Remembrance

Remembrance

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Grief, Recovery

Remembrance

Remembrance Day is upon us.

Scarlet poppies are proudly pinned over our hearts. We find Veterans in perfectly pressed uniforms at the entrances of our grocery stores.  School hallways are adorned with crayon masterpieces on manilla paper, honoring those who’ve served and continue to serve our communities and country.

It’s a time of reflection, appreciation, remembrance.

It’s interesting to hear about the many ways people chose to honour this day.

For some it’s important for them to show up at a local cenotaph with community to pay respects.  For others retreating to a favorite secluded trail or quiet spot in nature is the perfect place to reflect and remember.

However you choose to honour this time, know that we are with you in our thoughts.

Warm thoughts,

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

Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

by | Oct 13, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Compassion, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery, Wellbeing

Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

Many people when they face a setback in their recovery may think, ‘Oh I’m not as far along as I thought I was.’ When in fact, its simply a bump on the road. Not an indication that they weren’t where they thought they were.

There will be many bumps, that’s natural. Just like how an athlete won’t run their best run every day, you too will have ups and downs on the road of recovery.

How do we stay strong when the journey feels so long? By simply taking note of small wins, we fuel ourselves for the longer journey.

One of the unique things about group therapy is newer members get the chance to meet people further along the road. It helps to trust the process, knowing that if you just keep walking, you’ll get to where you want to be.

Warm thoughts,

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

Do I stay or do I go?

Do I stay or do I go?

by | Sep 29, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery

Do I stay or do I go? 

It’s not always an easy decision. You may not feel as though things are quite right, but those around you might not see it. At what point do you make the decision to take time off and prioritize your health?

You’ve been trained to push through the challenging times. If you’ve been “managing” well enough in your current role, how do you justify taking a step back, whether it be in your career, volunteer activities or even social life? In reality, the only person who truly knows the depths of what’s going on is you.

If you feel that you need some time to focus on your health and wellbeing, we’re here to help walk you through this process and get you to where you want to be. Luckily, this does not have to be an all or nothing decision. There is skill in knowing how to take snips of meaningful time for yourself, ensuring you are re-filling the well as you water the garden.

At work, we routinely assessed and prioritize situations. What would this look like if you applied the same concepts to your personal life? What tasks or commitments would you cut down on? Are there any areas that need attention?

How often are you carving out time to hand out with friends or do activities that you enjoy?

Is your bedtime allowing you enough time to rest?

Is your food and water consumption supporting your health and energy throughout the day?

Do you have activities that inspire you?

Warm thoughts,

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

We’re all in the same storm.

We’re all in the same storm.

by | Sep 22, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Compassion, Recovery, Resilience

We’re all in the same storm.

We’re all in the same storm, just different boats. It’s not what happens to us that’s important, it’s the meaning of it within the context of our lives.

Before Dorian, Fiona or our recent flooding, we may have been buying storm chips and dare we say even a bit excited about the possibility of a storm. This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Because we are so connected to one another and are aware of the hardships our friends and neighbours have experienced, these weather events take on new meaning.

If you’re looking for support, we’re only a call away. You don’t need to “earn” your spot in counselling or our programs. If you’re ready there is a seat waiting for you. There’s currently no wait list.

Warm thoughts,

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

No storm lasts forever.

No storm lasts forever.

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Courage, Recovery, Resilience

No storm lasts forever. 

Nova Scotians love to talk about the weather. It’s a time-honored tradition, presumably linked to the fact that many residents of the province work in fishing and farming. Their safety and livelihood depended on good weather. We are also a unique province in the frequency with which we experience multiple seasons in the same day.

Over the past few months there has been a shift. Talking about the weather has been less a source of amusement, and more a source of anxiety or concern. There have been good reasons for it, for some of the greatest hardships we have faced recently have been connected to extreme weather.

It is in times when we are being tested that we truly witness the strength of community. Alone in a storm, no-one fares well. Together, we are stronger and better prepared to face what the elements might bring.

When we are connected with others, it is easier to remember that no storm lasts forever.
Find your strength within community.

We have a number of programs starting this fall. New members are always welcome. Fell free to give us a call.

Warm thoughts,

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

Are you sleeping at night?

Are you sleeping at night?

by | Aug 25, 2023 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Mindfulness, Recovery, Relaxation

Are you sleeping at night?

“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn

This week my sleep has been elusive. I know why. I’ve been watching too much news that documents multiple natural disasters as they unfold. My heart and thoughts have been with people around the world struggling as they face adversity.

Our humanity compels us to watch, but the format of presentation, jumping from story to story and image to image, does not allow for mindful processing of what we witness.

I know that it’s only by acknowledging the impact things have on us that we are able to properly attend to our needs.

What I really need to do is find a moment when I can simply be still and present with my emotions.

Doing art is a helpful activity that allows me to make sense of my day.

If I allow myself this time for reflection, I will sleep better.

Is there any part in your day that allows you to pause and reflect on how you are doing? What might carving out this time for yourself look like?

There’s no “right way” of doing mindfulness. It’s a matter of what is right for you.

Warm thoughts,

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