Hello there folks and happy Monday!
I hope that everyone was able to have an enjoyable weekend!
Isn’t it crazy to think that we are almost at the end of August?!
I keep saying this, but that means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are like tomorrow.
That also means Black Friday advertisements are on the horizon…
Along with me turning 36.
But we won’t talk about that.
Anyway, down to business.
This past week at work, conversations circled around percentages.
Percentages related to how we feel on the daily when we wake up to start on our journey of life.
And when we are feeling less than 100%, we are tasked with the critical aspect of how we can make up for those losses.
We are constantly asked questions on the daily…
How are you feeling?
How did you sleep?
What’s new in your life?
But we are never asked the question of, “What is your percent?”
In the beginning of 2023, I was definitely not feeling 100%.
I was stressing out about my living situation, constantly thinking about debt, and finding that my positive Mr. Sunshine energy was being slowly sucked away from me.
So I paused.
I stepped back.
I prayed.
I meditated.
I took a serious look at what I was lacking in life and the changes I would need to make to feel 100% more often.
I took control.
I started a new part-time job at Lititz Apothecary that brought soul giving energy to me from the in-person interactions I was having
I began work with Ryan Chalfant (The Fitness Alchemist) who has been monumental in supporting me with love and encouragement while also helping me become stronger in the realms of mental health, physical health, and emotional health.
I sold The Sunshine Cottage and paid off my outstanding debt that was crippling me from thinking I would never be able to save money again from the work of my 4 jobs.
I moved to The Sunshine Studio in Lititz to be closer to my parents and all the elements of my life that take up my time.
I bought a (new to me) pre-owned car to go with the Mr. Sunshine vibe that has now started to be that 100% output again.
I took control.
I listened to my body, my soul, my brain and what it was needing.
People at work have said to me that I feel and look happier and lighter.
My percent has started to more frequently be 100% when that alarm goes off and I start my day.
I fill my life with multiple elements from so many different facets that give me great joy and fill up my cup.
Do I have days where I feel like I’m at a 20%?
Heck yes.
Is there anything wrong with that?
Heck no.
That is just the signal to me that I will need to be more intentional to honor my body, mind, and spirit to help produce that other 80% by doing things that will recharge.
So, the next time you go to ask someone how they are doing, stop yourself.
Ask the question of “What is your percent?” and reflect not only on how that individual you asked answers, but also how YOU answer that question too.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 