Connection is key-the power of community

Connection is key-the power of community

by | Nov 29, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Communication, Community, Relaxation, Resources, Wellbeing

Connection is key – the power of community

When we think of PTSD, we might envision a person hunched over, sitting alone in a dark room. Operational stress injuries can indeed be isolating when we bear the burden alone.

Only through connection with an understanding community, can we melt away the shame that keeps us immobilized.

If you have been following our social media, you’ll have seen many photos of people in active recovery. They’re full of smiles and are clearly in good company. That’s not by chance. They know something important.
They know that working in groups speeds up recovery and allows us to go further. Significant forward momentum requires knowledge, support, and community.

By working together, we will all go further. Look for the smiles…you’ll know where to find us. Trauma recovery might not look the way you imagined.

We’re loading up programs for the new year, connect soon to save your seat.

 

Warmly,

 

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

Letting in the light

Letting in the light

by | Nov 22, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Creativity, Outdoor Adventures, Wellbeing

Letting in the light

Darkness arrives sooner these days, tricking us into thinking that the day is over when in fact, we still have a few good hours ahead. The animals take their cue from the environment, retreating to their burrows and nests with food stores collected in preparation for a long winter’s nap. This is a time when our natural inclination might also be to go into hibernation, packing it in early, grabbing snacks and settling in front of the TV long before we normally would.

The way I figure it, we can do one of two things:

1) Give in to the hibernation urge, only to emerge from our homes in the springtime as fluffed-out, chipmunk versions of ourselves.
2) Create an opportunity to invite new practices and routines into our lives.

We’d like to offer a few ideas that we hope might inspire you:

  • Consider taking a night hike. Opening the door and tromping out into the darkness might at first feel daunting, but with the right mindset and equipment, it can be thoroughly enjoyable. Joe and I purchased neon-colored collars for our dogs and headlamps and flashlights for ourselves. The lazy feelings we might feel early in the evening quickly evaporate when replaced by the invigoration of crisp night air and star-studded skies.
  • Winter is the perfect time to start new art projects. Consider exploring and further expanding on some of the ideas we’ve gained from our time together at Maker’s. A recent Community Connections workshop with Jen has prompted me to pull out my watercolors with the hopes of making a slew of handmade Christmas cards.
  • It’s a great time to try new recipes and pull out those crockpots to make hearty, bone-warming soups and stews. A fresh loaf of baked bread does wonders for the soul.
  • Cozying around the woodstove or fireplace with a good book, needlework or game of cards reminds us of the joys of yesteryear.
  • We can brighten up the darkness inside our homes through candles, fairy lights, or reflective sparkle lanterns.
  • Signing up for a local pickleball league or purchasing a gym membership keeps the juices flowing.
  • Most importantly, staying connected to your community and joining others for small social gatherings in the form of meals or shared cups of coffee gets us out of the house and helps to deepen friendships.

We’d love to hear which strategies you use to ensure your life is full of the light and laughter it deserves.

 

Warmly,

 

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

No fish…that’s ok, we got cranberries

No fish…that’s ok, we got cranberries

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Challenge, Community, Friday Inspiration, joy, Wellbeing

No fish…that’s ok, we’ve got cranberries

 

This past Monday was a magical morning as Shawn Pineo from New Scotland Fly Rods led us on a fly-fishing adventure for our Community Connection day.

On the shores of Panuke Lake with the sun beaming down on our shoulders, we tied, cast, reeled, and laughed together.

Not everyone was physically able to participate but that didn’t stop them from sharing fish stories and banter by the water’s edge.

I’d like to report that many fish were caught, but truth be told, the biggest catch of the day was cranberries. We left literally with buckets of them.

PS: Did you know that fly-fishing hip waiters allow one to lie in a field of red cranberries without fear of red stains? This is optimal for a speedy collection.

I left with my heart full and a big smile on my face. The lightness and levity of the morning went a long way to setting the tone for a wonderful week.

Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected. I’m eternally grateful to Shawn for creating such a warm welcoming environment and generously sharing his equipment with us. But I’m ridiculously pleased with the bounty of cranberries which will form the basis of my Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.

I went into the day knowing that fishing wasn’t likely my thing, but I left pleased to have taken part.

Please join us for the next Community Connection group as we take a fall walk on the Manning Nature trails, followed by a coffee outing to Gerrish and Grey. We’ll be collecting natural wilderness treasures for our upcoming wreath-making workshop which will take place two weeks later.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Magic Lamp

Magic Lamp

by | Jan 26, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, 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

Purging spaces and making room for what matters most

Purging spaces and making room for what matters most

by | Jan 19, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Self-Awareness, Wellbeing

It’s 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 can’t 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