Are you on your list?

Are you on your list?

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Relaxation, Self-Care

Are you on your list?

This is a busy time of year when we often start making lists.

These lists often focus on things we need to do for others, seldom do they reflect activities we need to do for ourselves. As you enter the holiday season I invite you to set aside time to reflect on how far youā€™ve come, and what steps you might like to take moving forward.

On our website, you see lists of all the programs for the year ahead. Now is the perfect time to plan your recovery journey. Ideally, we would have you sign up for all the programs you are potentially interested in.

The first of our foundation series, ā€œStop Faking Good Start Feeling Goodā€ emotions management program starts in January. We appreciate you signing up in advance so that we know how many cohorts to run.

For those whoā€™ve already completed the foundation series, we have some new and exciting offerings:

ā€¢ Make time for mindfulness. A 9-week MBSR program (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) might be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Two hours per week for eight weeks plus assigned home practices with a half-day finale.
ā€¢ We have an assortment of exciting Community Connection activities and outings lined up for you.
ā€¢ Weā€™re exploring the possibility of running a CBT insomnia program. If interested let Julie know so we can add your name to the list.
ā€¢ In February, weā€™ll offer a week-long holistic wellness program for women affected by military and work-related sexual misconduct. This is a small-sized program so itā€™s not too early to get your name on the list.

So, while caring for others, please take the time to care for yourself.

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Team Strong supports our community

Team Strong supports our community

by | Dec 6, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Change, Community, Courage, Growth, Our Team, Recovery

Team Strong supports our community

Monday was a powerful day as volunteers from our Landing Strong community gathered at the Windsor Food Bank (Matthew 25) to help with Christmas hamper preparations.

In true veteran/first responder form, we worked like a smoothly oiled machine with maximum efficiency. 500 bags were packed in just under two hours! Ashley the director at the food bank, marveled at the speed and productivity of the group. We left with an incredible sense of satisfaction and pride in our ability to give back to the community.

Our local food bank is an incredibly valuable resource supporting up to 600 individuals in West Hants monthly. This number represents a 20% increase over last year. Led tirelessly by a passionate volunteer team with Ashley and Tina at the helm, the folks at the food bank are working long hours to ensure no one in our community goes without.

Our Landing Strong community expressed great satisfaction at being able to do this volunteer work. Many noted that they felt unable to go out into the community individually to volunteer, but with the safety and support of their peers Team Strong was created.

How might you help? Thereā€™s a variety of ways. Feel free to contact Ashley or Tina through their Facebook page, or call 798-4313. You can also email matthew25windsor@gmail.com.

Weā€™re going back as a group again soon. Please reach out to Jen if youā€™re interested in joining Team Strong. We welcome suggestions and ideas for other volunteer opportunities as a team, reach out anytime.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Taking that first step

Taking that first step

by | Aug 23, 2024 | Challenge, Courage, Friday Inspiration, Growth

Taking that first step

Iā€™m so excited!

Yes, itā€™s Friday, but thatā€™s not the reason. Monday is our big Landing Strong OnTree adventure followed by a pizza-lunch party at Bent Ridge.

Jen Whalen has been coordinating this event. Wanting to be a strong lead, sheā€™s been practicing for the big day by scaling buildings in Halifax.

When I asked her about this training regimen she shared that the hardest part was taking the first step. Once she got started, it wasnā€™t difficult and the feelings of fear transformed into exhilaration and excitement.

To tackle these high buildings, she followed these critical steps:
1) Convince herself that the harness was safe; trusting those around her to support her.
2) Believe in the possibility that she could do it.
3) Manage her breathing to calm her body, even when her adrenalin was pumping.

I love Jenā€™s description because itā€™s very much like the decision-making process for entering a new program. It just takes that first step. Once youā€™re there, things quickly get easier. No harness required.

Weā€™re loading up for our Identity and Transition group which starts September 20th. Our half-day Community Connection Program will be meeting every second week starting this Monday. Our next Maintaining Health session is September 19th. Come be part of the fun!

Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Bridging the gap to community

Bridging the gap to community

by | Jul 19, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Growth, Mindfulness

Bridging the gap to community

Itā€™s not always easy knowing how to fit in. If a time comes when we must step away from work, it can be hard knowing what to do next. Many people who are injured cope by staying at home. The problem is, the longer we isolate, the harder it can become to reintegrate into civilian life. Venturing out into the community might feel incredibly difficult.

An important part of any transition is building an identity for ourselves separate from the uniform. We are very excited about the launch of a new program series called Community Connection. This program focuses on bridging the gap between our old identity and the new one which we are creating for ourselves.

Every two weeks weā€™ll have a different activity planned. Itā€™s an opportunity for light-hearted, good old-fashioned fun and connection. It’s open to all members of our Landing Strong community. To kick off the series, we are hosting a special event, extending an invitation to family & friends.

Come join us as we share laughs and camaraderie at OnTree Adventure Park. We will cover all costs. There are both beginner and advanced courses to ensure everyone can participate at a level they find comfortable. Some may choose just to cheer, and thatā€™s fine as well.

Spoiler alert: This is just one of many great events planned! Keep an eye out for upcoming Community Connection days, as we explore activities such as: fly-fishing, wreath-making, bowling, a meditative nature walk, water-color card making, and visiting local coffee shops just to name a few. Feel free to sign up for one, or several of these half-day group programs.

If you have ideas of activities to explore please drop us a line.

We hope you will join us!

Warm thoughts,

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

Should she stay or should she go?

Should she stay or should she go?

by | Jun 28, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Courage, Growth, Recovery

Should she stay or should she go?Ā 

She looks so innocent sitting in the corner of my office. My little porcelain sparrow. Many a day Iā€™ve glanced idly at her while deep in thought. A simple dĆ©cor item that brings me joy. In the past week, three people have told me I must get rid of her. How has she offended them I wonder? Sheā€™s just been sitting there so quietly, minding her own business. Iā€™m informed that in a Netflix series entitled ā€˜Dead to Meā€™, my little feathered friend served as a murder weapon. Even looking at her triggers some of my clients.

A couple of questions come to mind: do I remove her, and therefore eliminate the offending associations? Or do I keep her, allowing my clients to realize that her presence is benign and that not all sparrows are created equal?

These questions form the basis of PTSD. It is an injury of isolation and avoidance. We often believe that by eliminating or reducing exposure to triggering stimuli, we can keep ourselves safe. In truth, this just keeps us injured. Only by allowing ourselves to experience triggers without the associated negative consequences can we recover.

So the bottom line isā€¦sheā€™s staying!

Warm thoughts,

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

I feel the need to grow (things)

I feel the need to grow (things)

by | May 17, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Growth, Wisdom

I feel the need to grow (things)Ā 

We are well into spring, and with it, a chance to plant seeds, prompting the earth to give birth to a wonderous assortment of flowers and vegetables. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction digging my hands into the rich soil, enjoying the warmth of the long-awaited sun on my back. I know that my intentions are taking root.

Things take time to grow. We canā€™t eat the fruit that we planted today. In some cases, it may take years. It starts with an intention, followed by a period of nurturing, and care. This is not unlike any desired change in our lives. With patience, commitment, and gentle care, growth is inevitable.

Itā€™s easy to get frustrated if things donā€™t feel quite right at a given moment. I hope that we allow ourselves the same grace as we might to the seeds that we plant, being patient as we allow ourselves to grow.

Warm thoughts,

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