Catching more than fish
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Catching more than fish |
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Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
Beauty is a form of resistance
Beauty is a form of resistance
The world feels heavy lately.
It’s easy to get swept up in the noise: the grief, injustice, and constant stream of bad news. As people who care deeply, we want to stay aware. But there’s a difference between being informed and being overwhelmed. And when we lose our footing, it becomes harder to show up for others in the way we want to.
A recent walk through a waterfowl park in Sackville N.B. reminded me of this. The world hadn’t changed, but something within me had. The air was quiet. A heron skimmed the water. Blackbirds rose from the reeds in a flurry of wings and song. For a moment, I was still. And I remembered: beauty heals.
At Landing Strong, we often speak about the importance of grounding. That process doesn’t always come from deep internal work. Sometimes, it starts with stepping outside, softening our gaze, and noticing what’s good. The natural world has a way of reminding us that peace is possible, even when things feel chaotic.
Seeking out beauty isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. It reminds us of what’s worth holding onto. It helps us breathe more deeply, listen more fully, and lead with compassion instead of reactivity.
So, if the world feels too loud today, go outside. Notice the breeze. Watch the trees move. Find something beautiful, however small, and let it anchor you. The steadier we are within ourselves, the better we are for others.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
Celebrating our Community
Celebrating our Community
How do we possibly begin to tell you how wonderful the Artisanal Fair was?
Last Friday we held an event to celebrate our Landing Strong community. The celebration began by highlighting the community contribution of our Landing Strong members, as they were awarded coins for their efforts in making our world a safer place.
Serenaded by veteran and first responder musicians, we enjoyed Chef Randi’s delectable treats as we toured eighteen tables that formed our Artisanal Fair.
Reading the Artist’s Statements, and viewing their creative works, it was impossible not to see the beautiful forms that recovery can take.
The event created a feeling, that is difficult to explain through words. Instead, we are sharing a photos and clips of music so that you can appreciate just how special the day really was.
A big shout out to all those who made this day a resounding success. Whether you were an exhibitor, a greeter, a planner, or assisted with setup and take down, it was a fantastic, combined effort.
We appreciate each and every one of you.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
Big things are just around the corner
Big things are just around the corner
I know it’s coming, do you?
In previous years the staff at Landing Strong put on our annual Recognition Celebration. It’s a time where we pause to recognize the contribution to community of our Landing Strong members, as well as their efforts made to restore health.
This year the celebration is taking a different form. We are excited to be hosting the celebration in conjunction with our first ever Artisanal Fair.
This offers an opportunity for veterans and first responders to showcase their creative works, often symbolic of their journeys of recovery.
Our first organizational meeting was met with 17 enthusiastic members, eager to participate to ensure this event is a success.
Many of you have already signed up, don’t worry, we have an artist’s table reserved for you.
On a personal note, I’m excited for the formal launch of two books.
Summiting your PTSD Mountain: Lessons from Kilimanjaro and Standing Strong a workbook for Veterans and First Responders Navigating the Stress of Service. Free copies of both will be available to those who attend!
This event is open to the public from 3:30-5:00 pm. For members of our Landing Strong community, you are invited to arrive at 1:45pm, for our private Recognition Celebration that begins at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of admission we are accepting non-perishable donations to the Matthew 25 food bank.
Please help us spread the word! We hope to see you there!
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
An artist in each of us
An artist in each of us
Many people claim that they don’t have artistic ability. I beg to differ.
As part of recovery, within each of us there is an inevitable artistic side waiting to come out. It might take the shape of watercolors, pastels, ceramics, glassworks, textiles or woodcraft. Hesitant to show itself at first, the budding artist can’t help but blossom when nurtured and allowed an opportunity to grow.
A group of women recently completed a 5-day retreat with us, creating inspiration cards on which they wrote motivational quotes to guide them on their journeys. For some, it is something they have already been practicing and wish to continue, for others it’s a thought or practice they aspire to.
Recovery takes the form of vibrant shapes and colors, inspirational quotes, and communities of people bonded by shared experiences. It involves reflection, self-expression, listening and feeling seen and understood. It requires the courage to stand up and give voice to words that may not yet have been uttered.
We applaud the work each of you are doing and celebrate the creative growth that inevitably ensues.
Please come witness some of the tremendous examples of fun and creativity of our Landing Strong community at our Artisanal Fair on Friday June 13th.
This event will be exclusive to our Landing Strong community from 2pm-3:30pm, the General Public will be welcomed to join us from 3:30pm-5:00pm. Come for the first hour or so or stay for the entire time. We hope to see you there.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
Kindness rocks
Kindness rocks
I arrived at work recently and to my delight discovered the front entrance of Landing Strong sprinkled with kindness rocks. On each step and at every turn was an encouraging comment designed to uplift the day of anyone entering the building.
‘Spread your wings and fly’
‘You are enough’
‘Be happy, Be Kind, Be strong, Be you’
Handcrafted with love, someone dear to our community took the time to spread loving thoughts.
Although these are acts of kindness designed for others, I’m aware that in creating these precious gifts the artist themselves is practicing selfcare in a positive powerful way.
What we do and how we spend our time when relaxing really matters. Spring is a perfect time to reflect on our habits and patterns of behavior ensuring that we are filling our cup, rather than emptying it.
What hobbies or past times do you practice that support your health?
If you haven’t yet taken it, now is the perfect time to sign up for our Healthy Living program, our mornings are at Landing Strong and afternoons at Maker’s Studio. Contact Julie to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong
