Celebrating our Community

Celebrating our Community

Celebrating our Community 

 

How do we possibly begin to tell you how wonderful the Artisanal Fair was?

Last Friday we held an event to celebrate our Landing Strong community.  The celebration began by highlighting the community contribution of our Landing Strong members, as they were awarded coins for their efforts in making our world a safer place.  

Serenaded by veteran and first responder musicians, we enjoyed Chef Randi’s delectable treats as we toured eighteen tables that formed our Artisanal Fair.  

Reading the Artist’s Statements, and viewing their creative works, it was impossible not to see the beautiful forms that recovery can take.  

The event created a feeling, that is difficult to explain through words.  Instead, we are sharing a photos and clips of music so that you can appreciate just how special the day really was. 

A big shout out to all those who made this day a resounding success.  Whether you were an exhibitor, a greeter, a planner, or assisted with setup and take down, it was a fantastic, combined effort.   

We appreciate each and every one of you. 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Apple or booty?

Apple or booty?

Apple or booty?

Is it just me, or does this apple look like someone’s backside?

Sometimes, things don’t always look the way we expect. It can all be a matter of perspective.

When people think of PTSD they may imagine forlorn faces, anxiety and isolation. Yes, it sometimes looks like that, but anyone that comes to our programs knows that recovery often takes the form of connection, laughter, creativity and hope.

How many times have I heard raucous laughter erupting from the group room, or witnessed people proudly showing off their creations at Maker’s Studio?

It may feel like the best way to stay safe is to stay at home, but we know from experience that the opposite is true.

We look forward to seeing you Friday June 13th for our Recognition Celebration, and first-ever Artisanal Fair. Come enjoy the creative talents of our Landing Strong community. We hope you will join us.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Are you taking time for you?

Are you taking time for you?

Are you taking time for you?

Often people think of recovery as an active process…which it is. Equally important though, is allowing ourselves time to rest and recover. Many people will say they feel guilty when they’re not working or doing something productive. I would argue that being unproductive, at times, is essential.

I have a little trick I do with myself to determine if I’ve rested enough. When relaxed, I can assemble jigsaw puzzles quite quickly. When stressed or my mind is racing, my thoughts are too disorganized to see the natural pattern before me.

How do you gauge when you’ve rested enough?

How do you know if it’s time to work or play?

We’re only good to others to the extent that we’re good to ourselves. Having healthy pastimes and leisure pursuits is an important component of recovery.

We have two opportunities to engage in healthy pastimes with us next month. We have Community Connections coming up June 9th and Maintaining Health coming up June 19th.

Contact Julie to sign up. 902472-2972 or info@landingstrong.com We hope to see you soon.

 

Warmly,

 

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

A little exercise goes a long way

A little exercise goes a long way

A little exercise goes a long way

A little exercise goes a long way

Have I mentioned recently that our dog Kira is a scamp?

Half Huskey, half Pomeranian, she’s hard-wired for high levels of activity and social engagement. She likes to play a game with us called “How long is your toilet paper roll?”

If we haven’t taken her outside for sufficient exercise, she darts downstairs when we’re not looking and papers the entire first floor. She knows she’s not allowed to, so she retreats to the timeout spot immediately afterward, awaiting our reproach. She just can’t help herself.

Kira’s behaviors serve as a reminder of the importance of exercise as part of our daily regime to maintain good mental health. This time of year it’s easy to hunker in, wrap ourselves in cuddly blankets, indulge in comfort foods, and watch more TV than we normally would. Kira knows to expend energy to balance herself while we, on the other hand, tend to do the opposite. To avoid the inevitable slump of winter, our bodies need boosters to recharge.

What activities do you do to inject life into your winter? Even a quick walk around the block can have the same jubilating effect as toilet-papering your home.

We are currently loading up our Overcoming Trauma & Resiliency program. Is your name on the list? We’d love to see you.

 

Warmly,

 

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

A place to call home

A place to call home

                                               

                                           

A place to call home

One of the things I’m most proud of is the warmth with which the Landing Strong community welcomes new members.

In a recent Community Connections group, I noticed a steady stream of participants coming up to a new member to introduce themselves in welcome.

They all remember how hard their first day was, and the strength it takes to simply show up.

Walking through the doors for the first time is the hardest part. Once you witness the warmth with which you’re greeted, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place.

Not only will you be greeted with open arms, but you will also be supported on your journey of recovery. Last week, one of our members debuted a new song he had just written. Surrounded by the support of friendship and encouragement of his peers, he courageously sang of an imaginary Inn where a safe refuge exists for those who are struggling. His words of hope hung like droplets of sweet honey that we all drank in.

There’s a spot for you in our programs and a seat for you at our table. We’re currently loading up for our Overcoming Trauma and Resiliency program, we’d love to see you there.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Waiting for the weather to change

Waiting for the weather to change

                                            Waiting for the weather to change

Winter can feel long as we tire of early darkness and long winter nights. So too can recovery from PTSD. We may be impatient for change, eagerly awaiting the return of sunshine and warmth in our lives.

The bad news is that nature doesn’t fast-track spring just because we want it to. Similarly, wanting to get better quickly often has the adverse effect of slowing it down. It’s only by fully understanding and processing the emotions connected with traumatic injury that we can change the seasons of our experience.

The winter of your injuries will transform into spring if you take the steps to help that happen. Stick with it, and soon enough you’ll be enjoying the warm days of summer again.

We are now filling seats for our Overcoming Trauma & Building Resilience program, and we have just a few seats left for our women-only Surviving to Thriving program. Perhaps this is your time to get on the list?

Warmly,

 

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