Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye. Not all those who have served are acknowledged.
For many, the details of the things that caused harm remain hidden; threatening to eat away at us until we are but a shadow of our former selves.
Central to recovery and healing lies the value of respect. To move forward, we must live in a society that understands our injuries, free of stigma. We must be supported by systems that care and place client needs at the forefront of decision making, and equally importantly, we must find the strength to respect ourselves.
This week, my husband Joe shared the following video with me, describing a talk he gave to students at his school about respect. He explained, “At its best, respect is a kind of love… It’s a continuous process of paying attention to people. Including yourself.”
I hope that you are able to make time and space for yourselves, viewing yourselves as we see you, with the respect and compassion you so deserve.
Know that we stand in your corner.
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Life is about big ideas, but it doesn’t always come in the way we expect it.
I started this growing season full of enthusiasm and ambition. On top of the usual tomatoes, carrots, and beans I thought I’d try my hand at cantaloupe, and watermelon, and retry last year’s failed crop; cucumbers.
I am happy to report that I was able to grow some of each. The unexpected part was their size. Some magical fairy dust was sprinkled over my garden, making everything grow in miniature.
Life can sometimes be like that. We might have big dreams that are delivered to us in small packages. The trick is celebrating and accepting whatever comes our way.
You may have had big dreams about your career and feel that somehow things didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. The skill lies in recognizing the growth and abundance that still lies in your journey.
Sometimes victory comes in small steps. For me, I’ll aim at growing next year’s crop one inch bigger.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Before Landing Strong existed, it was merely a concept on paper. In the paper version, I envisioned a Community Connection day where veterans and first responders who had been injured in service gathered in a supportive group to participate in a community event.
The picture I cut out for my vision board was an advertising image for OnTree Adventure Park. I dreamt that maybe one day our community could go there together. Monday, August 26th was a hallmark event as the dream became a reality.
Forty-five members of our Landing Strong community came together for a day of connection, challenge, and fun. This first Community Connection day was a special one, as we extended the invitation to family and friends.
Some of the feedback we received from the day speaks for itself (it’s long but well worth the read):
I wanted to thank you and Landing Strong for an incredible day. I was feeling it for sure the day after, but it was a good sore. The kind that reminds me how good it feels to be active, something I’ve been really struggling with this past year. It was a confidence boost and I felt inspired to get out for some movement yesterday again. The first community connection day was an opportunity to try something that I might not have considered, and because the venue was wheelchair accessible, I was able to invite a friend to come and do something adventurous. I brought two friends that I recently met and we encouraged each other in our moments of hesitation and cheered those moments in the air. The drive home was filled with meaningful conversation and friendships were strengthened. We definitely bonded that day and have plans to do more together. It was great to see familiar faces from our Landing Strong community but not have the focus on us as a group but rather on our own family and friend groups. I’m not in a financial position to afford these kinds of outings on my own so I really appreciate the opportunity to be involved. Thanks again for this day and to the Funders for supporting this initiative! – S
My goodness, it was a wonderful day! My husband and daughter got to meet some of the people in my life I hold so near to my heart. They appreciated seeing the people I share my deepest with. On a personal note, though I feel so physically broken, I was surprised my abilities! I am still extremely competitive and was able to almost complete a black diamond – hardest level. That did so much for my self-worth. Having my able-bodied young blood see that I am still in the game gave me a rejuvenated sense of self. Thank you so much for allowing my family to see the real me! – A
This community connection day was awesome. The soldier always says “you can take the girl out the soldier but you can never take the soldier out of the girl.” …the soldier is talking to the girl and telling her that she loves her soooo much that she is willing to let her go and let her stand up and be seen. At the same time, the girl is talking to the soldier and thanking her. This day boosted my confidence and has helped me in this journey forward. It was great to have my family be a part of it, and see the people in my Landing Strong family. – T
My daughter and I had a really great day. We had a lot of fun, pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone, and got to hang out with our Landing Strong community. I find it really beneficial to bring our families into a fun experience. It is cool to see other families and then my daughter knows where I go numerous times a month; I feel it removes the ‘wall’ between my two families. Thanks so much for putting this on, it was an incredible day!! -R
Thank you for helping make a dream become reality. Together we will create so many more.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This last weekend while the roof was being replaced, torrents of rain found their way gleefully down through the ceilings and walls of the century-old house. We returned from the cottage on Sunday night only to realize that our home was far from habitable.
It’s been a slog sorting things out. Luckily the team from System Care is tending to the cleanup, dehumidifying, sealing, and inflating our house like a hot-air balloon.
It is at times like this that life can feel a little bit overwhelming.
I was shopping for groceries last night and purchased some Bok choy to add to an Asian stir-fry I had planned for dinner. My strategy was to overcompensate in nutrition which we lacked in physical comfort this week. Of course, I may have thrown in a couple of pieces of double chocolate fudge cake for dessert. Here in lies the yin and yang of the universe.
Sitting at the lake house last evening, enjoying the pastel cloud reflections on the still water, I couldn’t possibly have enjoyed my cake more. For at least that moment, all seemed well in the world.
When we have those hard weeks, and things feel like an uphill battle, it’s important to build in small moments of joy. In your journey of recovery please take the time to notice the good stuff. Even if it’s something as small as enjoying a good piece of cake.
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
