Pen, Paper, & the Front Porch

A structured, self-guided journaling series designed for guests at Deer Creek Retreat. Nestled against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains, these posts bridge narrative therapy, grit, and faith. Grab your notebook, step onto the porch of the Main Cabin or Tiny Home, and discover practical writing rituals to unpack heavy burdens and reframe your story.

Black-and-white pavement with a painted YOU ARE HERE circle; polished boots stand at the bottom, giving a reflective mood.

Beyond the Resume: Separating Identity From Work Through Porch Reflection

Discover the freedom of separating identity from work on the front porch of Deer Creek Retreat. Learn to use narrative therapy journaling to navigate career changes.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

5 days ago8 min read

Stressed man in a black suit sits on stone steps, hand on his head, looking weary in a gray outdoor setting.

Overcoming Obstacles: Reframing Everyday Setbacks Through Mindful Reflection

Learn the art of reframing everyday setbacks on the front porch of Deer Creek Retreat. Discover how growth mindset journaling can transform daily obstacles into wisdom.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

5 days ago9 min read

Close-up of a shattered mirrored disco ball on the ground, with broken reflective shards and a chain-like edge in black and white.

Expressive Writing: Trauma Healing Journaling on the Front Porch

Explore the restorative path of trauma healing journaling on the porch at Deer Creek Retreat. Learn to reframe your personal story with grit and mindset.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

6 days ago8 min read

Gravel road through dry grassland with fence posts and trees, mountains in distance under dramatic cloudy blue sky.

Retelling Life's Stories: Transforming Experience Through Desert Journaling

Discover the power of transforming experience through desert journaling on the porch at Deer Creek Retreat. Learn to reframe your story with grit and faith.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

6 days ago10 min read

Small gray cabin on a dirt lot in open scrubland under dramatic storm clouds and blue sky.

Listening to the Quiet: Dismantling Our Internal Noise Stories

Use the unyielding quiet of Deer Creek Retreat to look closely at your internal noise stories. Discover how everyday narrative therapy brings transformation.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

6 days ago6 min read

Dry grass and twisted dead wood in a mountain meadow, with snow-dusted peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Empowering Self-Discovery: Personal Transformation through Story-telling

Discover how the self-discovery of story-telling through narrative-therapy can result in transformation. Join us on the front porch of the Main Cabin or Tiny Home at Deer Creek Retreat for a structured, self-guided writing practice designed to turn life's hardest chapters into stories of grit, faith, and renewal.

Justin Shannon, Ph.D.

6 days ago9 min read