Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Hi folks!

It’s about that time for your monthly Mr. Sunshine blog post!

Thank you for being a part of this journey and continuing to support me and read my words!

Let’s get right down to it because before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be here and over in the blink of an eye!

In a world that often praises strength, independence, and resilience, men are frequently expected to carry emotional weight in silence. Yet true strength isn’t found in pretending everything is fine—it’s found in acknowledging that our mental and emotional well-being matters.

Men’s mental health has long been overlooked or minimized, but the reality is clear: without tending to our inner world, every other area of life suffers. Careers, relationships, friendships, and even physical health all begin to feel the strain when the mind is overwhelmed or neglected.

That’s why pausing—truly pausing—to understand self-love is essential. Self-love is not indulgence or ego; it’s the foundational act of giving yourself grace, compassion, and space to grow. It’s allowing yourself to rest when you’re tired, to feel without judgment, and to acknowledge your worth without external validation.

When men slow down enough to check in with themselves, they often discover unmet needs, unresolved stress, or emotions they didn’t realize they’d been carrying for far too long.

Making your mental health a priority isn’t a luxury; it’s a responsibility. It requires consistency, honesty, and sometimes uncomfortable change. That might look like setting boundaries, seeking therapy, having hard conversations, or stepping back from environments that drain you.

It can also look like embracing healthier routines—exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, or quiet moments of reflection. The goal is never perfection; it’s a commitment to choosing yourself, day after day, even in small ways.

At the end of the day, caring for your mental health is one of the most powerful acts of leadership you can offer yourself and those around you. When men prioritize their inner well-being, they show up with greater patience, presence, and authenticity.

They become better partners, better fathers, better friends—and most importantly, better versions of themselves. No one else can take care of your mind for you. It starts with awareness, continues with intention, and grows with courage.

And you are worth that effort every single day.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hey there, friends!

It’s that time again — another post from yours truly!

Speaking of time… it’s currently 1:04 a.m. as I write this. What can I say? Sometimes my best ideas show up after midnight (or technically, very early in the morning).

Anyway, let’s get down to it.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed — but there’s been a lot of heaviness floating around lately. The world feels a little more divided, a little more tense, and honestly, that can weigh on anyone.

It’s tough to stay upbeat when everything feels uncertain. Especially for those of us who usually see the glass as half full and sparkling.

That’s why the title of this week’s post is a simple reminder: you are enough.

And because I’ve been collecting little bits of wisdom lately (thank you, internet, podcasts, and random coffee shop walls), I wanted to share a few that have really hit home:

✨ Go where your energy is celebrated.
✨ Quality over quantity.
✨ Broken crayons still color.
✨ Comparison is the thief of joy.
✨ Your tribe is your vibe.
✨ Protect your peace.
✨ “No” is a full sentence — no explanation needed.
✨ You. Are. Enough.

As we start wrapping up 2025 (how did that happen so fast?!), I hope the next couple of months bring you love, joy, and laughter — the kind that fills your cup back up.

Let’s keep lifting each other higher, spreading a little kindness where it’s needed, and remembering to give ourselves a break too.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, folks—here we are.

It’s almost the end of September. Fall is in full swing, pumpkin season has arrived, and somehow it’s been just over a month since I last shared some words with you.

WOOO!

But let’s dive right in, shall we?

September is Suicide Prevention Month. While I personally haven’t faced those struggles in my own life, I know many people do—and it’s important to pause and acknowledge that.

So if you’re someone who needs to hear this today:

You are not alone.

You are appreciated.

You are worthy.

You are loved.

And the world needs your story.

Over the past year, I’ve been leaning into the practice of self-love—making sure my cup is full so I can show up as my best self for my family, friends, and community. Because the truth is simple: if we can’t love ourselves first, how can we fully share love with the world?

This past weekend reminded me just how powerful that practice can be. I had the absolute pleasure of attending my first-ever Hope Noted Summit at Pineapple Manor in Millersville. The experience was filled with restorative yoga, forest bathing, and blackout poetry—all surrounded by a community rooted in love and free of judgment.

It was glorious. And honestly? I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was there, fully immersed in the moment.

If you’re not already following Hope Noted on social media, I can’t recommend it enough. Alicia and her amazing team were such a joy to meet in person, and the work they’re doing is deeply inspiring.

hopenoted.com

So, what’s the takeaway?

Be intentional about creating time for you—whatever self-love looks like in your world. And above all, keep seeking connection: with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hi there!

It’s been a little while since I last wrote to you, hasn’t it? I have to admit — I’ve really been enjoying blogging monthly instead of weekly.

Maybe that’s a trend I’ll continue into the fall. Or maybe I’ll switch to every other week. Who knows?

I’m fickle like that.

But one thing I am certain of? I’m so thankful you’re here, reading my words again.

I just wrapped up a two-week hiatus from my full-time job — two whole weeks of PTO to celebrate the milestone of hitting 10 years with the company!

And those two weeks? They were filled with some of my very favorite things:

• 🌊 My first-ever solo trip to the beach!
• 🏖️ My first-ever stay at the Madison Resort in Wildwood Crest — which did not disappoint!
• 🌆 My first-ever Market Days experience in Chicago with my bestie Devin!
• 🎶 A night of love and belting out teenage-dream bops at the Katy Perry Lifetimes Tour with Karey and Devin!

It was two weeks full of connection and community.

A few of the extra special moments of connections and community that I get to experience included:

-Singing Over The Rainbow/Defying Gravity at the Sidetrack bar in Chicago surrounded by a bunch of LGTBQ+ community. I got tears in my eyes a few times.

-Catching up with one of my former roommates, Jolie from our Penn State days.

-Singing and belting the words to the song Firework amongst a crowd of energetic individuals at the Katy Perry concert in Baltimore.

-Meeting Cooper Wilson from Austin, Texas and Landon McCoy from Missouri at Market Days in Chicago. They are two individuals that I connected with on Instagram over the last couple of years and finally meeting them in person was so special.

-Connecting with my old theater friend Darren while also at Market Days in Chicago. Seeing him after so many years felt so good.

-Being surrounded by queer joy, love, and light during the live music at Market Days in Chicago.

Connection and community.

Those two words have been showing up a lot for me this year.

At the start of 2025, I told my fitness coach, Ryan, that I wanted to focus on connection — connecting with myself, with the people I love and appreciate, and even with those whose paths haven’t yet crossed mine.

And alongside connection, the word community keeps finding me, too.

Pastor Angie has been weaving it into her recent sermons, and as I approach the final days of being 37, I can’t help but reflect on just how important community is — especially in today’s world.

We need community to build us up when we’re feeling at our worst.

We need community to cheer us on when we’re ready to give up.

We need community to offer love when the world turns cold.

We need community to share our joys and laughter with.

We need community to remind us of the simple art of a hug.

And so, as I step into this next season — whatever rhythm of blogging it may bring — I hope these words feel like a little piece of community for you, too. Thanks for showing up here, for reading, for connecting. Here’s to finding more moments, big and small, to hold each other up and cheer each other on. Until next time, take care of yourself — and don’t forget to pass on a hug or two.

Well, here I am!

Long time no write!

It has been just about a month since my last blog post, so welcome back!

I hope life is treating you well and that you were able to enjoy some sunshine, fireworks, and picnic food this past weekend during the holiday.

I was able to enjoy all three of those things in copious amounts that left me feeling rejuvenated!

I don’t have a real theme for my writing this week, so my apologies.

I’m just letting the words flow as they come to me.

The shit storm of news that continues to flood our daily lives is literally draining.

And honestly, draining is an understatement.

This past week, I learned about an updated medical diagnosis for a very close coworker of mine that hit me a lot harder than expected emotionally.

So much so that I had to leave work early to just travel home and cry in private.

It has shifted a lot of my mindset (even more so than it already was) to one of extreme gratitude and truly enjoy every single moment.

Everything that I was complaining about, stressing about, or becoming fixated on means nothing anymore.

The boys who I compare myself to because I don’t think I’m good looking enough…

No longer matters.

Customers who make me crazy…

No longer matter.

How much money is in the bank account for the future…

No longer matters.

This individual who was given this not so good news this past week is one that is so positive, extremely optimistic, and commited to faith and prayer.

The emotions have come in waves this week and I imagine they will continue to do so, but if you are reading this, I can tell you that my coworker (Mel) and her family could use your good thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes.

Please and thank you.

Honestly, I don’t have many words for you this week because my emotions are still on a roller coaster.

I hope that all of you will take time to say “I love you” to someone in your life.

I hope that all of you will take time to appreciate every single moment of your life.

I hope that all of you will take time to stop and smell the roses of the simple joys of the world around you.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

A happy Monday to all of you!

We are just one week away from the “unofficial” start of Summer with the Memorial Day holiday!

The countdown is on!

Wahoo!

This past Saturday, while working at the Lititz Apothecary (which you should check out for all your healthcare needs and half off greeting cards), I got the opportunity to help a couple find some cough drops on one of our end caps.

When ringing them up from the register, we got to chatting and I found out that they were traveling from Lexington, Kentucky.

They were the sweetest couple who was so excited about the cute town of Lititz and the sight seeing entities they were about to partake in.

Their kindness toward me for helping them find such a simple product in the store was priceless.

And it reminded me that we as a whole world needs to get back to the basics.

The basics of human kindness that have gotten lost amongst the acts of violence and hatred that take place (what seems like) daily.

Here are just a few back to basic entities that I would encourage all of you to attempt engaging in frequently.

1. Say please and thank you to everyone. And I mean EVERYONE. They are simple words that can have a HUGE impact.
2. Take a few minutes to be alone in a state of meditation. Over the past couple of weeks, I have found time on Sunday mornings prior to my 8:30 church service to take a walk through the cemetery. It is peaceful and rejuvenating to sit in silence with the birds chirping, wind blowing, and sun shining. So much becomes clear in those moments when there is no distraction.
3. Engage in connections that are genuine, fruitful, and bring out love and laughter in your soul.
4. To go in tandem with the above, engage in content that is meaningful and leaves you feeling cheerful, positive, and recharged. And block, unfollow, or mute the rest.
5. Start each day with giving yourself a high five in the mirror. I recently started reading The High Five Theory by Mel Robbins and began completing this simple action each morning when I wake up. And honestly, it is life-changing and feels great. Don’t knock it until you try it.

That’s all the words I have for you this week.

Hope you are able to find your way to get back to the basics this week.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks! 

And happy belated Mother’s Day as well to all mothers, caregivers, and supporters of the world: past, present, and future! 

Well, let’s get right into it.

Shall we? 

The Dictionary defines the word anxiety as the following: 

-Distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune

-Earnest but tense desire

-A state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder

On the flip side, the Dictionary defines the word comfort as the following: 

-To soothe console, or reassure, bring cheer to

-To make physically comfortable

-To aid; support or encourage

If you’re anything like me, you probably have been feeling anxiety at a multitude of things, especially when you look at the world around us. 

There are things right outside our door, around the corner, and around the world causing those feelings of distress and uneasiness of mind that are caused by fear of danger or misfortune.

Anxiety seems to be on the menu everywhere.

Literally everywhere. 

Anxiety is me.

Anxiety is you.

Anxiety is all of us. 

But with that anxiety, comes the feeling of comfort. 

I’ll take about seven helpings of that.

Please and thank you.

Where might I find comfort these days? 

Well, here is the current Mr. Sunshine list of comfort: 

1. Regardless of old I get or what time I end up lying vertical on my bed (or couch), I always make sure to include some type of Disney movie, Golden Girls episode, or show that brings me comfort even if it is a Christmas episode in the off season.
2. Squeezing Rocky, Ellen, and Buttercup. They are my adult Squishmallows that I get to squeeze tightly in times when I need that little extra feeling of comfort.
3. Working out at the gym. It is time in my life where I get to release toxins, decompress, and also build up my body to become stronger in worlds of physicality and mentality.
4. Using the support system of friends and family when I need some extra love, support, guidance, encouragement, and comfort. Friends and family that you can laugh with and enjoy time with doing whatever can be some of the greatest comforts this world can offer us. Running errands on a Saturday morning, enjoying a margarita and movie, a meal around the dining room table–these are all entities with the family and friends in my life that I enjoy immensely that bring comfort.
5. Olipop and chocolate covered raisins. Just a few sweet treats on my current guilty pleasure list that bring comfort.

Be real.

Be vulnerable.

Be genuine.

Anxiety is a real word.

It is a real thing that many of us have experienced, are currently experiencing, or will experience in the future. 

It is also called being human.

And it’s ok if you are dealing with it. 

You are not alone. 

Let’s talk about it. 

Together.

But more importantly, let’s find comfort in it.

Together.

I hope you find your very own Squishmallow to squeeze. 

Because comfort is something we all could use an extra spoonful of.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP

Well, hello there folks!

Our last Monday of April!

Summer is just around the corner!

That means 2025 is almost HALF over.

Let’s not talk about that.

This week’s post is three words.

Short.

Sweet.

Simple.

When you feel lost or down and out this week (or any week), please do the following:

1. Find a mirror and say YOU ARE WORTHY three times.
2. Cuddle up with a blanket to your favorite movie or TV show.
3. Sit outside in nature to observe a sunset.
4. Craft a cocktail (or mocktail) and sip it slowly.
5. Have a sleepover in the living room with your favorite snacks.
6. Find a furry friend and get ALL the snuggles.
7. Reach out to a friend and make plans and share something that you appreciate about them.
8. Have a GOOD cry.
9. Scream into a pillow.
10. Splurge on a sweet treat.

And most importantly…

When in doubt, choose LOVE.

Oh, and BLOCK negative shit on social media that triggers you.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!