Allowing your intentions to shape your world

Allowing your intentions to shape your world

by | Sep 20, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, joy

Allowing your intentions to shape your world

During a recent trip to Toronto, I spied this little book library in my brotherā€™s neighborhood.

It caught my eye for a number of reasons. Firstly itā€™s a free library. I know the creator of this tiny cabinet loves books and sharing good reads. Secondly, itā€™s not just a book-lending library, it is an actual library. Zoom in to peek closely at the photo and you will see the intricate details inside.

This level of thought and intention filled my heart and kept me smiling the entire way home. It made Toronto feel like a friendly happy place, full of good people and good neighbors.

Is there anything you are doing to send out similar messages of laughter and light to the world around you?

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, joy, Wisdom

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Mavillette Beach is one of my favourite places in the province.

At low tide the expansive sand is vast, the waterā€™s edge almost out of sight from the steps that lead down to the beach.

Every day I try to plan a mini-adventure. Something small that connects me with nature and brings me joy. Whether it be a swim, a forest walk, or running my toes through tidal waters as they work their way across the warm sand. These are the simple things that enrich our lives.

Is there somewhere you go to regularly that allows you to appreciate the beauty of our province? What are the senses that you experience there, that refresh your soul? Are you able to get out and enjoy the aspects of summer that are accessible to you?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Looking for the good stuff

Looking for the good stuff

by | Jul 12, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Mindfulness

Looking for the good stuff

My house is sagging. Literally.

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.

Itā€™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 couldnā€™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, itā€™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 itā€™s something as small as enjoying a good piece of cake.

Warm thoughts,

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

Before I lay me down to rest…

Before I lay me down to rest…

by | May 24, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Creativity, Friday Inspiration, joy

Before I lay me down to rest

As life zooms by, itā€™s easy to get caught up in the high-speed lane. The list of commitments grows longer, and sleepā€¦well, that sometimes eludes me.

In an effort to still my busy brain, I made a commitment to practice mindfulness each evening, before settling down for the nightā€™s rest.

My mindfulness practice is simple: it consists of drawing; even if itā€™s only for five minutes. Iā€™m pretty good at botanical drawings but have never mastered the art of sketching people. I found a good YouTube tutorial and am trying to etch out a quick line drawing of a face each evening.

Iā€™d like to say itā€™s going wellā€¦but it isnā€™t. My efforts are pretty rough-looking. Thatā€™s okay, I remind myself. These things take time.

While I draw, I utter the simple word ā€œgraceā€ to myself. Itā€™s a reminder to allow myself time to settle in, and over time, to grow. I believe that my sketched forms will start taking on a more human shape if I keep practicing.

Will you join the practice of extending grace to yourself?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

We All Need A Place Where We Feel Welcomed

We All Need A Place Where We Feel Welcomed

by | May 3, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, joy, Support

We all need a place where we feel welcomed

My mother used to own an antique store in Rosseau, Muskoka.

Things pretty much shut down during the winter but as spring emerged, so too did the seasonal cottagers who invariably popped by her store for a quick “hello”.

What seemed like a chance encounter really served as an opportunity for them to announce that “theyā€™re back”.

I realized that her store was so much more than a place where old things were sold. Antiques are about peopleā€™s stories, lives and histories. My motherā€™s role in this small village was to bear witness to her customers’ stories but also to serve as an informal welcoming committee for cottagers returning and opening up for the spring.

We all need a place and people who welcome us; someone with whom we can share the trials of winter as well as joining to celebrate the warmth and light of spring. We hope to create that experience for you here at Landing Strong.

Whether youā€™re attending our programs or you’re a friend who pops online to read this blog each Friday, know that you are an important part of our community.

Warm thoughts,

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

 

A day at the market like no other

A day at the market like no other

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Friday Inspiration, Gratitude, joy

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