Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

by | May 12, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, joy, Plan, Support

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Today was a glorious day where we celebrated a deserving group of people, all of whom are receiving recognition for their contribution of service to community. Not everyone is up to attending a public event. That’s okay. Please know that we see and recognize you (you may even be receiving something special when we next see you).

I was thinking about the depth of our Landing Strong community, and the total number of years of service of our members. Some are newer in their careers, many have served over 30 years. We even have a few members who have served our country for over 40 years.

I thought it might be fun to do a little math.

185 people have gone through our programs since we opened in 2018. Let’s say the average person has served their community for 20 years. That translates into 3,700 total years of service.

This is the stuff on which nations are built.

I’m proud to know you, and to be connected to such an impressive group of individuals.

Warm thoughts,

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

A cause for celebration

A cause for celebration

by | May 5, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

A cause for celebration

In this busy-paced life we lead, I am reminded of the importance of reflection: taking the time necessary to gather our thoughts, celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. Today is such a day at Landing Strong. Led by Board Members Tara Burley, Adrienne Oldham and the team from Fire Inside Leadership, our Landing Strong Team took the morning to discuss our shared vision for the organization, remembering to be kind to ourselves as we collectively strive to reach ambitious goals for the future. I want to take this moment to thank all of the staff, Board Members and consultants at Landing Strong for the hard work they do, guided by their hearts and passions to help others navigate their way towards health and wellness.

I also look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Landing Strong Community members next week during our Celebration of Unsung Heroes Event. Not a graduation, but a celebration of continued work and contribution to community.

Warm thoughts,

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

Taking time to celebrate

Taking time to celebrate

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

Taking time to celebrate

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Minister of National Defense Anita Anand as well as reconnecting with Landing Strong’s friend MP Kody Blois. After inspecting the Cadet Color Party, Minister Anand toured King’s Edgehill School including the historic A. Gordon Cooper Library where we plan to hold our Recognition Ceremony on May 12. Minister Anand shared her gratitude for the service of our Landing Strong Members, expressing deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into recovery following injury. Last year’s “Celebration of Unsung Heroes” served as a graduation ceremony for those who completed our Foundation Programs or Workforce Reintegration Programs. This year, we are shifting the focus from graduation to that of continued effort and growth made by all members who have participated in at least three Foundation programs or attended our Maintaining Health Series.You will have received your invitation by email. Please let us know if it did not reach you. This is a great opportunity to connect with familiar faces from the Landing Strong community and spend some time together. It’s also a chance to introduce a partner or someone important to Landing Strong. We had a great turnout last year and have been working hard to ensure this year’s event is just as memorable. The school choir is preparing a special treat for us. If you’re not sure how recently you were in group, but are interested in coming, just give us a shout so we can make sure there is a seat for you (as well as anyone important you might like to bring). Whether you’re attending for yourself, or to show support for your peers, we hope that you will join us for this special event. What can I expect?

  • This celebration will be very similar to last year, so you can expect to see the Landing Strong Staff and Board of Directors, enjoy some yummy treats, pick up some free Landing Strong swag, and cheer on your friends as the Landing Strong team shares a few nice words about the personal growth and contribution to community that our members have made this past year. Feel free to dress up a bit or just keep it casual, whatever you are most comfortable wearing is absolutely fine. 

Is there Parking?

  • This event is being held at the A. Gordon Cooper Library, King’s-Edgehill School. There will be signs directing you where to go and lots of free parking. You can park on front hill in front of the library. We encourage everyone to arrive a couple minutes early to allow yourself time to use the restroom, grab some light refreshments and find your seat before our 2pm start. Please let us know if you can make it, either by phone (902 472 2972) or email (jwhalen@landingstrong.com). 

We look forward to seeing you for this special event.

Warm thoughts,

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

I am the work

I am the work

by | Feb 10, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Plan, Recovery, Support

I am the work

People often speak about the discomfort they experience having to leave their jobs following injury. They’re eager to push through their symptoms, trying to get back to work as quickly as possible. The interesting thing is, pushing to speed up recovery often has the inadvertent consequence of slowing it down.

When it comes to recovery, you have to go slowly in order to progress quickly.

What does this mean?

Recovery isn’t a vacation as others might think. We all know it’s a period of time requiring intentional work.

Instead of asking yourself the question “When can I go back to work?” It might be more helpful to consider the following statements:

I am the work.
There is no other work.
Recovery is my mission.

Processing traumatic events is a part of being a first responder. If you don’t do it while you’re operational, you’ll likely be forced to take time off to deal with it later. It’s like putting off paperwork. It never actually goes away.

The skill of emotional processing is a necessary component of health but is something that is not often awarded the time and space it needs.

This my friends, is the work.

Warm regards,

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

Kicking isolation to the curb

Kicking isolation to the curb

by | Jan 27, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Growth, Recovery, Support

Kicking isolation to the curb

We all know the darkness we deal with in our various lines of work. Intimate knowledge of trauma can separate us from others, at times, creating a divide from those who might not have shared experiences. Wanting to protect those we love from the details of the job, it’s easy to sit alone.

When in the job, people often face hard things together, working as team to overcome adversity. Following injury or end of service, the journey can become a lonely one. This loneliness can have devastating consequences.

It’s often easy to connect over lighter aspects of life, but more rare to find authentic connection over the challenges. Finding a way to communicate such intimate thoughts and experiences to others is not easy.

Trauma is connected to such deep emotion that it draws us in. Anyone who has done a group program knows how fulfilling and rewarding it can be. Leaning in together, we see not just the darkness, but also the light. In some of the most difficult moments can shine moments of courage, truth and beauty.

Recovery is about finding a place, and community that we can call home. Being willing to sit in the discomfort, with others, long enough to understand and transform it.

We hope that you join us on this journey. 

Warm regards,

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

Leading with Gratitude: Meet my friend Kenneth Kamyuka

Leading with Gratitude: Meet my friend Kenneth Kamyuka

by | Jan 20, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Community, Recovery, Resources, Support

Leading with Gratitude: Meet my friend Kenneth Kamyuka

During a recent trip to Toronto, I took an Uber in order to transport a load of groceries to my father’s home. My good-natured Uber driver, Kenneth, struck up a conversation as we drove. I asked him if he enjoyed being an Uber driver and responded happily:

“I love it. As a newcomer to this country, I find Canada full of opportunity for those willing to work hard.”

Kenneth went on to explain that he had immigrated from Uganda. He shared a story of his first arrival in Canada thirteen years earlier:

“You see, I was assigned a case manager to help me settle. The first time we met, she handed me a cheque for $730. I couldn’t believe it. That represented 3.2 million shillings. I asked her ‘when do I have to pay it back?’ and she said, ‘you don’t
we will give you a check like this each month until you find work’.”

Kenneth explained that he could not believe he received such a warm welcome, counting himself lucky to come to such a caring place. Hailed as one of Uganda’s top cricketeers, Kenneth later came to play on Canada’s national cricket team.

Kenneth was truly an unexpected spark of joy in the middle of a busy day. The conversation reminded me of the importance of moving slowly, taking the time to notice people, places and all things good around me. I was pleased to meet Kenneth, and proud of the manner in which Canada welcomed him. For all of those of you who have worked so hard to help maintain our freedoms, rights and privileges, my encounter with Kenneth served as a reminder of the power of gratitude in transforming lives.

Warm thoughts,

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