Peer Reflections

Nurturing Wellness through Creativity and Compassion

Peer Reflections Page


Recent Posts

  • The Practice of Gratitude

    The first step in practicing gratitude is noticing. Our busy lives often become so routine that we stop paying attention to the little things—the smell of coffee brewing, a kind smile from a loved one, or a fleeting moment of quiet before the day begins. When I started practicing gratitude, I didn’t overhaul my routine…

  • How Gratitude Transformed My Life

    Gratitude has transformed my life. It shifted my negative thinking and allowed me to see beyond my own struggles. If you’ve experienced—or know someone who has dealt with—depression or other mental health challenges, you know how hard it can be to regulate emotions, form thoughts, or see the light at the end of a long,…

  • Winter’s Whispers

    While out in the frozen tundra, I captured this scene over Lake Superior, overtaken by sea smoke. The entire area was shrouded in an eerie whiteout, with visibility severely limited—a hauntingly quiet and surreal landscape. At -20 degrees, the only sounds were the crunch of snow beneath my feet and the shifting ice on the…

  • Gratitude Through Curiosity

    What is Gratitude? What is gratitude? Gratitude is having or expressing feelings of appreciation or thankfulness for anything; a person, an object, a place, a thought or even an action performed by yourself or another human or animal. Some examples might include saying thank you when someone opens the door for you. Letting a friend…

  • Curious Discoveries

    This week’s Through the Lens piece captures a moment that intrigued me. I noticed several butterflies fluttering around and then landing on dirt. It piqued my curiosity because I had always thought butterflies get their nutrients solely from the nectar of flowers. After capturing several images, I continued to watch them for a while. It…

  • Gratitude: A Glimmer of Hope

    Before The Glimmer Several years ago, I met with a therapist shortly after being discharged from the hospital’s mental health ward. This appointment was part of the safety plan established upon my release—a plan that felt like a daunting step into the unknown. During the session, the therapist shared several diagnoses that shook me to…

  • Laying The Foundation

    Before We Dive In I am excited to share skills and tools with you, fellow readers, but before we dive in, it’s important to lay some groundwork. No structure can stand without a sturdy base, and I strongly feel it’s worth taking the time to build that foundation. This blog is not a place for…

  • Behind Peer Reflections

    Hello again, friends. In this post, I want to share a bit more about myself, the person behind Peer Reflections, and how my journey led me here. I believe our stories connect us, and through sharing mine, I hope you’ll feel inspired and understood as you navigate your own. My Journey to Here Years ago,…

  • Welcome To Peer Reflections

    Welcome to Peer Reflections! Greetings, dear readers! I’m Shannon, and I’m so thrilled to welcome you to Peer Reflections, a space crafted with heart, hope, and authenticity. This blog is a labor of love inspired by my personal journey through mental health recovery and my experiences as a Peer Support Specialist. Whether you’re beginning your…