Keeping The Sunshine Alive…

Well, good heavens to Betsy! Here we are already in week 3 of my blog! Where is the time going? Since last week’s writing, I’ve received a few more wrinkles in my forehead, gained several grey hairs on the top of my head, and earned tan lines to my tan lines. Sorry, no picture evidence for that…just take my word for it. TRUST in the sunshine.

It’s amazing what a week at the beach can do for you. While we dub these trips of relaxation and rejuvenation “vacations,” it seems that our minds still have much to process, especially when we are bombarded with news stories about the world we live in.

For me, deciding what this blog post would be about came from thoughts I had during my runs along the beach as I watched the seagulls fly, waves crash, and sweat drip down into my eyeballs causing me to go blind for literally a hot second. And I mean a HOT second. Like…98 degrees hot. And no, I’m not referring to the boy band although I do find the men who compromise that musical group quite attractive.

But that is neither here nor there. Well, it’s here because I just wrote it…but like…I digress.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by others “how do you stay happy?” or “how do you remain so positive?” or “what is your secret to being Mr. Sunshine?” The answer my friends is blowing in the wind…well, actually there’s nothing blowing in the wind although I do wish there would be pretty, colored leaves blowing in the wind much like that during the montage of “Colors of the Wind” in Pocahontas. Am I right or am I right?! Oh…and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram…@mrsunshine827. Shameless plug…sorry not sorry.

Okay let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this post…seriously, wish I had meat and potatoes right now, especially garlic mashed potatoes with butter…like rumbly in my tumbly. AHHHH. Diversion…again! Keep me on track!

Here are just a few simple things I do in life to keep myself happy, smiling, and spreading sprinkles of sunshine.

1. Listening to my favorite song at least twice a day.

Yes, that’s right. Jam. It. Out. Singing at the top of my lungs whether in tune or not is something that I make sure I give myself time to do every single day…at least twice. Whether it’s in the shower, in my car ride to work or home from work, or in the privacy of my own room, this is one of my simplest secrets to keeping positive energy going. And the jam I listen to? Well, it should come as no surprise that this song for me is Katy Perry’s “Firework.” OBVI. Like…do you even know me??

2. Exercising and sticking with it. 

These days, a lot of people have specific workout regimens that they adhere to on the daily. Working out gives me an adrenaline rush unlike any other because it is something that I can put energy into, especially negative energy if I’m feeling pessimistic or cynical about something. I see a personal trainer twice a week (shout out to the INCREDIBLE Zach Musser at Z Fitness–check him out here http://zfitnessllc.com) and also run about three times a week. Running is like a cleansing for me because it is one on one time with myself and nature (if I’m outside) that is such a revival of the soul. Working out just makes me feel good about my body because I know that I’m strengthening it to make it better.

3. Taking time each night to laugh. 

They say that laughter is the best medicine and what truth that is. This is a HUGE rule of thumb for me and I carve out time each night before going to bed to laugh. How you ask? Well, if you don’t know the answer to this, I will literally go and throw a pie tin filled with Cool Whip in my face. I make sure to watch an episode (or two…or seven) of The Golden Girls each night before I hit the hay on the couch. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen the episodes, they still crack me up…a lot…to tears. Obviously, you don’t have to watch The Golden Girls; however, I would highly encourage you to find laughter in something each night because it will make you feel so good inside. It will keep you young too…and might reduce some wrinkles on your forehead. And who doesn’t love a little wrinkle reduction action?!

4. Spending quality time with good people. 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Surround yourself with good humans. Get around those in life who will encourage you, make you laugh, give you warm hugs, lend a listening ear, offer a shoulder to cry on, and give all the love in the world until the end of time. You will know exactly who these people are because of the energy that bubbles out from their soul when in their presence. Genuine goodness can’t be faked. As the saying goes, “your vibe attracts your tribe.”

5. Performing a random act of kindness at least once a day. 

This is probably one of my favorites and comes with the mantra that I try to live out as Mr. Sunshine in being kind to one another. Something so simple can change the entire world. If we all just took a moment in our lives to share an act of kindness with someone, what a difference we could make. Paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru, sharing a warm smile on the street with a stranger, offering to help a coworker with a big project, volunteering at a local food bank or shelter…the possibilites are endless and you can be incredibly creative. Trust me when I say that performing a random act of kindness will give you the GREATEST fufillment in your heart. Nothing is more rewarding. And if you need some inspiration, might I suggest Chicken Soup for the Soul Random Acts of Kindness. 

Well, there you have it folks. My top 5 biggest secrets on how I keep Mr. Sunshine alive. I hope that you will try some of these tactics in your own personal life in hopes of keeping that positive flame burning inside, especially in the moments when it’s ready to go out. And if you do, I would love to hear about it! And, if you have other suggestions on how you keep smiling on the daily, let me know!

“‘Cause baby you’re a firework, come on show ’em what your worth, make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!” as you shoot across the sky-y-y!”

Now, go keep the sunshine alive!

Follow me on Instagram @mrsunshine827!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!