Important Update:

Due to changes in the facilitator’s schedule, the Peer Support Certification workshop, originally scheduled for April 12th and 13th, 2019, in Leduc, AB, has been canceled. However, we plan to reschedule it in July. To stay informed, please visit www.legacyplacesociety.com for updates.

The Importance of Peer Support Certification:

Connecting with others who understand your challenges provides unmatched support. Peer support fosters empathy and understanding, which are crucial for first responders and military personnel. To address this need, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada’s Peer and Trauma Support Systems (P.A.T.S.S.) Team offers expert-led workshops. Facilitators bring years of lived experience to guide participants in establishing effective peer support groups.

What Makes This Certification Exceptional?
Below are six reasons to participate:

1. Collaborative Learning: Sessions feature mental health professionals and facilitators with lived experience working together.
2. Comprehensive Materials: Participants receive a detailed manual for continued learning and application.
3. Evidence-Based Curriculum: Objectives align directly with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) Guidelines, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
4. Hands-On Practice: Participants actively create and lead a peer support meeting during the workshop.
5. Personal Insights: Facilitators share real-life experiences, enriching the learning process.
6. Certification: Each participant earns a certificate for completing 16 hours of training provided by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.

Rescheduled Event Details (TBD):

• Location: Leduc Legion, Leduc, AB.
• Cost: Thanks to generous third-party fundraisers supporting Legacy Place Society, the workshop cost is reduced to $50 (normally $400). Participants must attend both days to qualify for certification.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
• Refreshments: Please bring your own nut-free snacks and lunch (or purchase lunch on-site).
• Dress Code: Business casual attire

The Value of 2019 Peer Support Certification:
Peer support enhances clinical care by creating a community of mutual understanding. It offers a safe space where participants can connect, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to lead effective support groups.

Register for the Upcoming Peer Support Certification Workshop:
The new dates for this workshop will be announced soon and you can learn more by visiting www.legacyplacesociety.com for updates. Additionally, you can contact us at info@legacyplacesociety.com for more information.

“Simply” Complex Trauma Conference

We are excited to announce the “Simply” Complex Trauma Conference hosted by the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic Calgary on April 13, 2018. This essential event will take place at the Ross Glen Hall, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The registration fee is $85, which covers lunch and refreshments.

Why Attend?

The “Simply” Complex Trauma Conference will offer key insights into understanding, treating, and supporting individuals affected by complex trauma. Leading experts, professionals, and researchers will share the latest knowledge and approaches to trauma care. Whether you’re a clinician, healthcare professional, or someone affected by trauma, this event will provide practical skills and information to support recovery and healing.

Key Topics:

• What We Know So Far: Hear the latest research on complex trauma, its effects, and how it impacts physical and mental health.
• Practical Skills Demonstration: Learn evidence-based techniques and interventions that can be applied in real-world settings.
• Building a Trauma Team/Network: Explore how to create an effective network of professionals to offer comprehensive trauma care.
• Panel Conversation: Engage with experts as they discuss the future of trauma treatment, emerging therapies, and innovations.

Keynote Speakers:

• Kevin E. Kip, Ph.D., FAHA, AAAS Fellow, University of Florida: A leading researcher in complex trauma and its long-term effects.
• Cyd Courchesne, Director General, Health Professionals & Chief Medical Officer, Veterans Affairs Canada: An expert in the care of veterans and those affected by operational stress injuries.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is ideal for healthcare professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and first responders. Veterans, individuals living with trauma, and those supporting trauma-affected people will also find valuable information.

Registration Details:

• Date: April 13, 2018
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Ross Glen Hall, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB
• Fee: $85 (includes lunch and refreshments)

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from experts and connect with professionals passionate about improving the lives of those affected by trauma. Space is limited, so be sure to register early.

For more details or to register, please visit our website or contact us. We look forward to seeing you at this impactful event.

Join us at the “Simply” Complex Trauma Conference to advance trauma care and treatment.

Mimentra Mindfulness with Legacy Place Society

Since 2015, Legacy Place Society has partnered with Mimentra to promote mindfulness as an effective way to enhance personal wellness. Mindfulness practices offer numerous benefits, including improved sleep, focus, emotional balance, and heightened awareness.

If you’re interested in exploring mindfulness, visit Mimentra’s website for more information. You can contact Derek directly at dluk@mimentra.com to receive a login and access the app on your phone or tablet.

Mindfulness Topics Offered:

• Introduction to Mindfulness: Waking up from autopilot
• Rebooting Your Brain: Resilient vs. survival brain
• Emotional Intelligence: Finding space to breathe
• Turning In: Befriending your body
• The Body as an Ally: Gathering a scattered mind
• Taking in Pleasant Experiences: It’s good to be home
• Dealing with Aversion Without Running Away
• Newsflash: Thoughts are not facts
• Untangling Yourself from Jungle Mind
• RRR: Rewiring your brain
• Fierce Compassion: Warrior heart
• Living a Life of Value: Committed action

Each Mimentra topic includes a lesson, practice, and recap with video links or real-life scenarios. There are also guided meditations, breathing exercises, stretches, yoga, and body scans to further support your mindfulness journey.

Rest assured, your progress is securely stored on your device and is not shared outside of it.

Explore mindfulness today and experience the benefits for your overall well-being!

How to Reset the Nervous System After Trauma: Insights from Experts

Have you ever wondered how to reset your nervous system after a traumatic or alarming event? Understanding the process of nervous system recovery is essential for those experiencing trauma or PTSD.

In an insightful article by Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Ruth Buczynski, both renowned experts in trauma and PTSD, the authors explore effective methods. Published by the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, this article provides valuable insights into trauma recovery.

What Resets the Nervous System After Trauma?

The article explains how specific techniques and therapeutic approaches can help restore balance to the nervous system after experiencing trauma. These strategies play a crucial role in overcoming the lasting effects of traumatic events.

Read the full article to learn more about how trauma affects the nervous system and how to begin healing.

Emotional Intelligence Authored by Dr Travis Bradberry

When emotional intelligence (EQ) first appeared to the masses, it served as the missing link in a peculiar finding: people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs 70 percent of the time. This anomaly threw a massive wrench into the broadly held assumption that IQ was the sole source of success.

Decades of research now point to emotional intelligence as being the critical factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the pack. The connection is so strong that 90 percent of top performers have high emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the “something” in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions to achieve positive results.

Despite the significance of EQ, its intangible nature makes it difficult to measure and to know what to do to improve it if you’re lacking. You can always take a scientifically validated test, but unfortunately, most such tests aren’t free. So, I’ve analyzed the data from the million-plus people TalentSmart has tested in order to identify the behaviors that are the hallmarks of a high EQ. What follows are sure signs that you have a high EQ.

1. You have a robust emotional vocabulary

All people experience emotions, but it is a select few who can accurately identify them as they occur. Our research shows that only 36 percent of people can do this, which is problematic because unlabeled emotions often go misunderstood, which leads to irrational choices and counterproductive actions.

People with high EQs master their emotions because they understand them, and they use an extensive vocabulary of feelings to do so. While many people might describe themselves as simply feeling “bad,” emotionally intelligent people can pinpoint whether they feel “irritable,” “frustrated,” “downtrodden,” or “anxious.” The more specific your word choice, the better insight you have into exactly how you are feeling, what caused it, and what you should do about it.

2. You’re curious about people

It doesn’t matter if they’re introverted or extroverted, emotionally intelligent people are curious about everyone around them. This curiosity is the product of empathy, one of the most significant gateways to a high EQ. The more you care about other people and what they’re going through, the more curiosity you’re going to have about them.

3. You embrace change

Emotionally intelligent people are flexible and are constantly adapting. They know that fear of change is paralyzing and a major threat to their success and happiness. They look for change that is lurking just around the corner, and they form a plan of action should these changes occur.

4. You know your strengths and weaknesses

Emotionally intelligent people don’t just understand emotions; they know what they’re good at and what they’re terrible at. They also know who pushes their buttons and the environments (both situations and people) that enable them to succeed. Having a high EQ means you know your strengths and how to lean into and use them to your full advantage while keeping your weaknesses from holding you back.

5. You’re a good judge of character

Much of emotional intelligence comes down to social awareness; the ability to read other people, know what they’re about, and understand what they’re going through. Over time, this skill makes you an exceptional judge of character. People are no mystery to you. You know what they’re all about and understand their motivations, even those that lie hidden beneath the surface.

6. You are difficult to offend

If you have a firm grasp of who you are, it’s difficult for someone to say or do something that gets your goat. Emotionally intelligent people are self-confident and open-minded, which creates a pretty thick skin. You may even poke fun at yourself or let other people make jokes about you because you are able to mentally draw the line between humor and degradation.

7. You know how to say no (to yourself and others)

Emotional intelligence means knowing how to exert self-control. You delay gratification and avoid impulsive action. Research conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, shows that the more difficulty that you have saying no, the more likely you are to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. Saying no is a major self-control challenge for many people, but “No” is a powerful word that you should unafraid to wield. When it’s time to say no, emotionally intelligent people avoid phrases such as “I don’t think I can” or “I’m not certain.” Saying no to a new commitment honors your existing commitments and gives you the opportunity to successfully fulfill them.

8. You let go of mistakes

Emotionally intelligent people distance themselves from their mistakes, but do so without forgetting them. By keeping their mistakes at a safe distance, yet still handy enough to refer to, they are able to adapt and adjust for future success. It takes refined self-awareness to walk this tightrope between dwelling and remembering. Dwelling too long on your mistakes makes you anxious and gun shy, while forgetting about them completely makes you bound to repeat them. The key to balance lies in your ability to transform failures into nuggets of improvement. This creates the tendency to get right back up every time you fall down.

9. You give and expect nothing in return

When someone gives you something spontaneously, without expecting anything in return, this leaves a powerful impression. For example, you might have an interesting conversation with someone about a book, and when you see them again a month later, you show up with the book in hand. Emotionally intelligent people build strong relationships because they are constantly thinking about others.

10. You don’t hold grudges

The negative emotions that come with holding onto a grudge are actually a stress response. Just thinking about the event sends your body into fight-or-flight mode, a survival mechanism that forces you to stand up and fight or run for the hills when faced with a threat. When the threat is imminent, this reaction is essential to your survival, but when the threat is ancient history, holding onto that stress wreaks havoc on your body and can have devastating health consequences over time. In fact, researchers at Emory University have shown that holding onto stress contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease. Holding onto a grudge means you’re holding onto stress, and emotionally intelligent people know to avoid this at all costs. Letting go of a grudge not only makes you feel better now but can also improve your health.

11. You neutralize toxic people

Dealing with difficult people is frustrating and exhausting for most. But high-EQ individuals control their interactions with toxic people by keeping their feelings in check. When they need to confront a toxic person, they approach the situation rationally. They identify their own emotions and don’t allow anger or frustration to fuel the chaos. They also consider the difficult person’s standpoint and are able to find solutions and common ground. Even when things completely derail, emotionally intelligent people are able to take the toxic person with a grain of salt to avoid letting him or her bring them down.

12. You don’t seek perfection

Emotionally intelligent people won’t set perfection as their target because they know that it doesn’t exist. Human beings, by our very nature, are fallible. When perfection is your goal, you’re always left with a nagging sense of failure that makes you want to give up or reduce your effort. You end up spending time lamenting what you failed to accomplish and should have done differently instead of moving forward, excited about what you’ve achieved and what you will accomplish in the future.

13. You appreciate what you have

Taking time to contemplate what you’re grateful for isn’t merely the right thing to do; it also improves your mood by reducing the stress hormone cortisol (in some cases by 23 percent). Research conducted at the University of California, Davis, found that people who work daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude experience improved mood, energy, and physical well-being. It’s likely that lower levels of cortisol play a major role in this.

14. You disconnect

Taking regular time off the grid is a sign of a high EQ because it helps you to keep your stress under control and to live in the moment. When you make yourself available to your work 24/7, you expose yourself to a constant barrage of stressors. Forcing yourself offline and even–gulp!–turning off your phone gives your body and mind a break. Studies have shown that something as simple as an email break can lower stress levels. Technology enables constant communication and the expectation that you should be available 24/7. It is extremely difficult to enjoy a stress-free moment outside of work when an email with the power to bring your thinking (read: stressing) back to work can drop onto your phone at any moment.

15. You limit your caffeine intake

Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, which is the primary source of a fight-or-flight response. The fight-or-flight mechanism sidesteps rational thinking in favor of a faster response to ensure survival. This is great when a bear is chasing you, but not so great when you’re responding to a curt email. When caffeine puts your brain and body into this hyper-aroused state of stress, your emotions overrun your behavior. Caffeine’s long half-life ensures you stay this way as it takes its sweet time working its way out of your body. High-EQ individuals know that caffeine is trouble, and they don’t let it get the better of them.

16. You get enough sleep

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of sleep to increasing your emotional intelligence and managing your stress levels. When you sleep, your brain literally recharges, shuffling through the day’s memories and storing or discarding them (which causes dreams) so that you wake up alert and clearheaded. High-EQ individuals know that their self-control, attention, and memory are all reduced when they don’t get enough–or the right kind–of sleep. So, they make sleep a top priority.

17. You stop negative self-talk in its tracks

The more you ruminate on negative thoughts, the more power you give them. Most of our negative thoughts are just that–thoughts, not facts. When it feels like something always or never happens, this is just your brain’s natural tendency to perceive threats (inflating the frequency or severity of an event). Emotionally intelligent people separate their thoughts from the facts in order to escape the cycle of negativity and move toward a positive, new outlook.

18. You won’t let anyone limit your joy

When your sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from the opinions of other people, you are no longer the master of your own happiness. When emotionally intelligent people feel good about something they’ve done, they won’t let anyone’s opinions or snide remarks take that away from them. While it’s impossible to turn off your reactions to what others think, you don’t have to compare yourself to others, and you can always take people’s opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, your self-worth comes from within.

EVERYONE LISTENS….

We listen every day, but not all of us think of listening as a skill to be developed. Listening is a quiet, internal stance and it is easy to overlook. Like most worthwhile endeavours, learning to listen well is worthy of both our attention and effort.

I thought long and hard about how to write a blog about listening. Writing is kind of like talking. The writer chooses what to say, and the reader listens. So I decided that this blog would not be my voice, but the voices of my trusted family members, friends and colleagues. I asked them to share what they have come to know, believe and value about listening.

This is the collective wisdom of some of the best listeners I know.

• Be Interested (Jenn’s grampa)

There are amazing things all around us. There are amazing people all around us. People are remarkable. Sometimes wonderfully different and even somewhat eccentric. What a gift to be able to hear each other and expand our horizons and understandings. Be truly interested in what people have to say. My grandpa Enns talked to everyone. In fact, my grandma found it disconcerting. He never ignored people, pretended not to see them or discounted them. He listened with a sense of awe and interest, and held some of his grandchildren’s best secrets.

• Be Active (Margaret’s Children)

We are not passive – we are not just a listening receptacle. People are giving us something we need to actively receive. Look at the person, smile if appropriate, nod, lean in, give a few verbal encouragers like “yes” or “uh-huh”. It takes a lot of determination and concentration to remain active and not let our thoughts drift.  We all have a million things on our mind; this is no excuse. Ask for clarification and know that if we zone out, we will not catch what they are saying and will miss the gift. My children remind me of this every so often with, “Mom, I told you this already.”

• Be Vulnerable (A Colleague)

We think telling our story makes us vulnerable, but listening places us in an equally vulnerable position. To listen, to really listen, is to open ourselves to the perspective of another, and that challenges our assumptions and understandings. When we really listen our mental box opens. We might even have a perspective shift and learn something new about ourselves and others, and all we need to do is be open. This tidbit comes from a colleague whose profession entails hearing a lot of stories that stretch boundaries.

• Be present (Children in my Neighbourhood)

Don’t bring your experience into theirs. Don’t take away from their experience by tagging yours on too quickly. When people share their lives, experiences or emotion they are giving us a valued commodity – fully receive it. I know we want to relate, but sharing our experience might just take away from theirs, and ultimately from our understanding of the person or situation. Don’t be planning a response or rebuttal so as to be ready to respond.  Just listen. We will find the right words at the right time – and this is not when someone is talking.

And the truth is, sometimes we don’t have the energy, don’t know what to say, are in the presence of wiser people, or simply run out of words. In these moments listening provides us with a safe place. The children in my neighbourhood do this naturally and authentically.

• Be responsive (A Colleague)

Ask meaningful questions. Laugh if it’s fitting. Cry if you are moved. Enter their emotional landscape. Sometimes it is appropriate to share a similar experience, but usually not too quickly and certainly not to equate their experience with ours. “I know how you feel,” or “That happened to me,” is not about listening, it is about validating their experience based on ours. First fully receive, then offer a response.  People need to hear they are not alone in their experience, and we may have something to share. But before we do, we should ask ourselves if this is the right time.

• Be gracious (A Neighbour)

Don’t judge people. No matter what their station or circumstance in life. Reach out with care and graciousness, open your ears and open your heart. It is natural to judge. We do it without saying a word; it happens internally. Be honest. I’m going to tell you something and your first reaction is to judge me. You tell me something, and I judge you.  I think, “Really?” or “Why would they do that?” Remember that when someone opens up, it’s what they have to give – those of us listening need to simply receive. My dear friend and neighbour lives this and I am a better person as a result.

Let’s determine to bring the right mindset to our listening experiences.

As we navigate through life, whether it’s in our academic pursuits or personal goals, we often reach significant milestones—end of semesters, school years, or personal achievements. At these times, we reflect on our journey: Has it been hard work? Was it worth it?

Resilience, self-confidence, and the internal belief that “I can do this” are shaped in many ways. The support we receive, the encouragement from others, and the resources available to us can make all the difference. Our early experiences—whether in school, work, or personal relationships—set the foundation for how we view ourselves and the world around us. These experiences shape our ability to navigate life’s challenges, both socially and academically.

However, not everyone has the luxury of positive first experiences. Whether it’s struggling in school, facing difficulties in making friends, or managing emotions, negative early outcomes can lead to a lack of self-confidence. Without the right support, these challenges can feel insurmountable.

On the other hand, those who experience early successes often see themselves as effective and capable. These individuals tend to develop resilience, seeing challenges as opportunities to grow rather than as roadblocks. When faced with failure, their confidence and belief in their abilities drive them to keep going. Over time, they build proficiency in various areas of life, overcoming obstacles and setbacks with determination.

For those who struggle with self-doubt, the cycle can be different. A lack of confidence may lead to resignation after initial failure. However, those who view themselves as capable often push through early failures. The key difference lies in their commitment to their goals. While feelings of incapability can lead to giving up, a sense of competence fosters continued effort, even in the face of difficulties.

Strengthening Your Commitment to Your Goals: Building Resilience

If you find yourself facing setbacks or struggling to stay committed to your goals, here are some strategies to help strengthen your resilience and perseverance:

1. Do a Pros and Cons List: Evaluate the benefits of sticking to your goal versus giving up. Understanding the consequences of both options can help clarify your decision.
2. Ask Yourself, “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” Often, the worst outcome is lost time, energy, or pride. Knowing that failure is not the end can ease the fear of trying again.
3. Create a Cheerleading Squad: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will offer encouragement when your motivation wanes. Positive support can make a significant difference.
4. Take Small Steps Toward Your Goal: Break your goal down into manageable steps. Small wins lead to greater confidence and make the journey less overwhelming.
5. Incentivize Yourself: Give yourself rewards for achieving those small milestones. This can keep you motivated and focused on your progress.
6. Reflect on Your “Why”: Remind yourself why you set this goal in the first place. Reconnecting with your deeper motivations can reignite your drive.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice: Whether you’re learning a new skill, preparing for an important presentation, or trying to master an instrument, practice is essential. Don’t wait for high-stakes situations to improve; practice when the pressure is lower to build your confidence and competence.

Resilience is not an inherent trait but rather a skill that can be developed over time. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming challenges, but the willingness to keep going after setbacks is often what separates success from failure. The ability to get up, try again, and persist in the face of adversity is what ultimately leads to personal growth and achievement.

Remember, building resilience is a journey, not a destination. The commitment to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles, will set you on the path to success. Keep going.