Peer Reflections

Nurturing Wellness through Creativity and Compassion
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Tag: support

  • 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 lake.

    Amid this frozen stillness, I stumbled upon this hill formation with trees and rocks encased in layers of ice. What struck me most was the blue hue of the ice—a color that only forms when ice becomes dense over time. It made me think about endurance. These rocks and trees, coated in ice through countless storms and harsh conditions, became more beautiful as the ice thickened and deepened its color.

    It’s a reminder of how challenges, while difficult, can shape something resilient and stunning over time.

    What I love most about this image is the way the ice has taken on a blue hue, a natural phenomenon that adds an almost ethereal quality to the scene. Despite the torturous cold and slippery terrain, I’m grateful I ventured out that day. This capture, with its quiet strength and ethereal quality, has become one of my favorite winter images from the frozen northland.

  • 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

  • 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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