Bridging the gap to community

Bridging the gap to community

Bridging the gap to community

It’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 we’ll have a different activity planned. It’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 that’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?

Should she stay or should she go? 

She looks so innocent sitting in the corner of my office. My little porcelain sparrow. Many a day I’ve glanced idly at her while deep in thought. A simple décor 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? She’s just been sitting there so quietly, minding her own business. I’m informed that in a Netflix series entitled ‘Dead to Me’, 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 is…she’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)

I feel the need to grow (things) 

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 can’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.

It’s easy to get frustrated if things don’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

 

 

Do your actions reflect your values?

Do your actions reflect your values?

Do your actions reflect your values? 

I recently made the effort to visit an old friend who is near and dear to my heart. I knew her from a previous life, and we both had intentions of staying in touch. But you know how it goes…weeks turn into months which somehow turn into years. The visit was wonderful, and we picked up right where we left off. I left feeling grounded, happy and inspired.

Do you have someone in your life who has somehow made their way unintentionally into your rearview mirror? If so, I encourage you to drop them a line, reminding them what they mean to you.

Our actions do reflect our intentions. This is very much the theme of our upcoming Healthy Living program which allows an opportunity for participants to examine habits, try new skills and develop new hobbies. Mornings are spent at Landing Strong. After enjoying lunch together, we go as a group to Windsor Maker’s Studio for an opportunity to develop our artistic skills (e.g., pottery, woodworking, painting, drawing, glasswork).

Is the life you are leading reflective of the values and people you hold most dear?

Come get involved with us…you may be surprised by how much fun you have.

Warm thoughts,

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

Breaking out of hibernation

Breaking out of hibernation

Spring is synonymous with renewal, growth, and the promise of new beginnings.

The days are longer, the landscape is becoming more colourful, and it’s hard to resist the desire to go outside and simply enjoy what nature has to offer.

If you’ve been hibernating this winter and not feeling up to much social interaction, we understand. We all emerge from our safe spaces only if, and when, we feel ready to do so.

On your terms, and your time we welcome you.

If you’ve yet to try our group programs or have been away for a while and want to try something new, our Creating Confidence and Clarifying Strengths program may be perfect for you.

It begins May 7th and it’s not too early to get your name on the list now.

Warm thoughts,


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

Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

Resurgence of the poinsettia – a story of resilience

Around this time last year, we were gifted a healthy and vibrant poinsettia. These red flowering plants are a symbol of the Christmas season, and we loved how it brightened the waiting area with a pop of holiday cheer.

Christmastime came and went, and this beautiful plant was moved from its central location on the coffee table to a corner of the waiting room, where it continued to show-off it’s beautiful leaves of red and green… Until it didn’t.

One day, while tidying up the space, I noticed this sad, sickly plant with the foil wrap at it’s base and remembered that I had not once since the holidays given it water!

The red leaves had long since dropped, as had most of the green ones. All that was left were a few shrivelled brown stems. I considered tossing it into the compost, but then noticed the tiniest light-green curled-up leaves beginning to unfurl.

I quickly gave it a good drink and put it into the sunshine of the kitchen. Day after day, the landing Strong team nurtured it. Slowly but surely, fresh vegetation began to appear.

It’s been almost a year now, and we are happy to report that our poinsettia is alive, healthy, and well. Just this week I’ve noticed that the vibrant red is returning! Resiliency is all around us.

Warm thoughts,

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