The wisdom of knowing when to unplug

The wisdom of knowing when to unplug

by | Aug 1, 2025 | Balance, Growth, Mindfulness, Self-Awareness, Self-Care, Wisdom

The wisdom of knowing when to unplug


Finding peace doesn’t always come easily. The world is noisy; full of opinions, obligations, and information overload. Shutting it out, even briefly, takes effort. It’s not passive. It’s a practice.

Even my new 9-week-old granddaughter Evelyn seems to sense this. When she’s had enough, she simply closes her eyes, shutting out the world. It’s remarkable, really. Long before she has words, she knows how to take space.

Lately, her parents have been test-driving a pair of sound-reducing headphones in preparation of an upcoming social gathering.  They want to make sure she is not overwhelmed by the noise. 

It makes me wonder: when do we give ourselves permission to unplug? Do we wait until we’re overwhelmed? Until irritability, fatigue, or sadness push us into retreat? Or can we begin noticing the signals earlier; the tightness in our chest, the mind that won’t stop spinning?

At Landing Strong, we often talk about learning to listen inward. The goal isn’t to escape life, but to create rhythms that allow us to stay grounded within it. That might mean a walk without your phone, a moment of stillness before the next conversation, or simply breathing before you respond. The challenge isn’t knowing we need peace. It’s allowing ourselves to seek it before we reach our limit.

Take a page from Evelyn’s book. When the world gets too loud, you’re allowed to soften your gaze, put on your metaphorical earphones, and rest.

It’s not too early to sign up for our Community Connections program Monday August 11th.  Shawn from New Scotland Fly Rods will be guiding us on a fly-fishing excursion!  Spaces are limited.

Please contact us to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972


Warmly,

 

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

We never really know what’s to come

We never really know what’s to come

by | Jul 25, 2025 | Belinda's Thoughts, Caregivers, Challenge, Compassion, Gratitude, joy, Love, Self-Care

 We never really know what’s to come

Eighteen months ago, my 92-year-old father was told he likely had between two weeks and two months to live. At the time, we braced ourselves, quietly preparing for goodbye. But here we are, another summer unfolding, and happily he’s still with us.

Life for him is much simpler now. Though he can no longer hold a paintbrush, his artist’s eye remains beautifully intact. As I take him for slow strolls through the neighbourhood in his wheelchair, he soaks in the details: the deep blue of the hydrangeas, the dappled light through the trees, the subtle shifts of colour in the sky. His gaze lingers, noticing what many of us miss in our hurry.

He smiles kindly at passersby, waves hello to strangers, and sometimes when the noise of the world becomes too much, he quietly removes his hearing aid, choosing instead the peace of his own inner world. It’s not withdrawal; it’s discernment. A gentle choice to rest in stillness.

There’s something profoundly moving in witnessing how he navigates this time, not with fear or regret, but with gratitude. His presence reminds me that while we can’t control how long we have, we can choose how we show up each day.

There is a grace in how he has accepted life on life’s terms, no resistance, no panic. Just a deep, abiding appreciation for what is, rather than what might be.

There’s a lesson in that.

We often try to predict and plan, to carve certainty out of uncertainty. But life doesn’t follow our timelines or expectations. It offers both hardship and hope in unpredictable measure.

Whether you’re in a season of grief, healing, or quiet joy, may you find space to breathe deeply and take in the moment.  None of us truly knows how much time we have, but there is beauty in the not knowing. Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply another summer.

It’s not too early to late to sign up for Community Connections Monday.  We’ll have fun with a game or two of Disc Golf.  No experience necessary.   

Please contact Julie to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972. 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Kindness rocks

Kindness rocks

by | May 9, 2025 | Community, Compassion, Creativity, Gratitude, joy, Self-Care

Kindness rocks

I arrived at work recently and to my delight discovered the front entrance of Landing Strong sprinkled with kindness rocks. On each step and at every turn was an encouraging comment designed to uplift the day of anyone entering the building.

‘Spread your wings and fly’
‘You are enough’
‘Be happy, Be Kind, Be strong, Be you’

Handcrafted with love, someone dear to our community took the time to spread loving thoughts.

Although these are acts of kindness designed for others, I’m aware that in creating these precious gifts the artist themselves is practicing selfcare in a positive powerful way.


What we do and how we spend our time when relaxing really matters. Spring is a perfect time to reflect on our habits and patterns of behavior ensuring that we are filling our cup, rather than emptying it.

What hobbies or past times do you practice that support your health?

If you haven’t yet taken it, now is the perfect time to sign up for our Healthy Living program, our mornings are at Landing Strong and afternoons at Maker’s Studio.  Contact Julie to sign up: info@landingstrong.com or 902-472-2972. 

 

Warmly,

 

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

Double date square day

Double date square day

by | May 2, 2025 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Self-Care

Double date square day

Today was a little rough. I got through it, with the help of friends but I have to confess it was double date square day. You know them. We’ve all had them, those day that once the adrenaline has settled, we want nothing more than to load up on carbs and sugar.

I know at such times I should take my sugar cravings as a cue that it’s time to go for a walk.

Change the scenery.

Change the pace.

Change the perspective.

You’ll be happy to know that’s exactly what I’m going to do next. Shake off the cobwebs with some fresh air, activity and a dog walk.

We’re currently loading our Healthy Living group program which will be on Tuesdays May 20th, 27th, June 3rd,17th, 24th. Join us as we work together to develop healthy routines and curb harmful habits. It’s not too early to get on the list.

 

Warmly,

 

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

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

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