Well, hey there folks! A happiest of Mondays to you!
Is anyone else floored by the fact that it is officially November?!
That means that Christmas is like…
Tomorrow.
Yikes!
That means I need to start my shopping now.
LAnyway, on to the actual nitty gritty for this week’s post.
Shall we?
I’m not going to lie, but the last couple of weeks have been really hard for me. I’ve struggled to focus on projects that need my attention (mostly the Christmas Eve service at church), but couple this feeling with the entities of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty and you have the classic feels that I would bet some of you have felt at some point or another during 2020.
In times like these, it is really hard for me to find hope.
That’s right.
Mr. Sunshine even has moments of not always being able to see the hope.
But in the past week, there have been three distinct moments and entities that I used to find that hope that was so desperately missing.
HOPEful Moment #1:
-Watching the movie Clouds on Disney+. It was a movie I had not heard about previously and when it came on the list of movies I would probably enjoy, I figured there was nothing to lose. I don’t want to give away any of the important plot details; however, I will tell you two things…the plot really resonates with fundraising efforts that I’ve participated in during the past AND I cried…more than once. And we all know that there is nothing like having a good cry during a movie. It makes us human and sometimes there is nothing better than shedding a few tears at the tube.
HOPEful Moment #2:
-Alicia Key’s new song, called “Good Job.” I heard this song for the first time during my weekly dance fitness class I participate in called Oula (thank you, Jen) and I immediately fell in love with it. Oh, and by the way, you owe yourself a favor to check out Oula. The class is SO fun and I highly reccomend it. By definition, Oula “combines the depth and soulfulness of a mind-body practice with the carefree playfulness of a living room dance party. By integrating the mind, body and heart, our focus is on full being health and wellness in a fun and community-centered atmosphere.” And the music choices are empowering, freeing, and fun. This song brings out so many real emotions within my soul, especially with all that the world is going through. This song helps me center back to the fact that there is good happening in the world if we would just allow ourselves to see it. Take some time to listen and share with someone who you know needs the lyrics to feel inspired.
HOPEful Moment #3:
-The last moment I experienced this week came from a place where I usually don’t find hope, but it proved me wrong. All the articles and details about the results with people getting out and voting early made me smile. And I can only pray that same feeling of hope carries through Tuesday when our Country makes a very big decision in regards to the leadership that we will have at The White House for the next 4 years.
As I sit here writing this for you, I would be lying if I said that I don’t still have some feelings of fear and uncertainty. Every. Single. Day.
But just as these three moments in my life from the past week provided me hope to sustain and get me through the week, I hope and pray that they will also bring you that same energy of hope I got to experience.
And I hope that those feelings of hope will continue on each day you live and that the next time you encounter someone in life struggling, that you will be that source of hope that is much needed by all individuals right now in this world.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 