Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well, here we are experiencing yet another Monday in the ninth month of 2021.

And while it doesn’t feel like it, the first day of Fall is officially on Wednesday! That means time for Pumpkin Spice everything.

And by everything…I actually mean…EVERYTHING.

Yes. I pulled out the all caps for that word. To give it the extra emphasis it needed to make my point.

And now that I said Pumpkin Spice and wrote the words, all that I want right now is a PSL in my hand…

So if you want to make me happy and earn extra points with Mr. Sunshine, bring me a PSL…

Please.

Kthanks.

Okies.

Time to officially move on to writing about this week’s blog topic.

Do you have your PSL? Your coffee? Your warm morning beverage and sweatshirt to cuddle with as the brisk breeze comes through the open windows?

Well good! Because, here we go!

And short disclaimer…the windows are open currently, I’m laying on the couch, and it is 12:12am…just hours before I need to have this post finalized for your eyes to read it!

The term silver lining is defined as the following:

-A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation; a bright prospect.

Shootings.

Wildfires.

Natural disasters.

Violence.

Hatred.

Covid.

The list goes on and on.

There are so many things in this world around us that cause incredible fear, darkness, and uncertainty–entities that would definitely fall under the “unfortunate or gloomy situation” portion of the silver lining definition listen above that you just read.

I’m not sure how all of you feel, but I know for me there are days when it feels like a silver lining is out of reach–or frankly doesn’t even exist.

And for Mr. Sunshine, that is a heavy statement to write.

This past couple of month, I have had the extreme pleasure to be surrounded by many incredibly talented individuals who are working to put a production of Something Rotten at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

It has been a silver lining for me.

The silver lining that has restored some shine in my soul, light in my life, and energy to keep going on those days when it just feels like the dark clouds are looming over our heads.

This show is the perfect production for those who need a silver lining in their life.

It is a show that provides an escape from the world around us for two hours and it is sure to make you laugh hysterically and humming along to the catchy tunes that intertwine throughout the scenes.

And not to mention the fabulous costumes, sets, and lights.

Truly, it is an awesome production to welcome back the community for the arts of LIVE theater.

This production and theater could be the silver lining YOU need.

Or the silver lining that someone else in your life needs.

The show opens October 7th and runs through October 23rd, so please head over to ephrataperformingartscenter.com to get more information on tickets.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And seeing your smiling faces in the seats as I try to fake my way through tap dancing will make my heart aflutter.

And you may or may not get to see me play some other fun characters too; however, no details on that because I can’t give it all away.

This is one silver lining I hope that some of you will participate in.

But it doesn’t end there.

After that production closes, I will be involved with stage manager a special two-night Halloween production of Hedwig and The Angry Itch to take place on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th. There will be three performances only and I promise that like Something Rotten, this is a production not to be missed.

But the silver lining opportunities don’t stop there.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve struggled with the fact that I have to start planning details and music for this year’s Christmas Eve service.

It is something that I normally start planning at the beginning of Summer and I’m still waiting for that moment where the inspiration will hit me and the light bulb will go off in my head in regards to a theme and music.

I have yet to have that moment.

After last year’s service that ended up being virtual due to Covid, I’m excited to say that we are moving forward with being optimistic and planning for an in-person service with a Zoom option for those who might not feel comfortable gathering in person.

The Christmas Eve service is always one of my favorites to plan and participate in.

It presents a silver lining opportunity to get the creative juices flowing to making a meaningful worship experience for the entire community to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

How can you be a part of this silver lining?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be looking for individuals who are willing to be a part of the service in regards to special music whether it be via an instrument or voice.

Want to be a part of this experience? Please, please, PLEASE reach out to me and let me know. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved even if you are not musical.

Our faith community has an opportunity to create a silver lining with our Christmas Eve traditions this year for a world that is in great need of hope and light.

It’s time to embrace the fall phrase of “turning over a new leaf.”

Join our theater community during the month of October for two productions that are sure to bring you the silver lining that could be responsible for getting you out of the funk of doom and gloom that overtakes our daily lives.

Join our faith community in helping to produce a silver lining with our Christmas Eve service to those in our surrounding communities who need it most.

It’s time to say hello to that silver lining sunshine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

Well, hello there!

And welcome to another post from yours truly, Mr. Sunshine.

As promised since I took the week off last Monday for vacation, I have plenty of sunshine and tan lines for you this week!

And let me tell you…the tan lines are quite extreme.

I’m currently in the peeling stage, so there is just a bit of itching happening.

Worth. It.

Anyway, I guess we should get down to business.

I mean…you did come here this morning with your reading eyes ready, right?!

Go grab your morning beverage sidekick of choice and cuddle up for some words straight from the soul of the sunshine!

I don’t know about you, but something about being at the beach always gets my mind thinking.

It’s like the atmosphere of sand, water, waves, and sunshine create the perfect storm for the brain to think deeply and have epiphanies.

It happens year after year without fail.

Anyone else have this experience or feeling?

I can’t be the only one in the minority on this.

Also, anyone else experience post-vacation depression? That is also a very real feeling, but a digression on my actual topic for this week.

And with the events of the world around us and all the “noise” happening in all aspects—COVID, gun violence, political strain, differing opinions—it makes the events of beach-time epiphanies even greater…an escape from the shit happening around us.

Anyhoo, stay with me.

Whilst enjoying sand, water, waves, and sunshine this past week, I had the pleasure of reading a book entitled, You Deserve Better by Tyler Cameron.

I didn’t know anything about Tyler’s background and happened to stumble across his Instagram and immediately felt a good energy about him.

Don’t you just love it when people you meet (or don’t meet if it is just a social media relationship), give off a beautiful energy that just makes you smile and while also making everything just instantly feel better?!

Anyway, Tyler Cameron was a contestant on The Bacherlorette during season 15 and fell in love with Hannah. Ultimately, in short, he was not picked in the end and ended up being broken up with on National TV for all to see. In his book, he discusses a lot about the experience and what he learned about himself, relationships, and communication.

Google him. He is an interesting, beautiful human that deserves all the love the world has to offer.

Anyhoo, I digress.

There were several elements and themes I took away from his book that really resonated with me during this week at the beach.

And I share them with you this week.

Read on!

1. Through love, serve one another.

-This one is literally like a Mr. Sunshine mantra, so if you have not realized yet, I love to help others and serve in love. It is what I was created for on this Earth. It is what gives me the most joy. You will always find a smile on my face if I’m helping others and sharing kindness in some way, shape, or form. Period. Tyler writes, “Whenever I’m feeling down or having trouble connecting to my purpose, I find that looking outside myself is often the answer. When you get up in your own mind, you can spiral. You can easily lose touch with reality and what’s really important. But when you do something to help someone else, it lifts your spirit like nothing else.” Go try it.

2. Keep friends around who want to see you grow.

-Are the friends in your circle motivating you? Are they encouraging you to follow your dreams? Do they support you in anything you undertake? Do they hold you accountable? Do they make everything all about them? Are you friends people who take, take, take and never give back? Just like plants need elements to keep going and growing, so do we as humans. In addition, we need to weed out those in our life that kill our vibe, don’t jive with our morals, and politely let them go. Weeds kill the plants they engulf as do the weeds that we keep around in our circle of friends. There is a quote that I happened to come across while writing these words for you that says, “At some point, you have to realize that some people belong in your heart, but not in your life.”

3. Be with people who give off great energy which ends up making you feel great.

-Tyler talks in the book about how organizations have a Board of Directors and that we should always our very own “Board of Directors” with our friends. We want to surround ourselves with people who make us better. Tyler writes, “Your people are what make you.” Have you looked at those in your life recently? Are they positive people who bring light and energy to your daily or life or whenever you have the opportunity to see/hang out with that individual? Friendships can make or break us. As Tyler says, “They either inspire you to greatness or pull you down in the gutter. Iron sharpens iron–you can do so much when you have good people around you.” Do you have those good people around you?

4. Embrace the tough skin rejection gives you.

-This is a hard one for me because I do not like rejection. In fact, I would be so bold to say that I have a fear of it. But Tyler gives it a new, fresh perspective. He experienced his greatest rejection on national TV and because of that, he has grown thicker skin and have been given even greater opportunities through this rejection. For me, the scars that come from rejection are something that I’ve grown up constantly feeling. And now, as a 34 year-old, it is hard for me to shift the mindset from the fact that rejection is not a bad entity. Rejection for a job promotion might lead to an opportunity that is even bigger and better. Rejection in the dating world just might mean that the person for you (if it is meant to be), might still be out there. We need to rejuvenate and reconstruct our brains with how we view the definition of rejection and spinning it into something positive.

Well, folks. That is all I have for you this week.

Which means that I hope your morning beverage sidekick was able to last through all the words.

I highly encourage you to check out Tyler Cameron’s You Deserve Better because it is a read that gets two thumbs up from Mr. Sunshine.

And I highly encourage you to use aloe if you ever get sunburn.

And finally, I highly encourage you to come back next week for another new post.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi, folks!

Happy Labor Day!

I’m out of office, which means I’m taking the week off from blogging.

Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy life.

Come back next week!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there folks!

Here we are celebrating another Monday of the Summer season.

Isn’t it crazy that we are at the end of August already?!

Like where has the time gone?!

I still wake up in the mornings thinking that we were just watching the 2021 ball drop in Times Square.

Anyhoo, I digress.

But before I begin, I must say that I’m sending good vibes, thoughts, and prayers to everyone involved with the Afghanistan crisis and also all of those who have been hit or are in the path of Hurricane Ida.

There has been a lot of turmoil recently in the world and it has really been challenging to keep positive thoughts alive on the daily.

Well, let’s get down to business.

I promise to not keep you long this week.

It will be short and sweet.

I’m officially a 34 year-old.

Wow.

That’s crazy.

Say those words again.

34.

Kind of just sits there after you say it…in an awkward silence of nothing-ness.

34 years on this Earth and hopefully many more to come.

I can’t begin to thank everyone who reached out via text, phone call, Facebook message, Facebook post, or whatever other social outlet available to give me well wishes this year.

The love and support I have from so many different individuals makes me both humble and grateful. I am incredibly lucky to have such amazing people in my life (both family and friends) supporting me through thick and thin with undying and overflowing love no matter what the circumstance.

I wear the title and nickname of “Mr. Sunshine” very proudly throughout my daily life. I take it seriously and work hard to advocate for things that emulate the entities of love and kindness. I thrive on wanting to help others and will often do whatever I can in my power to make that happen. It’s how I was raised and how I will continue to live out all the remaining years of my life.

What is 34?

34 Is…

…falling asleep on the couch at 9pm and not having a care in the world.

…getting a second wind at the most random parts of the evening and cleaning the house with that extra energy.

…trying to balance careers, family, friends, and extra curricular activities without cutting corners and giving everything the time and attention they deserve.

…eating ice cream direct from the carton and loving every second.

…watching episodes of tv shows more than once and still laughing over and over.

…knowing that there are moments when you need to be alone without any communication to recharge.

…being emotional and crying over the littlest of things.

…knowing that it is ok to ask for help.

…trying to look inside your soul for your purpose in life.

…coloring outside the lines every once in awhile to go against the status quo.

…enjoying time with family every chance you get.

…laughing with friends who don’t judge you.

…figuring out who deserves to be in your life and those that need weeded out of it.

…waking up to the smell of coffee at 5:45am.

…cuddling in a blanket for comfort.

…being single and fabulous.

…sneaking in moments of cuddling with puppies whenever time allows.

…trying to change the world with one small act of kindness each day.

…working to inspire others to bring light to the world.

…singing your favorite tunes in the car as loud as possible.

…doing your best with what you’ve been given.

…crying at the romantic comedy movies that are corny.

…not knowing what the term “sleeping in” means.

…eating a whole pizza by yourself and not counting calories.

…enjoying Disney movies that make you feel like a child at heart.

…closing your eyes and taking a deep breath to reset.

…putting your feet up on the coffee table every night for a few moments to unwind.

…texting someone in your life to let them know you are thinking about them.

…appreciating sunsets and the beauty of Mother Nature.

…treating others with kindness…ALWAYS.

This. Is. 34.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there folks!

Another happy Monday to you all! Another week down and another one beginning!

This past week has been draining with all the negative news happening around the world that it has been hard to not focus on that.

My prayers and good vibes go out to everyone who has experienced floods, turmoil, violence, war, takeover in their Country–whatever the case might be. It has just been a lot.

So, this week in my final days of being 33, I decided I had to just make this blog post fun and flirty!

Well, technically this post isn’t flirty, but it coupled well with fun and gave me the alliteration with using another word that started with an ‘f’ so I went with it.

Hopefully, you’ll go with it too.

Let’s do some fun facts about me…33 of them!

Grab that morning beverage sidekick and get ready to learn even more about Mr. Sunshine.

#33: The candle scent currently burning as I write this is watermelon lemonade.

#32: The current body lotion scent from Bath & Body Works that I’m obsessed with is called bourbon.

#31: In January of 2022, I will be taking my first trip ever to Las Vegas.

#30: My favorite type of milk to drink is the Weis Markets brand of whole chocolate milk. It’s like a signature collection item according to the label. Fancy.

#29: The temperature that I keep my air conditioner set at during the Summer is 76 degrees.

#28: Pink Starburst are my favorite.

#27: Speaking of Starburst, I love that they have a “fave reds” bag. I wish Tootsie would do the same thing with their lollipops.

#26: I literally love cheese so much that I can eat an entire tray of the Cracker Barrel extra sharp yellow cheese slices in one sitting.

#25: The shaving cream that I’m currently using for my face is Skintimate strawberry tangerine twist. Doesn’t that make you want to go eat fruit?! Oh wait…am I the only one?

#24: I’m a brand snob when it comes to Ranch dressing and prefer Hidden Valley over all other brands.

#23: Sometimes at night, I really struggle with restless legs and it is SO annoying.

#22: I really wish Wawa would add french fries to their menu.

#21: Speaking of Wawa, I love their mashed potatoes.

#20: The last 10 minutes of The Golden Girls series finale makes me cry every time regardless of how many times I’ve seen it.

#19: The other morning after dealing with water in my basement, I discovered that my washer wouldn’t power on and I thought it was because water might have gotten inside it. So, I found the manual and read the troubleshooting tips. I then discovered that the electrical cord had jiggled out of the socket. This was the first time I read troubleshooting tips for use of something in my home. And honestly, it could even be the last.

#18: I will never forget the night when I was in high school working at Freeze N Frizz and the soft ice cream machine exploded and soft serve mix oozed out from the machine all over the floor right after I had cleaned it. It was like an exploding volcano and because I only had a TracPhone at the time, I was unable to snap a video, which makes me sad that it was not documented.

#17: I’m the worst at going grocery shopping because I often times walk out the door with more items than what it is on my list. For example, on Saturday, I went in wanting to buy a donut something for lunch. I left with a donut, macaroni and cheese, pop tarts, cheddar cheese slices, makeup, Swedish fish, Sweet Tart gummy ropes, Dr. Pepper, and a can of the Coke with coffee beverage. By the way, I actually really enjoy the Coke with coffee beverage…go give it a whirl.

#16: I miss the days of Vanna White turning letters and not touching them on Wheel of Fortune.

#15: I dislike the fact that passwords have to be changed so often. I’m also the person that has to click the “forgot password?” like 57840379 times.

#14: My favorite TV show theme is the one from The Brady Bunch.

#13: I have lots of dreams that involve airplanes.

#12: Speaking of airplanes, flying makes me super anxious.

#11: In order to be able to sleep at night, I need to be covered–usually with a cuddly blanket.

#10: Big cracks of thunder still scare me.

#9: On my commute to work last week, I listened to Elle King’s “America’s Sweetheart” on repeat.

#8: I would love to take over for Ellen DeGeneres’ when she ends her talk show next year.

#7: Peppermint mochas and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks are always items that I want to get even when they are “not in season.”

#6: I don’t know how to tie a neck tie or bowtie.

#5: I call it ‘soda’ and not ‘pop’ and ‘sprinkles’ and not ‘jimmies.’

#4: The voicemail message on my cell phone tells people to leave a message along with something that they are grateful for.

#3: My favorite holiday tradition in December is the Christmas Eve service.

#2: My least favorite household chore is dusting while my favorite is washing dishes.

#1: The culmination of my Miles 4 Smiles year-long journey will end with me running the equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) around Lancaster County for the first time ever in my life.

Cheers to these final 4 days as a 33 year-old!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there!

We have reached yet another Monday in the year of 2021!

And we are officially just 10 days away from me turning the big 3-4!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Anyway, let’s get down to this week’s post, shall we?

There has been so much that has happened in the past week around the world that has me saddened, scared, fearful, nervous…literally all the negative adjectives.

And it got me thinking.

And I was driving through the back roads on the country side of Lititz after the storm Wednesday evening, I had an epiphany moment of what I was going to write about.

So, here goes.

Grab that morning coffee and get ready!

Have you ever thought as you go about your daily life how just simple two words can really pack a punch or make a REALLY big difference in the life of someone?

Two word phrases like “I’m sorry” or “get vaccinated” are ones that seem to be quite prevalent in our lives as we go about living these days.

But the two word phrase that I’m going to touch on this week is…

Thank you.

That’s right.

Thank you.

Two words that can really make the biggest difference in the lives of so many and two words that should be part of our daily vocabulary, but often words that are forgotten about these days.

And as I was driving around looking at the many tree limbs lying on the ground and flood waters after the wrath of Mother Nature during her storm, I started to think about all the people in our lives in this world that we need to extend a thank you too.

So, here goes.

THANK YOU…

-To all the medical and healthcare workers who are fighting on the daily to keep people healthy of all ages, especially during the COVID crisis. They continue to show up for work despite being overworked and exhausted.

-To all the individuals who work at the grocery stores to allow us to continue buying food that nourishes our body and keeps us going.

-To all the individuals who are packing the many packages we purchase in their respective warehouses.

-To all the individuals who deliver above said packages.

-To our families who love us unconditionally even if we drive them crazy.

-To our friends who make us laugh, cry, and that we enjoy spending time with.

-To our faith communities that help us keep worship time alive during these unknown times.

-To the janitorial staffs of buildings that continue to keep all spaces that we encounter on the daily clean, safe, and sanitized.

-To those who drive all modes of public transportation–buses, trains, planes, taxis, Ubers, etc.

-To all the people who work in restaurants that work their butts off to allow us to continue eating tasty food.

-To those who work in gyms and any other fitness aspect that keep us moving, working out our bodies, and striving to keep us healthy humans.

-To the troops who are stationed all across the world who work to keep us safe.

-To police officers who keep an eye on our communities to make sure they are a safe place for all while risking their lives to do so.

-To firefighters who risk their lives every day and battle disasters of all kinds.

-To those who work at the Dunkin’ Donuts that I populate to make sure that I still have the opportunity to get my morning coffee when I need it most.

-To those who work in the arts to make that the elements of live entertainment are still available to everyone.

-To nurses, doctors, and all healthcare professionals whose goal is to keep everyone in life healthy.

-To our coworkers who make getting out of bed in the morning easier and the 8 hour work days fly by!

-To our parents who have offered guidance, support, love, and whatever else we have asked for and needed.

-To our besties who have been there during our best and worst times and have not left our side.

-To the individuals who are responsible for picking up both our trash and recycling on a weekly basis.

-To the teachers who taught us without question about all subjects from math, science, to English and home economics.

-To all of the individuals who have supported me thus far in my Miles 4 Smiles campaign this year.

I could continue to go on and on and list multipe entities that we should all be extending a heart-felt thank you to on the daily. And I’m quite sure I’ve probably forgotten multiple people worthy of the thank you as well from this list.

And as The Golden Girls theme song reminds us…

THANK YOU for being a friend.

Who do you have in your life to thank?

What entities this week will be the recipients of the two simple worlds that can make all the difference.

Who is next on your list to say thank you?

Don’t delay.

These two simple words can make the biggest difference.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well here we are, folks!

Yet another Monday in the year of 2021.

I sincerely hope that you have been enjoying your Summer and doing things you love that keep you happy, smiling, and excited to live life!

And, if you are someone who is struggling with those above adjectives, that is totally fine.

We all have moments of struggling to find joy these days.

Exhausted.

Lost.

Drained.

Fearful.

These seem to be the adjectives that creep into our lives more so these days than ever before.

So, how does one find the smiles, laughter, and joy in life with the negative, dark moments that are constantly thrown at us on the daily?

Well, I certainly am glad you asked! And if you didn’t ask…too bad. I’m going to tell you anyway.

Go grab that Monday morning beverage of choice and cuddle up with your phone and computer and get comfortable because I’m going to share with you some of my favorite YouTube videos to watch that bring smiles to my life and help me experience laughter which is the best medicine.

So, get comfortable and ready to smile and laugh…guaranteed or your money back.

#1: Betty White Bloopers
-She is truly one-of-a-kind and I dare you to not laugh or smile when watching this. She is just so golden.

#2: Sarah Paulson Playing 5 Second Rule With Ellen
-This is such a fun game to play (seriously though–you need to try it) and watching these two play makes it even more fun.

#3: Glee’s version of “I Lived” During Their Series Finale Show
-I admit it. I was a gleek when this show was on air. And their songs are ones that I love and this one is no different.

#4: Disney’s Motivational Video
-No explanation needed here. Disney quotes and movie clips can give us all the feels without fail.

#5: 22 Musicals In 12 Minutes
-I love musicals. Period. And this clip gets me beaming from ear to ear.

#6: Kerry Washington Playing Speak Out With Ellen
-Their laughs kill me. That’s all.

#7: Betty White And Katie Couric
-Coming in hot again with the class act of Betty White and this video is just another reason why I love her so much. If only everyone in this world could share her mindset about life.

#8: Katy Perry’s Firework
-We all know this is still my favorite song to this day. Shocker. But it always puts me in a good mood regardless of what is happening in life. Even a decade after its release and it never gets old for me.

Well, folks.

There you have it.

Some of my favorite videos to watch when I need some extra laughter and smiles in my life aside from The Golden Girls.

I hope you will take some time to watch some of these videos and share with me your favorite ways to experience laughter and smiles in your life.

Finding joy, smiles, and happiness is even more so important these days, so make sure you take a few minutes out of each day to rejuvenate and fill up the laughter tank.

It truly is the best medicine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

Hard to believe that we have officially entered another month of 2021!

The eight month that is to be exact!

My birthday month to be even more exact where I will be turning the BIG 3-4 on the 27th! AHHHH!

Anyway, this week’s post will be short and sweet because I want to make sure to drive home the moral and point for all of you.

So, please grab your infamous sidekick beverage that you can’t live without on Monday morning, get cozy on the comfiest chair in your habitat, and open those eyes!

As many of you know, The 2021 Olympic Games from Tokyo have been in full swing. Watching events of all sorts with the teammates coming together from all countries can awake such pride and energy within the souls of each and every one of us.

And this past week, we all witnessed Simone Biles–a decorated Olympic and World champion with 35 total medals including 5 from her first Olympic Games in 2016 make a bold, courageous, and brave move to drop out of the competition due to mental health concerns.

Read that again.

“Make a bold, courageous, and brave move to drop out of the competition due to mental health concerns.”

Yes, even world champions who do crazy stunts to wow us have moments where they realize that they need to take care of themselves.

Imagine that.

Mental health doesn’t care what religion you are, what sexuality you are, what your career path is, how old you are, how much money you have, the color of your skin, if you are a decorated Olympian–it affects all of us.

ALL of us.

And with this monumental moment that we witnessed on the TV from Tokyo, we were once again reminded that mental health is a very real concern in our world that needs some very real talk from all of us.

Simone Biles reminded us all again this past week that it is OK to not be OK.

And while I want us to realize the importance of being open and honest about our personal struggles with ourselves and each other, I also want to drive home another important point.

In addition to keeping our mental health at the front of our minds and in a healthy state, we must also make sure that we are taking time to find our own light inside our souls.

What is our passion?

What drives us?

What motivates us?

What gets us out of the bed in the morning?

At the end of the day, if we are not doing something in our lives that is motivating us and bringing us fulfillment, then what’s the point?

Each day when we wake up, we should feel a fiery passion inside ourselves about why we were put on this Earth.

The light that we find inside ourselves is something that we need to let shine for the entire world around us.

Our lights can only make a difference if we keep them safe from burning out.

And how do we do that?

By talking about our mental health.

By being open with ourselves, our hearts, and others.

At the end of the day, we need to remember that we aren’t perfect, can’t be perfect, and that we are human beings whose needs, feelings, and emotions are completely valid.

It’s time to have the crucial conversations about our struggles and to not be afraid.

It’s time to find our light, keep it safe from burning out, and keeping its shine alive and bright.

Let Simone Biles’ moment of truth and courage be an eye opener for all of us.

It is OK to not be OK.

Go.

Find your light and let it shine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello there friends!

And a very happy Monday to you!

And a very happy official last week of July too!

Yes, you did read that right!

It is the last official week of the seventh month of the year!

WHATTTTTTT?!

Anyway, time to get on to this week’s post.

The past several weeks I have touched on mental health and how important it is for us to be aware of that state of energy in ourselves and how we can intentionally set aside time for ourselves to help recharge that capacity to make sure we are staying healthy—both emotionally and physically.

And this weekend while watching the Olympics, I saw a few commercials from the P&G brand that advertised the slogan, lead with love.

And that slogan stuck with me and from the moment I saw that commercial, I knew that this was exactly what I was going to blog about.

And here we are!

Grab your morning coffee, juice, or whatever side-kick beverage you like to enjoy in the early mornings because here we go!

I promise to keep it short and sweet.

So, how do you lead with love?

Well, here are three simple ways that I lead with love.

I share these with you in hopes that you will be able to lead with love in your life this coming week and the weeks after.

Volunteer at a nonprofit or entity that is near and dear to your heart.

-This is something that is so easy to do these days, especially with all of the locations around the area that are always in need of volunteers with fresh faces to help out. Animal shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, theaters, non-profits–there are so many options, so there is no excuse on not being able to find one that will fulfill your heart. Here is a quick link for those located in Lancaster on some places you can share your energy as a volunteer!

For those not local to the area, just Google “places to volunteer” with your city and you should find some very fast, easy results. And while I technically don’t actually volunteer (at least not at the moment), I am currently running miles and raising funds for a non-profit very close to my heart–The Conner M. Holland Foundation.

Volunteer Opportunities in Lancaster County, PA | LancasterPA.com

Smile at the stranger.

-This is a simple action that can make all the difference. More often than not, we tend to be a world and society that likes to put judgment on others before actually getting to know them. So, knock that mentality out of your brain and start to lead with love by sharing some kindness with the stranger you don’t know.

We have no idea what these people are going through, so who are we to make judgements about them without actually knowing the full story. Exactly. Don’t do it. Be the change and the one who decides to break the status quo by going against the energy of judgment and hatred our society likes to feed upon.

Spend time with family and those you love and make sure you show appreciation for them.

-Once again, this is a very simple action that we can all take in our lives. Last year, during the pandemic and living in isolation through several months of the 2020 year, it became very clear to me that time spent with my family and loved ones was good for my soul. And, living in 2021 with several elements of the pandemic still sprinkled in and learning so much more about my own mental health and what I need to recharge, it has become even more evident to myself that time spent with my family and loved ones is crucial. We need to make sure we are spending time with people who encourage us, support us, motivate us to be the best we can be, make us laugh, make us cry, and know how to comfort us when we are going through tough times.

And on the flip side of this, we need to make sure that we are showing these individuals that we appreciate them and love them. Take that extra moment to say the words to them while you are with them, hug them when you have the moments together, send a text during the week to let them know you are thinking about them, Facetime with them to share some laughs, call them up on the phone to just say hey, or do whatever other little piece of love appreciation action you feel fit.

Well, I told you I was going to be short and sweet this week.

Leading with love is a simple tactic and action that every single one of us can undertake in our daily lives.

There’s no excuse.

NO EXCUSE.

Yes, I’m yelling.

Well, not yelling…more like energetic and passionate word sharing. That’s what we will call it.

We are the ones that can be the hope, the light, the love, the CHANGE this world needs.

So, get out there today, tomorrow, and every day after to lead with love.

Sprinkle sunshine always.

JP!

I bring you yet another week of happy Monday greetings, friends!

As the Summer months continue to fly by, it is quite obvious that I’m not ready for the months ahead, which will include turning 34.

Nothing better than a Summer birthday…

…am I right?!

But like, also 34.

Mmmbyeee.

Anyway, enough talk about 34.

Let’s get on to this week’s post.

Shall we?

Do you have your trusty sidekick beverage with you?

At the moment, as I write this for you, I have a glass of orangeade sitting in front of me upon the coffee table.

It makes me feel like a kid at heart.

And I LOVE it.

Anyway, time to get started.

First off, let’s define a few terms that will help us stay organized and come full circle with this week’s words that you are about to read.

-Depression: A condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason.

-Anxiety: Distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune.

-Turndown service: In the hospitality industry, turndown service refers to the practice of staff entering a guest’s room and “turning down” the bed linen of the bed in the room, preparing the bed for use. In addition, turndown service can include staff closing draperies, playing soft music, adjusting lights, etc.

Now, how am I going to tie all of these together?

Well, I can honestly say that I’m SO GLAD you asked.

I know I am not the only one who has started to see the entities of depression and anxiety creep into our vocabulary and daily lives more often these days, especially after what we all went through in 2020.

It was tough.

It sucked.

It drained a lot of emotional and physical capacity from us.

And some of us are still struggling with the effects.

And you know what?

That’s ok.

Mental health these days is so important and we need to make sure we are talking about it and not brushing it under the carpet.

Under the carpet is for dust only, not emotions and feelings that we need to make sure we are expressing freely without hate or judgment.

I’ve been so much more aware of my mental health, my mental health capacity limits, my mental health exhaustion and what causes it, and honoring the process that I personally need to make sure I continue to follow through in order to make sure I’m staying recharged and at my best ready to take on the world in all capacities as Mr. Sunshine.

For most of you, it comes as no shocker that I love to be busy.

And I mean BUSY.

This means waking up before 7am almost everyday including weekends.

This means working a part time job 10-15 hours a week, working a full-time job for 40 hours Tuesday-Saturday, being Music Director at my church, holding the position of secretary for our church council, personal training twice a week, running 3-4 miles everyday while trying to raise funds for a local nonprofit, volunteering time as either an actor or stage manager for EPAC, writing this weekly blog, and whatever other fun entities might get a spot on the calendar in the planner.

Feeling tired?

Well, WAKE UP!

Time to grab another coffee!

But among this very busy lifestyle that I love and thrive upon, I have become more aware of my limitations and listening to my body when it is exhausted.

And sometimes that means taking a nap, enjoying a weekend away from all duties, coloring in the comfort of my home, watching some Golden Girls, or hanging out with wonderful friends.

And this is where turndown service comes into play.

This past weekend, I took some time off my worn duties at Webstaurantstore and church to enjoy some time with my good friend, Abby. We enjoyed some time poolside at Woodridge Swim Club, a delicious dinner at Lombardo’s in Lancaster, and a last minute trip to McLean, Virginia where we enjoyed delicious food at Founding Farmers, a glorious stay at The Ritz-Carlton including turndown service, some over-stimulating crowd watching at MGM Resorts and Casino, and some very beautiful views and food truck burgers from CaliBurger at Great Falls Park.

It was glorious.

And it was the perfect recharge necessary to combat the mental exhaustion from the week.

As a person who is busy almost all the time, these moments are extra special because they are few and far between, so when I have the chance to experience them, I make sure to relish in every moment of them.

This past week, I also got to spend some one-on-one time with my bestie Devin that was incredibly needed for both of us. It was just very special and something I didn’t realize how much I needed until I was in the moment laughing hysterically, and catching up about everything life.

And on Tuesday night, I got to have dinner with my former roommate girls Missy, Elyse, and Marissa. It was just like old times as we enjoyed each other’s company and shared stories about each other to laugh, catch up, and reminisce. And once again, it wasn’t something I realized that I needed until I was in the moment experiencing it.

So, what’s this all to say?

All of these words that I’ve written this week for you are to say this:

Find your own version of “turndown service” and enjoy every moment of it.

Be intentional about planning your time to recharge.

Be intentional about planning moments with people you love as part of your recharge.

And remember to talk about your mental health.

Share your feelings.

Stop brushing the words of anxiety and depression under the carpet.

It’s ok to not be ok.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!