Honestly, I don’t have many words to write for you this week.
Everything happening right now in the world, the Country, and around me seems to be vibing with the title of this week’s post.
DRAINING.
It has become draining to be kind.
It has become draining to have conversations about viewpoints on politics.
It has become draining seeing the highest person in the seated power leading our Nation sign orders left and right that fuel hatred, prejudice, and fear.
So, with that, I wish all of you a great week.
I encourage all of you to take a moment or two for yourself to breathe deep, recharge your battery, and keep kindness alive in your heart.
I’ll see you next week with hopefully some more words of inspiration.
But for now, my biggest advice is be kind.
Thank you.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
This week, to celebrate me getting tickets to Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, here is a video of her 2015 Super Bowl halftime show. 10 years ago! Firework still gets me every time.
Which means that Easter is probably like tomorrow.
And if you think I watched Wicked for the 68458609th time instead of the football games, you would be correct.
Who will be playing in the Super Bowl on February 9th?
Because in terms of The Super Bowl, all that I really care about is grading the commercials based on creativity, laugh factor, and how well it will stay in my memory until Christmas.
Well, I guess I should get down to business.
Where to go from here?
Honestly, the million dollar question.
But first, a definition.
The ever important book called The Dictionary defines the word ‘noise’ as the following:
A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.
I don’t know about you, but right now, in the world, I’m feeling a lot of noise.
And it is noise that is definitely unpleasant and causing a disturbance.
At least for me.
And honestly, I don’t think I’m alone.
I usually do not like to get political, but I just have to say that the past week with the administration who took over on January 20th has been one which has filled me with anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness.
And if you are someone who is not filled with these emotions…well…I would encourage you to have a conversation with me to let me know how you are not feeling any of these feelings.
I’m especially fearful as a homosexual man.
Truly.
No joke.
And if you are someone who doesn’t understand why I’m fearful about that…well then…I’m disappointed in you.
And would encourage you once again to have a conversation with me.
Where to go from here?
Honestly, I have no idea.
But I do know this.
It is more important NOW more than ever to express kindness, empathy, and lead with love.
The people in the highest power of authority right now seem to lack these simple traits, so it is even more crucial now to embody these sentiments.
To be 100% honest, I get exhausted thinking about the state of the world.
And I try to look toward things that bring me joy or peace.
So below are a few videos that do just that.
It is crucial for each and every one of us to be able to identify the noise that drains us.
And it is even more important for us to combat that noise with a focus on positive energy and putting love out into the world.
When you do identify the noise in your life, make sure you are taking a few moments of deep breaths to recharge, rejuvenate, and to focus on you.
And don’t forget to lead with love, kindness, and empathy.
ALWAYS.
As I close out this week, I share with you one of the quotes from Hoda Kotb’s book, I Really Needed This Today that I picked up again from my bookshelf to read again.
“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.”
Find the noise.
Silence it.
And show the powers that be what loving without judgment means.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
A Few Videos That Have Helped Center Me To Bring Joy & Peace..
**And might I draw your attention to pay special close attention to the Meryl Streep video because that hits my heart DEEP.
We are covered with a Winter Wonderland here in Lititz and my body is wrapped in a blanket on the couch as I gaze out through the window at the fluffy flakes falling from the sky.
There is just something about being in the coziness of your living space in solitude with this type of weather.
And yes, there is a mug of hot cocoa and some Kahlua keeping me warm as well.
Cozy vibes that makes me feel peaceful.
And cozy vibes make me think of Christmas.
And thinking of Christmas makes me smile.
And as I write these words, the episode of Schitt’s Creek playing is when Patrick sings a song to David on his guitar during the open mic night episode.
And it is making me smile.
And also making me get teary eyed.
And if you haven’t watched Schitt’s Creek, you must.
It is all the emotions wrapped into one and I often find myself laughing hysterically.
It is like a modern day Golden Girls for me.
And we all know how much I LOVE The Golden Girls.
Anyhoo, I digress.
I’m not going to lie, the Administration that will be taking over The White House for the next four years is not one that gives me warm fuzzies about the future.
I especially feel scared as a homosexual man because I do not believe there is any sense of love in the bones of those that are taking over seats of power for the LGTBQ+ community (or any importance in our protection and safety for that matter).
Also, side note…as I’m writing this, I keep getting distracted by watching ASMR videos on Instagram (mostly soap crunching) and also the sound of ice scrapers on the windshields of cars in the parking lot.
Yeah…I will also probably be working from home tomorrow because I’m going to feel too lazy to clean off my car.
Once again, I digress.
So sorry.
Where was I?
The next four years.
Well, let’s actually talk about this week’s blog post title.
What the world needs now…
What are your thoughts?
Back in 2018, Parade magazine interviewed the beautiful Betty White (who sadly left us in 2021 only a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday).
And in that interview, she mentioned the following:
“Accentuate the positive, not the negative. A lot of people will pick out something to complain about. It’s not hard to find great stuff if you look.”
What the world needs now is…
More people to speak with a language of love.
More people to show kindness to all.
More people to practice acts of self-love.
More people to speak up for change.
More people to have confidence in themselves.
More people to be ok with saying no.
More people to not live in fear.
More people to take time to recharge their battery.
What the world needs now is (as Betty White said)…
That means we are only 10 posts away from number 300!
Maybe I need to start thinking about something special to do for that milestone?
Thoughts?
Ideas?
My brain isn’t ready to think about that right now, so any and all ideas are welcome.
I’m also currently sitting on the couch getting smells of the chili that is cooking in the crockpot.
Mr. Sunshine’s 2025 culinary exploration continues.
And along with ideas for post number 300, please send me any and all of your favorite recipes to share!
Well then.
Shall we get down to business?
I say YES!
By the way, the chili smells so good.
I can’t wait to have it multiple times this week.
This past week started off very rough with the first snow of 2025 and an insanely busy week at work that was truly exhausting.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat.
Among the moments of exhaustion, I was able to find some joy and smiles in the following…
Eating ice cream cake with Ellie during Tuesday family dinner.
Playing “vanguish the red dot” with Souci (the beautiful grey dollfaced Persian kitty I’ve been checking in on the past week).
Rewatching Schitt’s Creek and realizing much much I enjoyed it the first go around of viewing (where I only got through season 4) back during the pandemic. I literally LOL multiple times.
Impromptu Thursday night dinner cooking salmon and having Devin over and him beating me at Sequence…again. One of these days I will win again.
Celebrating 10 years at Webstaurantstore and reading beautiful words from the coworkers and friends I work with everyday.
Enjoying a delicious dinner at The Belvedere Inn that I got to treat my parents to in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
An amazing in-person session with Ryan at Sunshine Studio that involved coffee, cards, and exhilarating conversation about an array of topics that was stimulating, energizing, and beautiful.
A belated Christmas dinner celebration with Abby, Jed, and Porky.
Having an opportunity to sub as organist at a church that I haven’t been to in over a decade.
Sunday cuddles on the couch with myself, my blanket, and my bathrobe.
This past Friday, Hoda Kotb signed off The Today Show for the last time.
And over the weekend, I looked at some clips from the show and I got teary eyed, especially watching the video clip of Jenna Bush Hager reading her goodbye letter to Hoda. I dare you not to cry while you watch.
Hoda is an individual I identify with so much in regards to her empathy, kindness, and trying to find joy in the simple.
It made me get out her I Really Needed This Today book from a few years ago that is filled with simple quotes and daily reminders to give us that extra boost of support when we need it most.
Starting to read it again reminded me that finding joy in the simple things is so important.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat.
I hope this week leaves you finding joy in the simple, laughing at the unimaginable, and smiling at the stranger.
I hope everyone was able to have enjoyable and fun celebrations ringing in 2025! This year, I got to enjoy some quality time with my parents while watching Penn State play at The Fiesta Bowl.
It was quite nice and relaxing and allowed for there to be no anxious feelings of dealing with lots of humans.
If you are anything like me, you are going crazy about the following:
The impending snowstorm and how much Mother Nature is going to dump on us and the potential havoc it could bring. (I don’t know what it is, but when it snows, it seems like people in PA become unaware of how to drive carefully/cautiously).
Wicked being available to watch at home. I think I’ve watched it about 3 times already and I love it more with each watch.
Thinking about the new year and what types of resolutions I want to make.
Anyone else with me on these going crazy feelings?!
Or am I alone in this?
Well, maybe we should get down to business.
Grab your favorite blanket, cuddle up, and get comfy!
I promise I won’t keep you long.
I have to say that my 2025 has been off to a bit of not an ideal start.
My tummy hasn’t been the most cooperative with me since the clock struck January 1 and it has caused me to take some PTO off from my full-time job, made me call off a shift at the pharmacy (which I never do), and has caused discomfort that is never fun for anyone. (Also, HUGE shout out to my Team at work–The Paige Turners for sending me some electrolyte popsicles, saltine crackers, and a ginger ale Olipop. That was so incredibly kind and thoughtful of you).
Anyhoo, that is either here nor there.
But I am happy to say that I feel like I am turning the corner, so I better knock on wood because I don’t want to jinx it.
Hopefully, all of you are staying healthy or have been able to stay away from the sickness that has been going around like cray cray CRAZY.
So, back to the topic of this post.
I know that I wrote earlier about going crazy thinking about resolutions for the new year, but I have a correction to make.
I don’t make resolutions.
I make intentions.
I’m not sure when I started to shift my mindset with this language, but I believe it has something to do in regards to the work I have done with Ryan over the last two years.
Intentions.
2025.
Let’s talk about 2025 and intentions.
Shall we?
I’ve been thinking about these for the last couple of weeks making notes on my phone (where I also make my grocery lists) and brainstorming what I want 2025 to look like.
So, BREAKING NEWS.
It’s time to learn about what the 2025 intentions are going to be for Mr. Sunshine.
So, read on and hold me accountable!
Hit a weight of 185.
Meal plan consistency.
Keep Tuesdays designated for family dinner time.
Create space for intentional me time.
Solo me trips (and by trips, I also mean trips like going to a Barnes and Noble and sitting in the cafe with a book while sipping on a coffee). Honestly, that sounds dreamy.
Volunteer.
Wake up earlier to complete a consistent morning routine.
Sleepovers in my childhood room while spending some quality time with my parents…maybe even play Rummy!
Cook for my parents at my apartment (ideally once a month).
Better eating habits with a core focus on what I’m putting into my body.
Gratitude journaling (this was something I did every day during my Novemeber hiatus and it was so wonderful).
Work with Karey Getz on something exciting that will hopefully happen by the beginning of Summer, so stay tuned! (But that is all you are getting…no spoilers!)
Focus less on those who don’t matter or steal my energy. I’ve always been a chaser and I need to stop that.
Stop wasting time on social media with people and profiles who don’t bring me joy.
Well, there you have it.
The list of Mr. Sunshine’s 2025 intentions.
Don’t forget to hold me accountable.
And please don’t hesitate to share your intentions with me and others around you so that we too can hold you accountable!
We each have the power to make 2025 a year of joy and excitement.
It is up to each of us to make it what we want.
I hope you choose intentions that matter to you and will bring you joy.
Christmas is officially over (like WHAT) and a new year begins in like two days.
Where.
Did.
The.
Year.
Go?!
Because I certainly have no idea.
And this blog post will be short and sweet.
This year, during the holidays, I watched the movie The Polar Express at least a dozen times.
And one of my favorite things about the movie is how they portray the magic of Santa.
Those who hear the bell ringing on Santa’s reindeer are the ones who truly believe.
The quote at the end of the movie goes like this:
“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe”
I love the magic of the Christmas season and I love believing in the magic of Santa.
Santa is someone who believes in kindness, love, and sharing magic and wonderful moments with people all around the world.
And, if you think about it, we are each a little bit of Santa too.
We have to be the ones that keep the magic alive not just at Christmas, but all year long.
And this means sharing the love and kindness that everyone deserves all throughout 2025.
As you look back on 2024, I hope that you are able to find moments of magic, love, and kindness to reflect on.
And I hope that the 2025 year ahead is one that will allow you to continue hearing the ringing bell to feel the magic of Santa and the holiday season in the coldest and darkest of moments.
HUGE thank you to my wonderful coworker, Kasey for making a tutorial gift wrap video for me.
Anyhoo, this week’s post will be short and sweet.
Let’s talk traditions.
The Christmas season is one that makes for lots of great traditions,
Growing up, there are so many things that I remember about the Christmas season.
One of my favorite memories/traditions was the Christmas Eve service.
I loved everything about it–the Christmas story, the lights on the Christmas tree, the poinsettias adorning the church, the hymns, the candlelight.
Singing Silent Night while the church is in darkness except for the candles lit by the entire congregation is my favorite moment.
The stillness and silence after the hymn is over and we let the flames of our candles burn.
There just isn’t anything like it.
And the Christmas Eve tradition that I experienced growing up (and continue to experience), is one that should be available to ALL.
A tradition that should be experienced for everyone regardless of their social status, sexual orientation, ecomonic status, or whatever the case might be.
And that is exactly what we strive to do at St. Paul Penryn.
And if you are looking to experience a new tradition on Christmas Ece, I would encourage you to check us out…whether it be virtually or in person. (Link below).
There are so many other Christmas traditions that I remember, which make for a Cozy holiday season.
Driving around with my parents to see lights on the houses in the local neighborhoods, sleeping in my brother’s room on Christmas Eve night and sneaking out to the Christmas tree to find the gifts that Santa left for us, watching Elf, enjoying the company of loved ones.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy some a cozy Christmas season with some traditions that warm you heart, especailly amidst a world that can feel so cold sometimes.
And I hope to see you on Christmas Eve night at our service…6:30pm, 1258 Newport Road in Penryn, PA.
But I won’t let the panic of having to wrap all the gifts in my guest room dull my shine.
And that is what we are going to talk about.
SHINE.
That’s right.
All caps that too.
But I digress.
Recently, I’ve been taking time on the couch in my Encanto blanket and get lost staring at the shine of the lights.
And with the staring, I lose track of time.
And I find the stress and chaos of the world or whatever happens to be going on around me, to just melt away.
Sometimes, when the lights are off in the apartment, I light a candle and sit on the couch and stare at the shine from the wick.
And just like the lights on the Christmas tree, I get lost in the shine.
And the troubles melt away.
When something in life doesn’t seem to be going right, I think about the candle light and the lights on the Christmas tree.
And I lose myself in the feeling of peace it brings.
When someone tries to darken my spirits, I shine brighter.
When someone tries to tell me I’m not enough, I decide to shine brighter.
I hope all of you will take moments in your life this week to lose yourself in the shine of a candle, the shine of the Christmas tree lights, or the shine from the moon in the night sky.
And I hope you will take those moments of shine to be bright for the people around you.
Don’t let anyone or anything dull it down.
Let your shine continue to be bright for the world.
Because there is someone out there who needs your shine.
And there is someone out there who loves and appreciates it too.
Mr. Sunshine is back and I’m thankful that you are here.
It has been since October 20th when I had my mini meltdown in front of Pastor Angie that led me to take the month of November off.
It has been since October 28th since I’ve written words for you.
But here we are!
The time away has been…
…rejuvenating
…eye-opening
…life-giving
…all the things.
I have to admit that the results of the election were not ones that I was hoping for and the anxious feelings are definitely at an all-time high.
But I’ll continue to lead with kindness.
And I’ll continue to make sure that my mental health is at the forefront of my mind.
During the month of November while I was on sabbatical, I put myself first and indulged in several self-care entities that I look forward to continuing in the coming months.
I completed 25 push ups every single day.
I started cooking more and making recipes.
I started focusing on lowering/eliminating processed foods from my diet.
I stopped putting extra sugar in my coffee! Only creamer now!
I journaled every day about where I found the good.
I started making Sundays the official grocery day with Stauffers now being the store of choice.
I made intentional plans with multiple friends to have quality time.
I indulged in a bubble bath, face masks, and eye masks.
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 