Kindness rocks

Kindness rocks

Kindness rocks

I arrived at work recently and to my delight discovered the front entrance of Landing Strong sprinkled with kindness rocks. On each step and at every turn was an encouraging comment designed to uplift the day of anyone entering the building.

‘Spread your wings and fly’
‘You are enough’
‘Be happy, Be Kind, Be strong, Be you’

Handcrafted with love, someone dear to our community took the time to spread loving thoughts.

Although these are acts of kindness designed for others, I’m aware that in creating these precious gifts the artist themselves is practicing selfcare in a positive powerful way.


What we do and how we spend our time when relaxing really matters. Spring is a perfect time to reflect on our habits and patterns of behavior ensuring that we are filling our cup, rather than emptying it.

What hobbies or past times do you practice that support your health?

If you haven’t yet taken it, now is the perfect time to sign up for our Healthy Living program, our mornings are at Landing Strong and afternoons at Maker’s Studio.  Contact Julie to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972. 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Birds of a feather flock together

Birds of a feather flock together

Birds of a feather flock together

On a recent trip to Toronto, I came across these seven fine feathered friends. While the cold winds were blowing around them, they were relaxing comfortably together sharing the heat of their bodies as well as the warm air from the subway system that vented up from below.

Naturally, the first thing I thought of was Landing Strong. We all benefit from the strength and warmth of companionship.

While the world outside might seem cold at times, together we create a climate of warmth of comfort. There are no strangers to this place, only friends we haven’t yet met.

There’s room for plenty more. If we haven’t heard from you yet, we’d love to. Give us a call or drop us a line anytime. 902-472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com.

Our Emotions Management program starts in less than two weeks. We still have a few seats left and would love to meet you.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Believe in Christmas – Do something just for kicks!

Believe in Christmas – Do something just for kicks!

Believe in Christmas – Do something just for kicks!

We hope that you’re taking this week to relax and spend time with loved ones. The holidays offer a great opportunity not just to connect, but also to make time to explore new things that might bring us joy.

At Landing Strong we have a number of staff members who have stretched outside of their comfort zones to explore new experiences. In the photo above you’ll see Jen Whalen relaxing in a coffee shop during the opening credits of the Hallmark movie Believe in Christmas. Olivia Brown worked as an extra in the latest Stephen King movie filmed here in town. I recently performed in a Christmas concert as part of an a cappella chorus.

What all of the above have in common is that none of us had tried these activities before. Sometimes it’s only by stretching outside of our comfort zone that we discover parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed. Take a risk you never know the positive experience it might bring.

Please take a look at the programs scheduled for the year ahead. Drop us a line if there’s something that piques your interest. All programs can be signed up for in advance. We have our foundation programs, as well as some exciting new initiatives ahead of you for 2025.

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Times they are a-chagin’

Times they are a-chagin’

Times, they are a-changin’

When I was a little girl, one of the most exciting things about Christmas was the Eaton’s catalog. I’d pour through the many toy-filled pages, salivate at the thought of eating the fancy nut and chocolate mixes, and nonchalantly circle items of interest on the off chance that my parents would notice.

Those days are gone. Eaton’s no longer exists. Instead of children taunting tired-looking elves while lining up to see Santa at the mall, I recently noticed that children now appear to be taking a rocket ship to intercept Old Saint Nick somewhere in space.

Which traditions do you hold dear, and which have shifted to keep with the times? Whether you are celebrating the holidays on planet Earth or in an extravagant celestial orbit, we wish you all the best for the holiday season.

To each and every member of our Landing Strong community, know that you are in our thoughts and hearts.

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Big ideas, small packages

Big ideas, small packages

Big ideas, small packages

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

Building on small successes

Building on small successes

Building on small successes

A few weeks ago we shared news of our Community Connections Fly Fishing which provided a new skill and fun at the water’s edge. The day ended with some equally joyful cranberry picking.

Wanting to share the joy of the day and the specialness of the experience with family, I took them back to the same spot this Thanksgiving weekend. I’m happy to report that in under an hour and with the sun beaming down upon us we were each able to pick a large bowl of cranberries. My cranberries have already been transformed into delicious bottles of jam, the first of which we enjoyed at our Thanksgiving meal.

Although it rained on Saturday soon after, with winds whipping up and the temperature suddenly dropping five degrees, the window of sunshine, companionship, and play was a beautiful way to start the day.

We are all subjected to sudden turns of weather in our lives. Recovery and health involve selectively attending to our successes and systematically building upon them. Going out once for coffee with a friend or group can buoy your spirits, but committing to doing so regularly can help keep you afloat, even adding wind to your sails. Taking one group program might be helpful, but in and of itself it won’t be enough. It’s the gradual and gentle addition of programs over time that creates the momentum necessary for significant growth.

Drop us a line if you’re interested in joining Community Connections this Monday. We’re creating fall wreaths and enjoying hot coffee and sweet treats at Landing Strong.

 

We hope to see you there,

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