Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

by | Oct 3, 2025 | Anxiety, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Recovery, Virtual Community

Which Mountain Do You Want to Climb?

Those of you who know me know that I have a passion for adventure…and climbing mountains. I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro three times, and this year, I’m preparing to climb it for the fourth. But this time, it won’t just be my journey; I want to take four Landing Strong community members with me.

The mountain has taught me many lessons, but perhaps the most important one is this: the summit isn’t the point. The real transformation happens long before you reach the peak. It happens in the training.

Climbing a mountain is not simply about fitness. It’s about shifting how we see ourselves; learning to let go of the limiting beliefs that whisper we’re not strong enough, not resilient enough, not ready.

The first time I prepared for Kilimanjaro, I didn’t actually climb it. My role was to lead the community service portion of the trip. Yet the months of preparation changed me. My husband and daughter summited that year. I remember watching my 12 year old daughter’s strength and determination. After they completed the climb, she told me I was capable, even when I didn’t fully believe it myself. And she was right. Sometimes we need someone else to hold the vision of who we might become until we are ready to see it ourselves.

So I offer you this question: which mountain do you want to climb this year?
Maybe it’s Kilimanjaro. Maybe it’s something closer to home. The climb might be a literal peak or a personal one. What matters is that you choose to begin, and that you’re willing to train; not just your body, but your heart, mind, and spirit.

This March, we will travel to Tanzania. Together we’ll spend a week on safari, a week doing community service, and a week on Mount Kilimanjaro. Our community service project this year is close to my heart: building a girls’ dormitory so that young women can safely pursue their high school education. The training begins soon, and it will require commitment, consistency, and courage.

This journey is led by my husband Joe Seagram, in partnership with King’s Edgehill School and Summits Africa.  It is alcohol-free, smoke-free and cannabis-free (cannabis is not legal in Tanzania). Because we will be traveling with King’s-Edgehill School, we’ll be in the company of incredible high school students.

Here’s how you can join us:

  • If you’re interested in being one of the four Landing Strong community members making the climb, please reach out to us directly at info@landingstrong.com
  • If you’d like to be part of the virtual training program and train alongside us from home, keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending details very soon.

The summit may be a breathtaking moment—but it is not the goal. The goal is to discover what we are capable of along the way.

So I ask you again: which mountain do you want to climb?

Warmly,

 

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

Moving forward, moving strong

Moving forward, moving strong

by | Apr 18, 2025 | Community, Courage, Friday Inspiration, PTSD

Moving forward, moving strong

Five years ago today, marks the anniversary of one of the hardest days Nova Scotia has ever seen. None of us have forgotten the losses incurred and sacrifices made.

Resilience is defined by our ability to get back up after we’ve been knocked down. Over this time period our Landing Strong community has grown significantly both in numbers and in steps forward in recovery. It takes courage to allow oneself to be seen following injury.

We are running not just programs, but also numerous social outings and community volunteer initiatives. This June we plan to showcase the creative talents and skills of our members in our 3rd annual Recognition Celebration and first ever Artisanal Fair (Friday June 13th in the afternoon).

Yes, there have been dark days, but we move forward as a community and province, doing everything in our power to keep our citizens safe, healthy and strong.

The Artisanal Fair will be a celebration of all that has been overcome and the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. We hope to see you there.

 

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

Many minds working for you

Many minds working for you

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Compassion, Friday Inspiration, Leadership, Our Team

Back row from left to right: Rich Dunbar, Mackenzie Robinson, Jen Whalen, Pam Turcotte, Daniel Mowat-Rose, Deborah Eaton, Mark Larkin, Kate Stanley, Jillian Gorbold, Adrienne Oldham, Louis Coutinho
Front row left to right: Belinda Seagram, Alex Duguay, Sarah Gray, Ben Wallace, Ryan Sasaki, Shawn Hiscott, Julian Young

Many minds working for you

A few weeks ago the Landing Strong Board of Directors and many staff members, got together for our annual retreat. Enthusiasm was high, and dedication was strong as we worked together to review how far we’ve come, where we are, and where we’re headed next as an organization.

The 100% attendance rate of our volunteer Board reflected the commitment they all hold to ensuring that none of our veterans or first responders are left behind following injury.

It’s impossible not to take note of just how much the organization has grown since its inception. Equally inspiring is the depth of commitment on behalf of the Board and Staff to continue to grow the services available to those who are suffering.

We don’t just want to provide good programs. We are committed to providing the best possible services to our community. This often involves thinking outside the box and determining which wrap-around solutions best fit our client’s needs.

The fact that 18 people gave up a sunny Saturday to brainstorm, collaborate, and envision the future together serves as a testament to our collective dream.

From our hearts to yours.

 

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

Just how good are you?

Just how good are you?

by | Nov 8, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration

Just how good are you?

What do you say when people ask you where you are in your recovery?

“I’m way better than last year thanks but not yet as good as next year.”

“Moving in the right direction.”

Or my personal favorite shared by someone in group this week:

“Operating at an advanced level with exceptions”

The reality is, recovery is a journey, not a destination. It’s not something we “arrive” at, with the trip ending at a gold ribboned finish line and a crowd cheering us on. Make no mistake, as you recover, we will be there to celebrate your accomplishments, handing you healthy snacks and encouragement along the way. But often the gains will be more stealth. Suddenly you can sit with your back to the door without worries. You may no longer jump three feet off your chair when someone coughs loudly. Or heaven forbid, you may even enjoy a shopping trip to Costco.

With physical health, we understand that there isn’t an end point; a time when we say “great, my work is done, I’m good for life.” It’s a lifelong commitment. Emotional health is no different. There is really no such thing as “recovery,” because it isn’t an all or nothing concept.

Perhaps it’s more accurate to think of recovery from occupational stress injury as a continuum: a practice and commitment to long-term health.

For members of our community interested in deepening your tool kit, we will be offering an eight-week (2 hours per week) program of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, this program is designed to provide intensive mindfulness training to help manage stress and reduce anxiety, depression, and pain.

Please give Julie a call if you are interested (902) 472-2972.

 

We hope to see you soon,

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