A few weeks ago, my husband Joe was walking our dogs when they happened upon a skunk. Anyone who has seen my dogs knows that they look like they could be related to the skunk family.
The dogs stood and staredâŠand the skunk stared back. Tentatively, the skunk made steps towards them, as if inviting them to play.
âZuri, Nara, come,â Joe commanded anxiously from the rear. Luckily the dogs obeyed. Dejected, the skunk turned around and wandered off, his head held low. Sucks to be a skunk.
Making new friends is not always easy. We all fear rejection. What if we say the wrong thing? What if we arenât accepted? What if they say things that offend us?
Come meet new people in a supportive environment. We promise not to walk awayâŠeven if you arrive wearing black and white.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
My mother used to own an antique store in Rosseau, Muskoka.
Things pretty much shut down during the winter but as spring emerged, so too did the seasonal cottagers who invariably popped by her store for a quick “hello”.
What seemed like a chance encounter really served as an opportunity for them to announce that “theyâre back”.
I realized that her store was so much more than a place where old things were sold. Antiques are about peopleâs stories, lives and histories. My motherâs role in this small village was to bear witness to her customers’ stories but also to serve as an informal welcoming committee for cottagers returning and opening up for the spring.
We all need a place and people who welcome us; someone with whom we can share the trials of winter as well as joining to celebrate the warmth and light of spring. We hope to create that experience for you here at Landing Strong.
Whether youâre attending our programs or you’re a friend who pops online to read this blog each Friday, know that you are an important part of our community.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
This month has been a bit challenging for me. My fatherâs health is declining, and as a result, Iâve made a few extra trips to Toronto in recent weeks.
On the last flight to Toronto, I wasnât 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 didnât make much eye contact, so I took it as my cue that we wouldnât 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 fatherâs 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 masterâs 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
We join you this afternoon with an acknowledgement of the hardship and loss faced by the people in our community, expressing thanks to the first responders who put themselves at risk assisting those who were trapped by flood waters.
We feel gratitude for those who are safe, and want to express our sympathy and support for those who have endured unimaginable hardship. Our hearts are with you.
In such challenging times, it is important to acknowledge the valiant efforts of the Brooklyn Fire Department, in addition to all other emergency, hydro, and road repair crews who worked around the clock to restore safety and order.
If you were part of this emergency response and are struggling, please feel free to reach out and give us a call. Know that we are here for you.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
We recently had a visit from Invictus Games athlete Darrell Ling. Darrell brought a yellow bench that he built out of completely recycled wood, which we are proud to have sitting by our front door. The Invictus Games introduced âThe Yellow Benchâ as a way of creating shared spaces for people â even strangers â to have conversations that matter.Â
Athletes were invited to bring the concept of The Yellow Bench back home to their respective countries and communities.
In the Invictus Games, each athlete competes in 2 individual sports and a team sport. Darrell brought his competitive spirit to Archery, Sit-down Rowing, and Wheelchair Basketball where he successfully scored a basket in the final minutes of the game.Â
Darrell shared that one of the most meaningful aspects of the Invictus Games was the opportunity to meet other athletes who understood his experiences, without needing an explanation. He described the implicit understanding amongst the Athletes of what it took to get there; something that doesnât always exist in the civilian world. Darrell also noted with pride that the person in last place got the loudest cheers, something that warmed his heart. Â Competing and finishing an event requires a tremendous amount of preparation, training, determination and courage. Not all accomplishments are marked with a medal, but this certainly doesnât detract from the success.Â
He was also thrilled to meet Prince Harry in person.Â
We invite you to take seat and connect the next time you visit us.Â
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
Just because a problem has been around for a long time doesnât mean itâs there to stay.
There is something intimidating about an issue that weâve been carrying for a long time. It can almost take on its own life. In my experience, the longevity of a problem does not indicate the difficulty it will take to sort it out.
It is often a matter of looking more deeply, or through a different lens. This emphasizes the importance of not carrying things alone. By talking things out loud, and being open to new perspectives, it opens the door for change to occur. Positive shifts happen.
If you have been carrying around a weight for a long time and arenât sure how to get rid of it or lighten your load, we hope youâll consider giving us a call.
Warm thoughts,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych. Executive Director, Landing Strong
