Building on small successes

Building on small successes

by | Oct 18, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, joy, Love

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

Sitting with ourselves

Sitting with ourselves

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, Wisdom

Sitting with ourselves

I stumbled across this serene spot on the Acacia Valley trail near Digby.

It called out, inviting me to sit and enjoy the quiet stillness that exists both outside and within.

How often do we make this time for ourselves? Is there a spot around you where you can enjoy such moments? Can you allow yourself time to write a thought, take a photo, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you?

It’s easy to busy ourselves with the demands of life, and sitting with ourselves isn’t always easy. Whether you do it alone, or in the company of trusted others, consider pressing the pause button and savoring the moment.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Magic Lamp

Magic Lamp

by | Jan 26, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, Wellbeing

 

A few years ago I purchased a magic lamp for our Christmas table.

I loved it so much that I began bringing it out at the beginning of the month and illuminating the kitchen each night as we gathered for a meal.

It also proves to be handy for power outages, bringing a sense of wonder to what otherwise could be a cold evening.

My colleague Deb Eaton was so moved by it’s magical glow, swirling snow and vibrant red cardinals that she too had to have one. She shares that on cold days it makes her feel warm inside, bringing back memories of yesteryear. Deb bought a second one for her mother, as I did last year for my father.

I should really think about buying shares in the company given that such a simple item can bring such immense joy.

It’s a true gift to find joy in small packages and unexpected places. Do you have any items that do the same for you?

Warm thoughts,

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

Possibility of Wonderful.

Possibility of Wonderful.

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, From Belinda, Gratitude, joy, Love

Possibility of Wonderful

Have you met my husband Joe? AKA: ‘The Frenchy’s King’. His superpower is to hit any Guy’s Frenchys in Nova Scotia and within minutes, have his arms loaded with designer athletic gear that looks great!


Me? I’m not so lucky. On the few occasions I actually buy something for myself, I take it home only to realize the outfit does not at all match my imagination of what it would look like on. Think of me in a large paper bag. That’s the look.

However… I’m going to let you in on a secret that I haven’t admitted to many people… I go to Frenchy’s frequently to buy ridiculous amounts of gorgeous baby clothes. It’s become a thing.
I have an entire cupboard dedicated to tiny outfits, adorable sleepers, and little onesies. It is over-stuffed with a wide assortment of beautiful baby items, many of them new with tags still attached. I can’t make much sense of this, except to confess that I’m preparing for ‘the possibly of wonderful’.


I know its just around the corner! Whether it’s for a friend, neighbor, or a member of the family, I’m going to one of the first to show up for the celebration!

Not only that, but I’ve also developed my own style of packaging. Carefully creating wonderful baskets- assembling them like rainbows in a manner that brings me joy!

What ideas or themes do you play in your mind in the preparation of wonderful? Are you actively practicing it? Or silently rehearsing it? Our thoughts do create our realities…

Warm thoughts,

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

Smiling at our dogs

Smiling at our dogs

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, joy, Love

Smiling at our dogs

This week, a close friend of mine got a new puppy. The puppy is unbelievably cute, filling the house with joyful excitement. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked down on my two older dogs, and lovingly think how funny looking they are. Don’t get me wrong, they have their cute moments. But late at night, when overtired, they often resemble gargoyles or gremlins.

How often do you smile simply because you are appreciating the beauty or amusement of a dog’s face? Can you find joy even in the humour?

Todays note is really about finding small things in your daily life that spark joy. Whether it is your dog’s face, watching the vegetables in your garden grow, proudly displaying a grandchild’s crayon masterpiece on your fridge, or making the perfect cup of coffee, these are little moments that make our day.

It may not be a day of big accomplishments, but it can still be a good one due to an accumulation of tiny perfect moments.

Warm thoughts,

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

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

by | Jul 28, 2023 | Challenge, Community, Courage, Grief, Love, Support

Sending love and support to victims of the flood

We join you this afternoon with an acknowledgement of the hardship and loss faced by the people in our community, expressing thanks to the first responders who put themselves at risk assisting those who were trapped by flood waters.

We feel gratitude for those who are safe, and want to express our sympathy and support for those who have endured unimaginable hardship. Our hearts are with you.

In such challenging times, it is important to acknowledge the valiant efforts of the Brooklyn Fire Department, in addition to all other emergency, hydro, and road repair crews who worked around the clock to restore safety and order.

If you were part of this emergency response and are struggling, please feel free to reach out and give us a call. Know that we are here for you.

Warm thoughts,

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