A cause for celebration

A cause for celebration

by | May 5, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

A cause for celebration

In this busy-paced life we lead, I am reminded of the importance of reflection: taking the time necessary to gather our thoughts, celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. Today is such a day at Landing Strong. Led by Board Members Tara Burley, Adrienne Oldham and the team from Fire Inside Leadership, our Landing Strong Team took the morning to discuss our shared vision for the organization, remembering to be kind to ourselves as we collectively strive to reach ambitious goals for the future. I want to take this moment to thank all of the staff, Board Members and consultants at Landing Strong for the hard work they do, guided by their hearts and passions to help others navigate their way towards health and wellness.

I also look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Landing Strong Community members next week during our Celebration of Unsung Heroes Event. Not a graduation, but a celebration of continued work and contribution to community.

Warm thoughts,

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

Taking time to celebrate

Taking time to celebrate

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

Taking time to celebrate

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Minister of National Defense Anita Anand as well as reconnecting with Landing Strong’s friend MP Kody Blois. After inspecting the Cadet Color Party, Minister Anand toured King’s Edgehill School including the historic A. Gordon Cooper Library where we plan to hold our Recognition Ceremony on May 12. Minister Anand shared her gratitude for the service of our Landing Strong Members, expressing deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into recovery following injury. Last year’s “Celebration of Unsung Heroes” served as a graduation ceremony for those who completed our Foundation Programs or Workforce Reintegration Programs. This year, we are shifting the focus from graduation to that of continued effort and growth made by all members who have participated in at least three Foundation programs or attended our Maintaining Health Series.You will have received your invitation by email. Please let us know if it did not reach you. This is a great opportunity to connect with familiar faces from the Landing Strong community and spend some time together. It’s also a chance to introduce a partner or someone important to Landing Strong. We had a great turnout last year and have been working hard to ensure this year’s event is just as memorable. The school choir is preparing a special treat for us. If you’re not sure how recently you were in group, but are interested in coming, just give us a shout so we can make sure there is a seat for you (as well as anyone important you might like to bring). Whether you’re attending for yourself, or to show support for your peers, we hope that you will join us for this special event. What can I expect?

  • This celebration will be very similar to last year, so you can expect to see the Landing Strong Staff and Board of Directors, enjoy some yummy treats, pick up some free Landing Strong swag, and cheer on your friends as the Landing Strong team shares a few nice words about the personal growth and contribution to community that our members have made this past year. Feel free to dress up a bit or just keep it casual, whatever you are most comfortable wearing is absolutely fine. 

Is there Parking?

  • This event is being held at the A. Gordon Cooper Library, King’s-Edgehill School. There will be signs directing you where to go and lots of free parking. You can park on front hill in front of the library. We encourage everyone to arrive a couple minutes early to allow yourself time to use the restroom, grab some light refreshments and find your seat before our 2pm start. Please let us know if you can make it, either by phone (902 472 2972) or email (jwhalen@landingstrong.com). 

We look forward to seeing you for this special event.

Warm thoughts,

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

Making a difference

Making a difference

by | Apr 21, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

Making a difference

This has not been an easy time for those of you who are in law enforcement and emergency response.

You repeatedly bear witness to people on their worst days and still continue to dedicate yourselves to a life of service.

Our society would not function without you.

Please know that this does not go unnoticed. What you do is appreciated.

We often refer to the Landing Strong community. This is not just those of you who have participated in our programs, but all of those military members, veterans, first responders, frontline healthcare workers, correctional staff, and more who collectively have chosen a life that is both challenging and has incredible impact on all the members of the public who benefit from your efforts.
You do make a difference.

Warm thoughts,

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

The beauty in vulnerability

The beauty in vulnerability

by | Apr 14, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Creativity, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

The beauty in vulnerability

Fifteen years ago, I wrote a book about my experiences working as a psychologist in a federal penitentiary. It’s dark, haunted, and not surprisingly, unpublished. It remains an important part of me, and I can appreciate it from a new perspective now. The work in the prison was powerful but not something I could do long term while maintaining my health.

I’ve always found it helpful to use creative forms of self-expression as a way of processing my emotions. I’m working on a new book now, and it feels very different, almost as though a different author is writing it. Where I am today is very different to how I felt fifteen years ago.

Creative self-expression is a theme that has been prominent in our Landing Strong community members as well. As people recover, they are able to show themselves to the world through their work; be it photography, art, woodworking or writing.

Each piece is very different, but they are similar in that they are accurate reflections of that person’s experience. I’ve come to appreciate that what makes art beautiful is not only the piece itself, but the honesty and vulnerability that went into creating it.

Warm thoughts,

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

I am the work

I am the work

by | Feb 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Plan, Recovery, Support

I am the work

People often speak about the discomfort they experience having to leave their jobs following injury. They’re eager to push through their symptoms, trying to get back to work as quickly as possible. The interesting thing is, pushing to speed up recovery often has the inadvertent consequence of slowing it down.

When it comes to recovery, you have to go slowly in order to progress quickly.

What does this mean?

Recovery isn’t a vacation as others might think. We all know it’s a period of time requiring intentional work.

Instead of asking yourself the question “When can I go back to work?” It might be more helpful to consider the following statements:

I am the work.
There is no other work.
Recovery is my mission.

Processing traumatic events is a part of being a first responder. If you don’t do it while you’re operational, you’ll likely be forced to take time off to deal with it later. It’s like putting off paperwork. It never actually goes away.

The skill of emotional processing is a necessary component of health but is something that is not often awarded the time and space it needs.

This my friends, is the work.

Warm regards,

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

Kicking isolation to the curb

Kicking isolation to the curb

by | Jan 27, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Growth, Recovery, Support

Kicking isolation to the curb

We all know the darkness we deal with in our various lines of work. Intimate knowledge of trauma can separate us from others, at times, creating a divide from those who might not have shared experiences. Wanting to protect those we love from the details of the job, it’s easy to sit alone.

When in the job, people often face hard things together, working as team to overcome adversity. Following injury or end of service, the journey can become a lonely one. This loneliness can have devastating consequences.

It’s often easy to connect over lighter aspects of life, but more rare to find authentic connection over the challenges. Finding a way to communicate such intimate thoughts and experiences to others is not easy.

Trauma is connected to such deep emotion that it draws us in. Anyone who has done a group program knows how fulfilling and rewarding it can be. Leaning in together, we see not just the darkness, but also the light. In some of the most difficult moments can shine moments of courage, truth and beauty.

Recovery is about finding a place, and community that we can call home. Being willing to sit in the discomfort, with others, long enough to understand and transform it.

We hope that you join us on this journey. 

Warm regards,

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