one fares well. Together, we are stronger and better prepared to face what the elements might bring.

When we are connected with others, it is easier to remember that no storm lasts forever.
Find your strength within community.

We have a number of programs starting this fall. New members are always welcome. Fell free to give us a call.

Warm thoughts,

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

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

by | Jul 28, 2023 | Challenge, Community, Courage, Grief, Love, Support

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

We join you this afternoon with an acknowledgement of the hardship and loss faced by the people in our community, expressing thanks to the first responders who put themselves at risk assisting those who were trapped by flood waters.

We feel gratitude for those who are safe, and want to express our sympathy and support for those who have endured unimaginable hardship. Our hearts are with you.

In such challenging times, it is important to acknowledge the valiant efforts of the Brooklyn Fire Department, in addition to all other emergency, hydro, and road repair crews who worked around the clock to restore safety and order.

If you were part of this emergency response and are struggling, please feel free to reach out and give us a call. Know that we are here for you.

Warm thoughts,

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