Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

by | Aug 4, 2023 | Balance, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Mindfulness

Mindfulness moments on Nova Scotia’s craggy shores

We recently learned that many of our Landing Strong community members are rock hounds. I thought it was just me, wandering the beaches of Nova Scotia gleefully gathering prized specimens. It turns out, it’s a shared passion. We are united in the joy we glean from finding beauty in our craggy shores.

Is there something simple and beautiful that helps you keep your thoughts in the moment?

– Appreciating the afterglow of a sunset as the pink hue reflects on water.
– Enjoying a cool iced tea on a hot day.
– Hearing the sound of waves crashing on a long expanse of sandy beach.

It’s often the simple things that ground us. Rather than actively working to problem solve the future, or process the past, these activities hold our attention, actively engaging us in the present. There is something calming about going out in the world with the sole intention of nothing bigger than finding the next great rock.

Warm thoughts,

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

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Thankful for partners who pick us up

by | Jul 21, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Love

Thankful for partners who pick us up

Tomorrow is a big day for me. Friends and family are flying in from across Canada to witness the marriage of my son Kyle to his beautiful bride Kaitlin. What a pleasure it will be to celebrate the joy of two happy young people who form such a strong partnership. This is the beginning of the next stage of their journey together.

I can’t help but reflect on the role of partners, spouses and friends in being witness to our lives, celebrating the good moments as well as offering support and lifting our spirits when it may be needed.

In group, we perform a similar function for one another, celebrating the wins, commiserating with challenges, and ensuring no one is walking alone.

I wanted the opportunity to share my joy with you, just as you so often share your life’s important moments with us.

Warm thoughts,

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

Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?

by | Jul 14, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery

Are we there yet?

In any journey, it’s easy to get hung up on the destination. “Are we there yet?!” our internal voice demands, wanting to know when the point of arrival has come. I’ve shifted my mindset around this concept in recent years, realizing that half the joy lies in the journey itself. It’s something my parents seemed to have figured out given the numerous adventurous road trips we took together as a family. The journey was the whole point. 

Trauma recovery is similar, in that there is never actually an end point. This doesn’t mean it’ll always be hard, but continuous movement is part of ongoing health. 

Join the movement by pre-registering for one of our fall programs today.  

Warm thoughts,

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

It’s hot

It’s hot

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration

It’s hot

It’s hot. When it’s hot, we have to pace ourselves differently. We all know that. Similarly, if we’re shouldering heavier burdens in life because of our particular circumstances, that too requires adaptation. 

When I was a kid, I’d run about with high energy regardless of the weather. Today, I’m mindful not to do big hikes or long walks until the cooler evening temperatures set in. There’s no shame in the fact that your needs now might be different than what they were 20 years ago. In fact, it’s a skill knowing how to adapt so that you can thrive. 

After years of service, many veterans and first responders are accustomed to overriding their needs so that they might help others. Health and recovery involve doing the opposite – tending to your needs first, so that you’re in better shape for everyone around you. 

Reflecting on your current circumstances, how might you best pace yourself for success? 

We’re carrying on with the theme of pacing in this month’s Maintaining Health program. Please be sure to call or email if you’re coming so we know to save a seat for you. (902) 472-2972 or admin@landingstrong.com 

Warm thoughts,

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

The simple beauty of a blue sky

The simple beauty of a blue sky

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration

The simple beauty of a blue sky

I’m away from the office this week visiting family in Ontario. This has been a hard summer for many Canadians who are affected by wildfires. Ontario has been no exception. Instead of lovely blue skies, Toronto has been shrouded by a thick, dark haze that blocks out the sun and makes breathing difficult. 

This morning I woke up at my brother’s cottage in Georgian Bay to the glorious sight of a clear blue sky. After two very smoky days, the winds have smiled in our favour. 

PTSD recovery can be like that. At times, you might feel as though you’re surrounded by a dark cloud. It can be hard to remember what it feels like to have a nice day. Know that change is possible. There are things that you can do to bring your blue skies back. Even a light breeze over time can clear away the darkest clouds. 

Plan for the fall now to make sure that you have a hand in creating good days on your horizon. We have a number of groups coming up, keep an eye on our site for more information and program dates!


Whether you’re starting a program for the first time, or maintaining that consistent, steady push, we have a program that’s right for you. 

I’m going to take time to fully appreciate this blue-sky day while it’s here. 

Warm thoughts,

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

Breaking out of isolation

Breaking out of isolation

by | Jun 23, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration

Breaking out of isolation

Our community is expanding. The last six months of our popular Maintaining Health program have brought members of our community out in full strength. Thank you to our Quebec friend who included a day at Landing Strong as part of his vacation plans. Our hats off as well to those of you who travel from rural and remote areas such as Yarmouth and Cape Breton to connect in person for a meaningful day of connection, support, and laughter.

Distance does not keep us apart when the heart string pulls so strongly. We feel grateful for the courage and the effort everyone puts in to build and maintain this community, offering one another support and encouragement on a regular basis.

These groups would not be what they are if people didn’t put in the effort to attend. Even members who we haven’t seen in months or years are a welcome sight, as they are greeted by new and familiar members of our community.

A special thanks to the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia, who recently presented us with an award to recognize the positive impact of the Landing Strong community. We celebrated together on our last community day with a massive chocolate cake!

Our community may gather in Windsor, but we stand strong across the province.

Warm thoughts,

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