Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

by | Oct 13, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Compassion, Friday's Inspiration, Growth, Recovery, Wellbeing

Recovery is a Journey not a Destination

Many people when they face a setback in their recovery may think, ‘Oh I’m not as far along as I thought I was.’ When in fact, its simply a bump on the road. Not an indication that they weren’t where they thought they were.

There will be many bumps, that’s natural. Just like how an athlete won’t run their best run every day, you too will have ups and downs on the road of recovery.

How do we stay strong when the journey feels so long? By simply taking note of small wins, we fuel ourselves for the longer journey.

One of the unique things about group therapy is newer members get the chance to meet people further along the road. It helps to trust the process, knowing that if you just keep walking, you’ll get to where you want to be.

Warm thoughts,

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

What’s your Thanksgiving Back-up plan?

What’s your Thanksgiving Back-up plan?

by | Oct 12, 2023 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Wellbeing

What’s your Thanksgiving Backup Plan?

It must be Friday, because once again there’s a potential storm forecast this Thanksgiving weekend.

I don’t know about you, but I’m taking special joy in finding hacks to dodge the weather. Turkey remains on the menu, but we don’t necessarily need electricity to make this meal a success. Slow-roasted turkey over a charcoal BBQ provides a heavenly smoky flavor that has spoiled me for life.

What work arounds do you have to ensure the potentially wet weather doesn’t dampen your spirits?

Although we all have our special ways of preparing this time honored meal, ultimately, we know that Thanksgiving is about so much more.

This weekend offers an opportunity to practice gratitude, for the richness of our lives, the people in it and the beautiful province and country that we live in.

Regardless of the weather I feel grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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

Seeking to understand

Seeking to understand

by | Jul 15, 2022 | Belinda's Thoughts, Resilience, Wellbeing

Seeking to understand

You know those moments when as soon as you say something, you know it came out wrong?

In group, we have a practice we call a “do over.”

It’s an opportunity to freeze-frame a moment, coming back to it and replaying it, with the opportunity to say things the way we intended. It’s a chance to make sure we are understood.

To allow others to do this, we need to give them the benefit of doubt: assuming that their intentions are honourable, even if their communication may not be great.

I wonder what would happen if our guiding principle became “seek to understand?”

What a different place the world would be.

Warm regards,

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

The power of choice

The power of choice

by | Apr 9, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Self-Awareness, Wellbeing, Wisdom

No matter what the situation, remind yourself “I have a choice.”
               – Deepak Chopra

Injury is often associated with powerlessness or a loss of control.  When I first started working in the federal penitentiary, I believed I was capable of evoking powerful, positive change.  Both for the inmates I was working with, as well as with the system itself.  

“You don’t belong here” the inmates repeatedly warned me.  Turns out they were right, but it took me seven years to understand that.  

I’ve never thought of myself as a quitter. I had to learn the hard way about the difference between quitting, and choosing not to continue.  Quitting is giving up.  Choosing not to continue is making an informed decision based on your experiences regarding what is healthy and sustainable, and what isn’t. It’s easy to judge ourselves based on what we were not able to do.

We can focus on the things we couldn’t do, or we can choose to focus on those things that are in our power.
I choose to do my best to help someone today
I chose to invest in my health
I chose to move forward.
I chose love.

Warm regards,

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

Managing Triggers

Managing Triggers

by | Feb 25, 2021 | Belinda's Thoughts, Mindfulness, Relaxation, Self-Care, Wellbeing

“I’ve learned how to be in the present”
“How?” Asked the boy
“I find a quiet spot and shut my eyes and breathe”
“That’s good, and then?”
“Then I focus.”
“What do you focus on?”
“Cake” said the mole.
 
True confessions time.  When I’m in yoga, trying to clear my mind, I may not think about cake, but I do contemplate having a lovely London Fog at the cafĂ© next to the studio when class is over.  It’s usually when I am really uncomfortable, experiencing the full force of my cardboard stiff body that I allow my mind to drift to more pleasant things.
 
It’s normal not to think about the things that are uncomfortable.  When we are at work doing uncomfortable tasks, that’s an essential skill.  Knowing how to unpack it at the end of the day, though, is often a skill that needs to be developed.

Warm regards,

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