Peer Reflections

Nurturing Wellness through Creativity and Compassion
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Tag: personal growth

  • 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 or carve out hours for reflection. Instead, I found a simple way to integrate it into my day. Every morning, as I poured my coffee, I would pause for just a few seconds to think of one thing I was grateful for. Some days, it was as small as the warmth of the mug in my hands.

    I once knew someone who had a powerful yet subtle way of practicing gratitude. Whenever they shared about the difficult things in life, they would place a hand over their heart. When I asked about this, they explained it was their way of expressing gratitude in the moment—thankful that others were willing to share their struggles, which helped them feel less alone. Other times, it was gratitude for the challenges they were facing, recognizing that their burdens could be more overwhelming. This small, personal gesture spoke volumes without anyone else needing to know its significance.

    How to Get Started

    Life is busy. Most of us operate on autopilot—waking up, rushing through our mornings, working long hours, and juggling endless responsibilities. By the time the weekend arrives, we’re either too exhausted to enjoy it or scrambling to meet other obligations.

    Our routines are full, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s within those routines that we can begin to practice gratitude. It doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change or a big time commitment—just a small moment to pause and notice.

    Before diving into gratitude practices, I encourage you to reflect on your intention. Why do you want to practice gratitude? For some, it’s tied to their spiritual or religious beliefs. For others, it’s about learning to live in the moment or bringing more joy into their daily lives. Setting your intention can make the practice more meaningful and keep you grounded as you begin this journey.

    Once you’ve set your intention, explore the many ways to practice gratitude. And remember, make these practices your own. For example, if you aim to write down three things you’re grateful for each day but miss a day (or two), don’t let it discourage you. Life is busy, and this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. There’s no such thing as failing at gratitude. Each small effort is a step toward greater awareness and appreciation.

    Methods of Exploring Gratitude

    Gratitude is a deeply personal practice, and there’s no “one size fits all” approach.

    A friend of mine, when starting her gratitude journey, created a mind map. She wrote the word Grateful in the center of a page and branched out to different areas of her life—family, work, nature, and small joys—writing down something in each category she could appreciate.

    Another friend kept it even simpler: every time someone held the door open for them, they silently practiced gratitude in that moment.

    Both approaches worked because they felt natural and sustainable for each person’s lifestyle. Gratitude is most impactful when it aligns with your daily rhythm.

    Ideas for Practicing Gratitude

    • Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day.
    • Lists: Keep a running gratitude list on your phone or in a notebook.
    • 3-Second Pause: Mentally name one thing you’re grateful for before starting a new task.
    • Gratitude Jar: Write small notes of gratitude throughout the week and drop them in a jar. Reflect on them later.
    • Letters of Appreciation: Write a letter to a loved one expressing your gratitude for their presence in your life.

    Your Turn

    If you feel comfortable, share your intentions. What do you hope to gain from practicing gratitude? Are there methods you’re excited to try? Or, if you’ve been practicing gratitude for many seasons, what adjustments have you made as your journey evolved?

  • 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, dark tunnel. For me, gratitude became that tiny glimmer of hope I needed to keep moving forward.

    I’ve always valued authenticity, and I refused to fake it. I wasn’t about to say, “I’m grateful for the sun because it brings warmth to the earth,” when, deep down, I didn’t care. There were days when the world could’ve frozen over, and it wouldn’t have mattered to me. That’s the reality of struggling with mental health—it’s hard to feel anything when everything feels bleak and lifeless.

    I remember conversations about “just going through the motions” or “faking it until you make it.” Gratitude didn’t feel real to me, and I struggled to believe I could ever develop an “attitude of gratitude.” But I was challenged to just start—even if it felt fake.

    When I began practicing gratitude, I was skeptical. I remember pouring my morning coffee and muttering sarcastically, “I’m grateful for my coffee, I guess.” It felt forced and insincere, like just another buzzword everyone was throwing around. It took weeks—weeks—before I could name one thing I genuinely felt thankful for.

    I’m sharing this not to discourage anyone who already practices gratitude but to acknowledge those who feel like it’s out of reach. Maybe you’re someone who smiles on the outside while feeling lonely and lost inside. Maybe life feels overwhelming, and gratitude seems like just another “quick fix.” If this is you, please know you’re not alone.

    This space is peer-led, meaning I’ve been there too. I understand the darkness, the doubts, and the frustration. Healing doesn’t happen by forcing yourself to be grateful; it begins with acknowledging where you are right now. There’s no shame in struggling or in finding gratitude hard to grasp.

    The amazing thing about gratitude, though, is that the more you practice, the easier it becomes to find those little glimmers of hope. That sarcastic “thank you” for my coffee seven years ago? It was the start of a journey that has since led to moments of genuine connection and appreciation.

    Just the other day, I stopped by a coworker’s office to thank them for their energy and consistency. I told them how much I appreciated the way they care for others and show up every day. Did it make their day? I don’t know. But I hope my words reminded them they are seen, valued, and making a difference.

    Gratitude is powerful. It starts small and grows in unexpected ways. So if you’re curious about gratitude but don’t know where to begin, just start where you are. Be curious about what gratitude might look like for you. You never know how those small moments might shift your perspective and bring light into your life.

    Your Turn:
    What does gratitude mean to you? Is there something you’re curious about or want to explore further? If you’re hesitant, that’s okay. Start small and allow yourself the grace to grow into it. Who knows where the journey might take you?

  • 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 know you are grateful that they listened to or supported you during a difficult time. Further examples include; being thankful for hot water so you don’t have to take a cold shower. Appreciation for the sun shining after 3 weeks of snow and clouds. 

    Why Start a Gratitude Practice?

    For some of us, knowing the “why” or purpose behind a practice can help us lean in. So, let’s explore some reasons to consider gratitude—not as a solution, but as a tool for healing and growth.

     When I first started my gratitude journey, I had some doubts. I often wondered, Is this even worth my time? I wasn’t necessarily stubborn, but I also didn’t want to get caught up in the hype. Gratitude felt like a buzzword. I can look back and now see that I wasn’t fighting the idea of a gratitude practice but being curious and wondering if the practice would be with my time? What would I gain? Why should I begin?

    The options of gratitude are limitless; yet at times it feels nearly impossible to find gratitude inside. This is where practicing gratitude as a skill can be of some help. Gratitude is a skill that stands apart. Unlike other practices, it doesn’t come with consequences if we forget to use it. It doesn’t rely on anyone else, and it can be done quietly, just for ourselves. Gratitude is simple, personal, and transformative.

    Reason 1: Gratitude is Personal


    Gratitude is a deeply individual practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s part of what makes it so powerful. You don’t have to keep a journal if that doesn’t resonate with you, nor do you have to share your gratitude with anyone else. It can remain private, tucked away in the quiet spaces of your mind.

    The beauty of gratitude lies in its flexibility—it can adapt to your needs and preferences, whether it’s a fleeting moment of appreciation or a more structured ritual. Gratitude is also personal because what you’re thankful for will differ from what someone else values. It’s about recognizing what matters to you and finding meaning in your own way. Your gratitude practice is yours to shape, guided by your intentions and what feels authentic to your journey.

    Reason 2: Gratitude is Simple


    Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as quick and effortless as a few seconds of thought—pausing to appreciate someone or something in your life. It’s not an all-day activity or a time-intensive hobby. Gratitude is simply the act of noticing and acknowledging what you’re thankful for, in whatever way works for you.

    There are no rigid rules or formulas to follow, no grand plans to make. Gratitude meets you where you are. Whether it’s a fleeting moment or a quiet reflection, its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, at any time.

    Reason 3: Gratitude is Transformative

    Humans are naturally wired for negativity—it’s a survival mechanism that keeps us alert to danger. But this negativity bias can also trap us in patterns of gloom and despair. Gratitude offers a way to turn the mind toward something brighter. It doesn’t erase life’s challenges, but it helps us shift our focus, even for a moment, to what’s good. Over time, this practice can rewire our brains, fostering a healthier mental state and building resilience.

    Research supports the profound impact of gratitude on our well-being. By noticing and appreciating the good—like a friend’s kind words or a stranger holding the door open—we strengthen our mental health and cultivate a deeper sense of connection. These small moments of gratitude can accumulate, helping us feel more grounded and supported by the world around us.

    Your Turn:

    Explore your own meaning if a gratitude journey. Do you need to research  more information regarding gratitude? Do you need to tear down preconceived notions as to what you thought gratitude was and rebuild a healthy relationship with the word gratitude?.

    Tomorrow I want to take the time to share what it looked like for me as I began my gratitude journey. It started out bleak but after 7 years, I can be a testament that gratitude can indeed transform your life, if you allow it to! Please tune in to tomorrows Gratitude Reflections Post

  • 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 quick fixes or simple solutions—it’s about meaningful, sustainable growth.

    When I talk about laying the groundwork, I don’t mean core beliefs or values—that’s the foundation of you as a person, and we’ll explore those topics later. For now, I’m talking about the foundation for growth: a willingness to notice, a spark of curiosity, and the practice of observing without judgment. These three elements are all you need to start. You don’t need to be happy or have anything figured out.

    Noticing, Curiosity and Non-Judgement

    What then is noticing? I mean developing the ability to pause and simply observe your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without immediately reacting. Non-judgment means acknowledging what you notice without labeling it as good or bad—just letting it exist. And curiosity? That’s the spark that encourages you to explore what you notice, to ask yourself questions like, ‘Why am I feeling this way?’ or ‘What might this be telling me?’

    These three skills are the foundation for growth because they help us slow down, become more present, and create space for change. They lay a foundation that allows you to understand yourself better and make informed decisions about your mental health. In future posts, we’ll explore each of these in more detail, with practical tips to help you incorporate them into your life.

    Being Swept Away

    For the longest time, I felt like I was being carried along by a current—no line of sight, no equipment, just being swept away. I bumped into anything in my path, not even caring if it hurt. There were moments I struggled to breathe, even hoping the water would pull me under so everything could end.

    But there came a moment—a small but pivotal moment—when something inside me stirred. It wasn’t a grand epiphany or a sudden surge of strength. It was just the tiniest flicker of courage, enough to make me wonder: What if I could get out of this river? I didn’t have tools, and I had no idea what lay beyond the banks. But even with all that uncertainty, I decided to fight the current and forge my own path. The road ahead was unknown, but for the first time, I made a choice. And that choice changed everything.

    Looking back, I can see how starting with those three foundational skills—just noticing, being curious, and holding back judgment—helped me begin to shift. They didn’t fix everything overnight, but they gave me something to hold onto, a way to start navigating the current instead of being pulled under by it.

    Growth Is A Process

    Our culture thrives on instant gratification: “I tried it for five minutes, and it didn’t work, so it must not work for me.” This mindset keeps us stuck. Growth is a process—it takes time, effort, and yes, even failure. But I don’t want this reality to discourage you. Instead, I hope to share my process—moving from oblivion about my mental and emotional needs to intentionally applying these skills, even when I stumbled or fell off track.

    It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, trying, and making adjustments along the way. It took me seven years to go from despair to thriving, and I want to be real about that journey. Your personal growth is worth the time and effort it takes to build this foundation.

    So let’s start with the basics. I’ll break things down one idea at a time, moving deliberately and intentionally. These skills can feel slow at first, but they create a foundation that will support everything that comes next. You are worth the effort it takes to build a better life—and I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.

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  • Behind Peer Reflections

    Digital Art by Shannon

    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, I found myself in one of the darkest periods of my life. Depression, panic attacks, and overwhelming anxiety consumed me. I wrestled with thoughts that terrified me and eventually reached a breaking point. With the encouragement of my therapist, I entered a day treatment program, a decision that would change everything.

    At first, I wasn’t sure how much I could take from the program. I felt broken and unsure if healing was possible. But the staff’s authenticity and unwavering support planted a small seed of hope. They met me where I was, validating my pain and encouraging me to try. Slowly, I began to apply the skills I was learning, tweaking them to fit my life, and over time, I started to notice changes.

    Graduating from that program was a milestone, and not long after, I was offered the opportunity to serve as a Peer Support Specialist. It felt like a calling. Encouraging others, sharing my lived experience, and helping people see their own strength came naturally to me. I was able to hold space for others, cheering them on in their healing journey, just as others had done for me. It was deeply rewarding, but also challenging in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

    While working as a Peer Support Specialist, I learned some of the most important lessons of my life: the value of boundaries, the necessity of self-compassion, and the courage it takes to prioritize your own healing. These lessons ultimately led me to step back from that role and focus on rebuilding myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

    Why I Created Peer Reflections

    Through everything, I’ve come to believe that our stories—our reflections—are powerful. They show us where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and where we hope to go. Peer Reflections is my way of creating a space where those reflections can happen safely and without judgment. A place where we celebrate bravery, growth, and the beautiful messiness of being human.

    Although I won’t dive too deeply into specifics right now, I have been diagnosed with mental health challenges that have shaped my journey. These diagnoses are part of my story, but they don’t define me. Instead, they’ve taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of tending to our mental health with care and compassion

    This blog is a continuation of my journey, a way to connect with you and share the tools, insights, and hope I’ve gathered along the way. Together, I believe we can create a community that uplifts and inspires each other to keep going, even when the road feels impossible.

    Thank you for being here, for taking the time to read, and for being open to reflecting alongside me. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

    With courage,
    Shannon

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  • Welcome To Peer Reflections

    imagery of my peek into my heart: looking beyond the surface to uncover the beauty, complexity, and potential within each of us.
    Photo by Shannon

    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 journey, deep in the trenches, or seeking to learn more about personal growth and mental wellness, this space is for you.

    What Is Peer Reflections?

    At its core, Peer Reflections is about connection and introspection. “Peer” reflects the idea of holding space for one another with compassion, understanding, and empathy. As someone who has walked the path of mental health challenges, I know the power of being supported by someone who truly gets it—someone who has lived through pain and emerged with hope. “Reflections” represents the brave act of looking within ourselves—even when it’s hard—to grow, heal, and become more aligned with who we truly are. This blog will weave these two ideas together, fostering a supportive community and encouraging self-discovery.

    The Purpose of Peer Reflections

    This blog exists to encourage and empower you to do the work—to explore the parts of yourself that might feel scary or uncomfortable. It’s about finding the courage to notice unhealthy patterns, challenge core beliefs that no longer serve you, and celebrate the victories along the way. Through personal stories, practical tools, and hard-won lessons, I aim to create a space that is:

    • Encouraging: Cheering you on as you navigate your path.
    • Validating: Offering empathy and understanding, no matter where you are in your journey.
    • Supportive: Sharing real-life strategies that worked for me (and the moments they didn’t).
    • Compassionate: Reminding you that growth takes time and that every step forward matters.

    Why I’m Here

    My journey into mental health recovery began when I joined a support group filled with people who celebrated my little wins and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. It was there that I learned the value of showing up for myself, even when it was hard. Years later, as a Peer Support Specialist, I had the privilege of holding space for others in the same way. Now, through Peer Reflections, I’m bringing that same spirit of authenticity and support to this community.

    What to Expect

    In the posts to come, I’ll share insights from my personal journey, including the skills I’ve learned and adapted along the way. We’ll explore topics like gratitude, emotional regulation, grounding, and finding joy in hobbies. I’ll also share practical exercises and tools to help you build a life filled with meaning and purpose. My goal is to encourage you to embrace your unique path and celebrate the small wins that lead to lasting change.

    A Peek Into My Heart

    Imagine standing at the edge of a lake on a star-filled night. As you gaze at your reflection in the water, you see not only your own image but also the beauty of the world around you—the stars, the aurora dancing above, and the wonder beneath the surface. That’s the essence of Peer Reflections for me: looking beyond the surface to uncover the beauty, complexity, and potential within each of us.

    Thank you for being here. I’m honored to share this space with you and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Let’s reflect, grow, and celebrate together—one step at a time.

    With Courage,
    Shannon

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