It seems to be that time again to wish you all a happy Monday!
And to watch Disney’s Encanto once again.
Welcome to blog post number 155 since starting this endeavor back in 2018.
Seems like forever ago.
Yesterday seems like forever ago.
Let’s be honest…writing the first sentence of this blog seems forever ago.
But you know what isn’t forever ago?!
Valentine’s Day.
It’s in one week!
My FAVORITE holiday…
…NOT!
But don’t worry…I got several topics from readers like yourselves on what to blog about next Monday and I’m looking forward to it!
Hope you are too!
Okay, enough digressing.
Time to get to this week’s 155th.
Grab your coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or whatever type of beverage you like to have in the vicinity of your lips when you are reading these words.
Entering the third year of the pandemic.
Economy and financial uncertainty.
Stress of pressures from trying to work multiple jobs and make ends meet.
Signs of looming war amongst Countries in our world.
Hatred amongst people.
Gun violence and shootings.
Anxiety about getting new furniture and attempting to sell and get rid of the old stuff.
Disorganization, dust, and cracks in the house.
The list just goes on and on.
There is anxiety everywhere around all the corners.
The world is dark.
And in these dark times, even for Mr. Sunshine, it can be hard to find the light.
But I find it.
And here’s 5 places where I do.
Buckle up.
Disney’s Encanto
-I don’t know what it is about this movie, but I love it and it just makes me beam from ear to ear. There is humor, beautiful music, beautiful imagery and colors, and everything that you would expect from a Disney movie. The message that is presented is so inspiring and something that can give anyone no matter what age that extra burst of joy to get through the day…and also get a few catchy songs stuck in the head too! We don’t talk about Bruno…
Coloring
-This one sounds childish, but don’t knock it until you try it. Honestly, coloring with all types of entities brings about a joy of relaxation and therapeutic peace that nothing else in this world seems to be able to capture for me. Markers, pencils, crayons–you should give it a try! There are so many versions of adult coloring books out there, but I will admit that the large Disney princess Crayola coloring pages are also a guilty pleasure!
Do Not Disturb
-This is an app on my Iphone that I have started to use more regularly in the new year and it is glorious. Setting scheduled time with this app has allowed me to give myself quiet time to find peace, relaxation, and joy in just…quiet. I light a few candles, curl up with a blanket, read a few inspirational quotes or pages from a current book I’m reading, and place the phone far away out of reach.
The Winter Olympics
-There is just something about watching all of the Countries of the world coming together for some friendly competition. It gives me multiple sparks of joy that get me so giddy that I sometimes scream at the TV. While I try to not have favorites, I have to say that figure skating is my favorite event. Hands down. Yes, I’ve tried to pretend landing triple toe double axles in my living room sometimes. Don’t you?
The Golden Girls
-Are you really surprised? I mean, come on. Even though I would always watch this each night to wind down before bed, I have to say that since Betty White’s passing, it has become an even more important part of my daily routine. 30 minutes to an hour every night of some pure laughs certainly does the trick, especially when the events of the world are draining the joy from the tank. And let me tell you–there is nothing as relaxing and joyous as laughter, especially from Dortohy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia. And if you haven’t done yourself the favor of watching an episode of The Golden Girls, please do yourself a favor and do it. Right now. After reading this. Tonight. Tomorrow. Each day after it. You won’t regret it.
These days, it is even more important for us to find joy and to share that joy with each other.
Our world is dark.
We are drained.
And we need to make sure we are checking in with those in our life that we love to make sure they are ok and good with finding the joy to keep them rejuvenated.
And if they need help with that joy, we must help them find that joy.
It’s up to us to find the light in life’s darkest moments.
Well, folks.
That’s all I have for you with this 155th post.
Until next week when we get to celebrate my FAVORITE holiday of Valentine’s Day together with an ALL NEW blog post!
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 