Are you on your list?

Are you on your list?

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Relaxation, Self-Care

Are you on your list?

This is a busy time of year when we often start making lists.

These lists often focus on things we need to do for others, seldom do they reflect activities we need to do for ourselves. As you enter the holiday season I invite you to set aside time to reflect on how far you’ve come, and what steps you might like to take moving forward.

On our website, you see lists of all the programs for the year ahead. Now is the perfect time to plan your recovery journey. Ideally, we would have you sign up for all the programs you are potentially interested in.

The first of our foundation series, “Stop Faking Good Start Feeling Good” emotions management program starts in January. We appreciate you signing up in advance so that we know how many cohorts to run.

For those who’ve already completed the foundation series, we have some new and exciting offerings:

• Make time for mindfulness. A 9-week MBSR program (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) might be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Two hours per week for eight weeks plus assigned home practices with a half-day finale.
• We have an assortment of exciting Community Connection activities and outings lined up for you.
• We’re exploring the possibility of running a CBT insomnia program. If interested let Julie know so we can add your name to the list.
• In February, we’ll offer a week-long holistic wellness program for women affected by military and work-related sexual misconduct. This is a small-sized program so it’s not too early to get your name on the list.

So, while caring for others, please take the time to care for yourself.

 

Warmly,

 

 

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

Connection is key-the power of community

Connection is key-the power of community

by | Nov 29, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Community, Relaxation, Resources, Wellbeing

Connection is key – the power of community

When we think of PTSD, we might envision a person hunched over, sitting alone in a dark room. Operational stress injuries can indeed be isolating when we bear the burden alone.

Only through connection with an understanding community, can we melt away the shame that keeps us immobilized.

If you have been following our social media, you’ll have seen many photos of people in active recovery. They’re full of smiles and are clearly in good company. That’s not by chance. They know something important.
They know that working in groups speeds up recovery and allows us to go further. Significant forward momentum requires knowledge, support, and community.

By working together, we will all go further. Look for the smiles…you’ll know where to find us. Trauma recovery might not look the way you imagined.

We’re loading up programs for the new year, connect soon to save your seat.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Big ideas, small packages

Big ideas, small packages

by | Nov 1, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Gratitude, joy, Relaxation, Self-Awareness

Big ideas, small packages

Life is about big ideas, but it doesn’t always come in the way we expect it.

I started this growing season full of enthusiasm and ambition. On top of the usual tomatoes, carrots, and beans I thought I’d try my hand at cantaloupe, and watermelon, and retry last year’s failed crop; cucumbers.

I am happy to report that I was able to grow some of each. The unexpected part was their size. Some magical fairy dust was sprinkled over my garden, making everything grow in miniature.

Life can sometimes be like that. We might have big dreams that are delivered to us in small packages. The trick is celebrating and accepting whatever comes our way.

You may have had big dreams about your career and feel that somehow things didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. The skill lies in recognizing the growth and abundance that still lies in your journey.

Sometimes victory comes in small steps. For me, I’ll aim at growing next year’s crop one inch bigger.

 

Warmly,

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

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

by | Aug 11, 2023 | Balance, Friday's Inspiration, Mindfulness, Recovery, Relaxation

Giving yourself a therapy vacation

Trauma recovery is hard work.

Just because recovery is your focus does not mean that you don’t need down time.

It’s not only therapists who need vacations. Clients too need therapy breaks.

Taking time off work due to injury is not the same thing as a vacation. Doing the work to recover requires steady effort and focus. Other people might perceive time away from the job as time off or vacation. We know it’s far from that.

Just as we would take breaks to rest and recharge from our jobs, the same is true for trauma recovery.

How much time do you think would be healthy or helpful for you?

Please enjoy it, guilt free, and know that we are doing the same.

Warm thoughts,

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

Magic Lamp

Magic Lamp

by | Jan 26, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Love, Relaxation, Self-Care, 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