Life is about big ideas, but it doesnāt 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 Iād 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 didnāt 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, Iāll aim at growing next yearās crop one inch bigger.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Late this past Saturday afternoon, as Nova Scotians were swept in a swirl of snow, Torontonians were bathed in unexpected sunshine.
Moderate temperatures and clear blue skies had coaxed even the most hesitant outdoors.
I was leaving the hospital after a good visit with my father and came upon an unexpected sight; on the slope of a large hill sat dozens of families and couples enjoying picnics. Behind them stood a large crowd of onlookers all gazing across the park below. I wondered if a concert was about to begin and thought maybe it had already started since many people had their cameras out, all pointed in the same direction. I could hear nothing, nor see anyone performing in the natural amphitheater below.
Then I realized what everyone was gazing at: a glorious sunset spreading its last rays over the skyline of the city. Like animals waking from deep hibernation, people had stumbled outdoors, dazed by the beauty of the mid-winter sun.
Even in the greyest of winters, we can find windows of warmth and light.
I hope that now you have dug yourselves out from under, you too are able to pause and catch glimpses of the unexpected beauty that surrounds us.
Warm thoughts in a wintery week,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Legend has it that if the groundhog emerges from its den and sees its shadow, it will retreat, and winter will slog on for another six weeks. If it doesnāt see its shadow, spring will arrive early. Judging by the amount of snow weāve had this week winter is far from over.
In the early darkness of winter evenings, I sometimes catch myself wishing the days away, yearning for the warmth and light that come with spring. Dark winter nights can have a distinct Groundhog Day feel to them.
As much as Iām excited for the sunshine ahead, Iām determined to appreciate the season that Iām in. This past Monday brought with it a slate of school closings, a massive dump of snow and sporadic white out conditions. After considerable debate about whether we should go out for our lunchtime stroll, Mackenzie and I forged out to enjoy a surprisingly pleasant walk through the winter storm. From the inside it looked foreboding, but once outside we were able to appreciate the beauty of fresh snow, enjoying the squeals of laughter rising from children playing gleefully in a snowbank as we passed.
I feel the bite of winter air as I step out each morning and am reminded of the gift it is to wake up and commute to work on foot.
Donāt get me wrong – Iāll take blue skies over grey and a surplus of sunshine over shovelling snow any day of the week. But Iāll continue to practice presence and find gratitude on even the coldest of days.
Regardless of whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, I hope you will join me in practicing the art of being present, and find some little ways to be grateful for the season that we are in.
I donāt believe that chunky rodent is clairvoyant anyway.
Even in the greyest of winters, we can find windows of warmth and light.
I hope that now you have dug yourselves out from under, you too are able to pause and catch glimpses of the unexpected beauty that surrounds us.
Warmly,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Itās January, a perfect time for new beginnings.
In a world brimming with constant activity and incessant stimuli, our living spaces often mirror the chaos we might experience in daily life. Clutter accumulates, objects pile up, and our surroundings can become overwhelming.
The act of purging goes beyond mere decluttering; it’s a transformative process that transcends the physical realm. It involves sifting through belongings, evaluating their significance, and intentionally parting ways with items that no longer serve a purpose or bring genuine joy.
Like the Tasmanian Devil, I am whirling around our home donating or chucking out items that no longer serve us. My goal is to rid our home of one bag per day. Joe is not quite sure what is going on. To be fair, I may not have given him the heads up, but by osmosis he canāt help but jump on the decluttering train.
Instead of winter darkness, I’m fuelled by internal light. One small piece at a time, one day at a time, I vow to emerge from my clutter, making room for what matters most.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This month has been a bit challenging for me. My fatherās health is declining, and as a result, Iāve made a few extra trips to Toronto in recent weeks.
On the last flight to Toronto, I wasnāt feeling particularly chatty. I sat beside a polished young woman. She was well-coiffed, armed in high heels, a white designer bag and immaculate make-up.
She didnāt make much eye contact, so I took it as my cue that we wouldnāt chat. I developed an internal story about who she might be based on her appearance. As we got up to leave, she stood and with her perfectly manicured hands passed me my bag from the overhead compartment, even though she did not have one of her own.
This thoughtful gesture prompted me to revise my initial appraisal of her. We chatted as we stood in line for our bags, and I learned that she holds a doctoral degree in genetic engineering and is dedicating her life working to develop drugs to cure hereditary illnesses. She was passionate, thoughtful, and inspired. My superficial impression proved to be very wrong.
This brief interaction encouraged me to be more open to the idea of getting to know people before judging them.
On the flight home, I felt exhausted, after five days in the hospital at my fatherās bedside. An elderly woman, was sitting beside me, scribbling furiously into a journal. Her notes were organized and meticulous. Remembering my earlier vow, I threw her a line, asking if she was a writer. It turns out she holds a masterās degree in divinity and has spent the latter part of her life on a spiritual quest.
The next three hours proved to be a fulsome conversation around topics of Buddhism, consciousness, spirituality, quantum physics and mysticism. She writes under the penname Augusta. The conversation was good enough that I ordered two of her books. I left the plane feeling grounded, calm and appreciative.
I am grateful to the universe for sending both women my way. I wonder how often people of potential importance in our lives are sent to us, but we miss the opportunity to benefit from them because we are closed off or not looking.
I am renewed in my commitment to being open and receptive to what the universe has to offer. I hope you will do the same.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Over the holidays I had the chance to spend time with family and friends. One young fellow, Ewan, captured my heart.
No matter what we did, Ewan was filled with excitement, fully enjoying the wonder of each moment as it unfolded.
āThis was the best day EVER!ā he exclaimed after jumping from the wood-fired sauna into the ice-cold lake.
āI canāt believe I got to chop down my first tree!ā he shouted gleefully as the tree hit the ground.
Even when collecting rocks, he did not complain under the burden of the large, heavy bag he was carrying. His only utterance was āItās so much better with you helping me carry the load.”
At the tender age of ten, Ewan understands that there are some burdens too big to shoulder alone. This is a truth that we somehow often lose sight of once we hit adulthood.
Having more people does indeed lighten the load. Our group programs exist for this very reason, to make sure no one walks alone. When weāre in good company the load we carry inevitably becomes easier to shoulder.
What better way can there be to start the new year than to join a community of people that understand.
If you have not yet signed up for our January program, Emotions Management, there are still a few spots available. If youāve already completed it, we look forward to seeing you at our monthly Maintaining Health program on January 18th.
Happy New Year!
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong