Sitting with ourselves

Sitting with ourselves

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Balance, Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Love, Mindfulness, Wisdom

Sitting with ourselves

I stumbled across this serene spot on the Acacia Valley trail near Digby.

It called out, inviting me to sit and enjoy the quiet stillness that exists both outside and within.

How often do we make this time for ourselves? Is there a spot around you where you can enjoy such moments? Can you allow yourself time to write a thought, take a photo, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you?

It’s easy to busy ourselves with the demands of life, and sitting with ourselves isn’t always easy. Whether you do it alone, or in the company of trusted others, consider pressing the pause button and savoring the moment.

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, joy, Wisdom

Making the time to explore what’s beautiful

Mavillette Beach is one of my favourite places in the province.

At low tide the expansive sand is vast, the water’s edge almost out of sight from the steps that lead down to the beach.

Every day I try to plan a mini-adventure. Something small that connects me with nature and brings me joy. Whether it be a swim, a forest walk, or running my toes through tidal waters as they work their way across the warm sand. These are the simple things that enrich our lives.

Is there somewhere you go to regularly that allows you to appreciate the beauty of our province? What are the senses that you experience there, that refresh your soul? Are you able to get out and enjoy the aspects of summer that are accessible to you?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

How are you colouring your world?

How are you colouring your world?

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Forgiveness, Friday Inspiration, Mindfulness, Resilience, Wisdom

How are you colouring your world?

While walking home from work the other day, this beautiful sight caught my eye. Some people might see a sidewalk. For this little girl, it was a canvas waiting to be painted.

Our thoughts really do become our reality. They shape our world.

If I wake up in the morning fearful of the bad things that might happen in my day, I’m surely going to selectively attend to the unpleasant aspects of life. If on the other hand, I wake up thinking of the world in technicolor, this too, can pave my reality as the day unfolds. The day begins before we get out of bed. It often starts the night before, by the way we put ourselves to sleep.

What loving practices, self-care routines, or aspirations do you build on to set yourself up for a colourful day of abundance?

 

Warm thoughts,

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

Houston, we have a problem

Houston, we have a problem

by | Aug 2, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Forgiveness, Friday Inspiration, Mindfulness, Resilience, Wisdom

Houston, we have a problem.

I have a problem. It’s a Canada Goose problem.

Don’t get me wrong, I love our iconic Canadian feathered friends, but I don’t love their poop.

Despite my best efforts, the lawn at our lake house is covered with their dark tarry mess. I bought an owl, designed to scare them away. It seems this plan backfired. This owl soon became their best friend. I come home from work only to find the geese nestled lovingly beside her, their numbers growing with each passing day.

Many people are hesitant to join our programs, thinking they may, like the owl, scare others off. Perhaps there’s a fear of not fitting in. Newcomers to Landing Strong frequently report how quickly they felt at ease and settled into our group programs.

Once you arrive, you too may quickly learn that birds of a feather, flock together. We may look different, but underneath it all, our shared experiences unite us.

We’re currently enrolling for our Identity & Transition program, as well as our brand new Community Connection program.

As always, our monthly Maintaining Health series is open to all members of our community.

Warm thoughts,

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

Continuing To Make A Difference In Big Ways

Continuing To Make A Difference In Big Ways

by | Jun 7, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Friday Inspiration, Leadership, Resilience, Wisdom

Continuing to make a difference in big ways

This week I have a wonderful story to share. I recently was at the airport when I ran into a group of very fit, happy looking men, among whom was our friend and Landing Strong community member Constable Kristopher Hansen. A few weeks later, I received an email from Kris:

Seeing you at the airport a couple weeks ago, I was going on a trip with my entire [HRP] shift for a weekend. I am pretty happy to be working with a team of officers that are also friends. It’s been a very refreshing year for me, and a testament to how when things are at their worst, they do get better if you are willing to trust others…

Yesterday I was awarded another Gold MADD Canada Cst. Heidi Stevenson’s Watch Award (that makes 2 in a row) for my efforts in impaired driving in 2023. Being able to continue using the skills I learned for her to keep her name alive, has helped me feel like she is continuing to make a difference through me (and the other officers who received this award), which is one of my proudest achievements outside of my family.

I couldn’t think of someone I wanted to share this news with more than you and everyone at Landing Strong.

Joining Kris in the photo are his partner Stephanie and two of his three children. Proud moments indeed on all sides. Looking at this photo makes me grin from ear to ear! This fella has the world by the tail.

Thanks so much, Kris for sharing your news and allowing us to celebrate with you.

Warm thoughts,

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

I feel the need to grow (things)

I feel the need to grow (things)

by | May 17, 2024 | Belinda's Thoughts, Change, Growth, Wisdom

I feel the need to grow (things) 

We are well into spring, and with it, a chance to plant seeds, prompting the earth to give birth to a wonderous assortment of flowers and vegetables. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction digging my hands into the rich soil, enjoying the warmth of the long-awaited sun on my back. I know that my intentions are taking root.

Things take time to grow. We can’t eat the fruit that we planted today. In some cases, it may take years. It starts with an intention, followed by a period of nurturing, and care. This is not unlike any desired change in our lives. With patience, commitment, and gentle care, growth is inevitable.

It’s easy to get frustrated if things don’t feel quite right at a given moment. I hope that we allow ourselves the same grace as we might to the seeds that we plant, being patient as we allow ourselves to grow.

Warm thoughts,

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