Those who run together, have fun together.

Those who run together, have fun together.

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Resilience

Those who run together have fun together


It was raining and tempting not to go, but luckily, we did and we couldn’t have had more fun!

In true Nova Scotia style, we kept up the family tradition of running the Valley Harvest Marathon, regardless of the weather.

There is indeed strength and spirit in numbers. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar thinking back to the first time you came to group? You may have sat in the parking lot coming up with a myriad of reasons why you couldn’t set foot in the door, but then, were glad you did. Perhaps you too were expecting rain, but like our family of runners, found sunshine by the end of the day.  Come run with us at Landing Strong.

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

The risk of not being seen

The risk of not being seen

by | Dec 13, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Courage, Love, Resilience

The risk of not being seen

Today marks a significant occasion as Brittney Griner, two-time Olympic gold medalist in Women’s basketball, was released from custody after nine months of detention in Russia. CNN analyst Brandon Tensley states:Griner, a Black queer woman isn’t the only American to be detained in Russia. But her predicament stands out for how it has directed attention not only to the fact that US society undervalues professional women’s basketball, but also the ways LGBTQ people in the US and Russia are differently marginalized.Griner had the courage to stand up and be seen in a country that was intolerant of gender diversity. And she paid a price. A similar theme of intolerance arose recently in World Cup Soccer, serving to increase global awareness of this important issue.For those military members and first responders who have been injured in service, a stigma exists within many institutional cultures regarding injury, particularly if the wounds are invisible. Members of minority groups within the military and first responder communities often face additional challenges in that they are doubly marginalized due to race and gender. It may seem easier to disappear.Although we still have a long way to go, it’s good news that increasing numbers of people are speaking up and being seen and recognized. A member of our community has done so recently in a big way and finally received a well-deserved promotion. Well done!Standing united in the desire for everyone to be seen and recognized with respect and inclusion.Warm regards,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strongp.s. Keep in mind group enrollment for a wide range of programs starting in the New Year is happening now. If we get a few more people, we’ll be offering an online Emotions programme in addition to our in-person programs. Please feel free to give Julie a call or drop us a line if you’d like to sign up for any of our programs.

Starting the season of giving

Starting the season of giving

by | Dec 13, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Compassion, Resilience

Starting the season of giving

This week a news report spoke of the challenge many people are having making ends meet.  Food banks are being accessed at record levels, and countries around the world are feeling the impact of global warming on food supply.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead, I chose to focus on appreciation for what I do have, the ability to extend some of that abundance to others.Inside the entrance of Landing Strong, we’ve planted a magic giving tree.  Under it, are placed a few donations for the local food bank.  It’s our hope that these few items will multiply to the point where food spills out into the lobby.  We invite you to contribute to its growth.  When the world feels too big, just remember how small efforts can create a ripple effect of positivity.Happy December,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing StrongPS. Please don’t forget to enroll now for upcoming programs: Date Night Thursday, December 8 from 6pm-9pmMaintaining Health Thursday, December 15 from 9am-3pmStop Faking Good Start Feeling Good: Emotions Management          Co-ed group starts Wednesday, January 11 and runs for five weeks          Women’s only group starts Friday, January 13 and runs for five weeksCreating Confidence and Clarifying Strengths          Starts Tuesday, January 10 and runs for five weeksManaging the Cultural Divide          Starts Thursday, January 12 and runs for five weeks All programs are being offered in person. Please let us know if you have interest in on-line delivery for any of our programs and if we have enough people we will offer on-line as well.

Live long, Laugh, and Prosper

Live long, Laugh, and Prosper

by | Nov 4, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Courage, Love, Resilience

Live long, Laugh, and Prosper

This Halloween, I was scheduled to attend a lunch time meeting at King’s-Edgehill School. Traditionally, the school makes a very big deal of Halloween…EVERYONE dresses up. Wanting to be part of the fun, I decided to wear a costume. Unfortunately, what I didn’t know was that the school had their dress up day the previous week.

Imagine my dismay when I found myself in full Star Trek costume surrounded by a sea of students in uniforms.

I too was in uniform, only it was from wrong planet.

Somehow, this wasn’t the way I imagined this would play out.

The incidental bonus to the day is that I realized everyone I encountered was eager to join the fun. On seeing my costume, Lezlee and Jen, our Office Admin staff, ran out to Dollarama to get fun costumes and a treat bowl. Everyone smiled when greeted by a witch and a cat in the reception. Clients greeted me in the lobby with the traditional Klingon hand signals and greetings.

As the day progressed, I forgot that I was in costume, but the smiles and jokes from others reminded me that we all enjoy an excuse to laugh together.

When people feel joyful, they break into spontaneous play.

Small acts of fun truly do spark joy.

Maybe that’s the take-away from my day. Live long, laugh and prosperWarm regards,

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