Victoria Lions Club

09/04/2026

“Protecting my peace” sounds simple, but for many of us, it’s something we were never taught we were allowed to do.

Maybe you learned to keep everyone happy.
Maybe you became the person who always understood, always helped, and always made room for others.

So when you start setting boundaries, it can feel uncomfortable.

You might feel guilty.
You might worry you’re being selfish.
You might wonder if you’re letting people down.

But boundaries aren’t about shutting people out.

They’re about creating space for your own needs, protecting your energy, and building relationships where you don’t have to abandon yourself to keep the peace.

Saying “no” isn’t selfish.

Sometimes it’s the way you finally start saying “yes” to yourself.

09/04/2026

September is Month,
but for people living with , awareness isn’t a once-a-year-thing.

It’s a daily act of survival.
The long stretch between “I’m holding on” and “I don’t know how much longer I can.”

PTSD isn’t just about flashbacks or nightmares. It’s the way the body and mind react to living on high alert for too long. It changes how a person thinks, how they connect, and how they survive.

After trauma, the nervous system doesn’t just “get over it.” It keeps scanning for danger, replaying old fears, and reacting as if the threat is still there. Over time, that constant vigilance becomes exhausting. It eats at sleep, mood, focus, and connection. Exhaustion can turn into despair when existence is just an endless cycle of survival.

That’s the part people don’t see. The quiet struggle. The pretending. The “I’m fine” that covers the “I’m falling apart.”

This is Why Awareness Matters

Su***de prevention isn’t just about catchy slogans, colorful ribbons, and banners with crisis hotline phone numbers on them.

Don’t get me wrong, those help!

Keep sharing those!

But the real aim of being aware is the ability to recognize that the slide into hopelessness often begins long before anyone says they’re in danger.

Read More: https://ptsdrecoveryseries.substack.com/p/suicide-awareness-for-ptsd?r=3jyqxj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

09/04/2026

It’s RED Shirt Friday!!
Sea to Sea for PTSD will be at CannaConnect at 1pm then up to Ladysmith Legion between 4-8pm!! Be part of the Conversation!! It’s not a one day Talk & done!! It takes a Village!!



Ladysmith LIONS CLUB Sea to Sea for PTSD Lions Clubs International Foundation Lions Clubs International Lions International President

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

You may not always know what someone is experiencing. A check-in, a listening ear, a number shared at the right moment, can make a real difference. ***dePrevention starts with connection.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Victoria RCL
Lunchtime!! Come in & join Chad & Co!



Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International
Lions International President

It's Thankful Thursday!

No, not everything on the road runs smoothly, it's like everyday life, there are hiccups.

Yesterday would start with a wonderful visit with fellow veterans over coffee, strangers, yet brothers, it's cool how humans can come together and just enjoy each other's company. Thank you RCL Prince Edward Branch 91 for the hospitality. ☕️☕️

Due to a communication error, last night's event was canceled on short notice, that made room for us to have a great supper and visit with RCMP Veteran Michael Stanford, thank you for making the time buddy. 💙🇨🇦🫡

Today, we'll head into Victoria to set things up and enjoy some visits at RCL Branch 292, if you're in the area, come on in and say hi.

09/02/2026

A ton of Opportunities to Meet Chad & Sea to Sea for PTSD!!!

Everyone helping Everyone! Never Alone!!!!
Let’s Show Up For Chad!!

He changed his schedule due to the Fires in the Interior so if you can please make an effort to meet him!!

Thank You!!!
Sea to Sea for PTSD
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt - La Base des Forces canadiennes Esquimalt
Victoria Police Department Esquimalt Division
Chief and Petty Officers Mess Esquimalt
Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)
Victoria Police Department

09/02/2026

Journaling is a way to unload without having to explain yourself.
No tone to manage.
No reactions to brace for.
Just honesty.

It’s not a stand-in for therapy, but it is a tool you can use right now.

Looking for a journal with prompts and activities to get you started? Check out the Acknowledge and Heal PTSD Journal.

This journal is your safe space to:

Explore thoughts, behaviors, & triggers
Reflect on trauma with mindful prompts
Create self-care routines and support networks
Develop strategies and coping mechanisms
Set smart goals and track healthy habits
create positive and believable affirmations
Explore perspective through gratitude
Relax with doodling space, coloring pages, and games
Track progress with monthly and weekly calendars

https://www.amazon.com/Acknowledge-Heal-PTSD-Journal-Recovery/dp/1734806753

09/02/2026

Back to School isn’t just for educators — Lions can make a difference too!

As students and educators head back to school, here are a few simple ways Lions can help start the year with kindness and connection:
• Check in with a local school. Ask what they need and how your club can help.
• Support the caring adults. A note of encouragement or small gesture of appreciation can mean a lot to busy school staff.
• Help bring Lions Quest to your community. Talk with educators about resources and training that build relationships, life skills and student wellbeing.
• Look beyond the classroom. Coaches, mentors, after-school programs and other youth-serving organizations can also benefit from Social Emotional Learning.
• Start a conversation. Ask: “What would help young people in our community thrive this year?”
You don’t have to be an educator to make a difference in a young person’s life.
Sometimes it starts with one Lion making one connection.