Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Happy Monday, folks!

Another week is officially in the books. Can you believe that we are already into the second week of May??

The time is seriously just going way too fast.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business.

It is currently 8:32pm on a Saturday night, which means that I’m sitting in the lobby of the Ephrata Performing Arts Center as the incredible performance of “Passion” is performed on the stage that all of you should buy tickets to see. (You can go online at epactheatre.org to purchase).

And as I sit here writing this week’s post, I’m currently looking outside the windows at the sun setting on the grounds of dew wet grass that embraces the area around the theater.

And even as the beautiful music of Stephen Sondheim plays in the background, I think to myself that even in the world of Mr. Sunshine, there are moments that bring a few rumbles of thunder and clouds.

Anyone else have these moments of rumbles in their life?

As we continue to live in a world that is still trying to navigate the shit of mass shootings, negative news, economic uncertainty, racial issues, prejudice, and political turmoil, I can’t help but think of one word that has decided to creep into all of our lives as we grasp with the fact and reality that our world is a scary place.

And that word that I’m talking about is this: anxiety.

That’s right.

Anxiety.

What is anxiety?

We could go around and ask everyone in the world what they feel the definition of this word is and we could come back with a different definition for each of those people.

According to Dictionary.com, the word anxiety is defined as the following:

1. Distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune
2. Earnest but tense desire; eagerness
3. A state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder

Anxiety.

According to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), here are a few quick facts and statistics about anxiety:

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.
• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
• Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

As someone who has been given the nickname of Mr. Sunshine (that I continue to wear proudly), I tend to believe that people around me think that the actions and word of anxiety are not something that I experience.

And, let me tell you folks, anxiety is real even in the life of Mr. Sunshine.

The year is 2023 and I have a stronger conviction and passion now more than ever to make sure that we are taking time in our lives to talk about this very word.

It is a real thing.

And it is a real thing that real people around us are experiencing.

So many people I know are experiencing this.

You who are reading this is probably experiencing it in some form.

And it is something that Mr. Sunshine has experienced, even more so in the last months. I found myself being nominated to take on the role of church Council President recently after the pandemic hit and honestly, it was something I met with hesitation. I wasn’t sure how I would be able to deal with the many emotions of congregants. And I wasn’t sure how I would handle those that have beliefs which differ from the path that our faith community is trying to create for ALL.

This week, there is a topic of discussion at a leadership meeting that is making me anxious. And I won’t even be in attendance to discuss.

It’s a lot. And will continue to be a lot.

Our world is just so backwards.

Anxiety is a real thing.

And it is a real thing that can cause even more serious issues if it is not talked about.

So, I’m talking about it now.

I’m anxious about this letter.

So, how does one deal with anxiety, especially when they are nicknamed Mr. Sunshine?

Well, here are my personal tips and tricks.

1. I make sure every night ends with episodes of watching The Golden Girls. It is a time where I get to be in the space of my room, with my weighted blanket and cuddling tight as the voices of Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and Dorothy are heard in the background.
2. Journaling. I find spewing words on paper is so good for the soul.
3. The gym. That’s right. I have become somewhat of a “gym rat” so to speak. It is time in my life where I get to release toxins, decompress, and also build up my body to become stronger in worlds of physicality and mentality.
4. I use the support system of friends and family when I need some extra love, support, guidance, or encouragement. Reach out when needed and don’t be embarrassed if you are struggling. And, if you need to seek professional help for additional support, so be it. There is nothing wrong with that and the people that think it is a problem are wrong.
5. Talk about it. You will never be able to foster a healthy environment for you (or anyone around you) if you aren’t willing to share and talk about your struggles.

Be real.

Be vulnerable.

Be genuine.

Anxiety is a real word.

It is a real thing that many of us have experienced, are currently experiencing, or will experience in the future.

It is called being human.

And it’s ok if you are dealing with it.

You are not alone.

Let’s talk about it.

Together.

It isn’t going away.

And let’s say it loud and proud.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Also…quick little story for those who actually read the entire post all the way to the end!

On Sunday during the children’s sermon, we were talking about struggling with going in all different directions. And I talked with the kids about how this month is one that we recognize as one to bring awareness to people around us who might be super sad and struggling with a variety of things in their life. And I told them that this week, they should ask the questions of “How are you” and “Are you OK” to someone around them. Speaking about this with the kids got me a bit emotional to be honest. And as we went to bow our heads and pray with Pastor Angie, Jelani–a handicap African American individual placed his hand on my shoulder. He sensed that I needed that gesture of comfort right at that moment. I got tears in my eyes. It was beautiful and the sign from the spirits of alignment that everything will be ok.

Monday greetings to you all!

Oh and happy May 1st!

Isn’t it crazy that we are officially now in the fifth month of 2023?!

Time certainly hasn’t decided to slow down at all.

Like, at all.

Thank you for bearing with me last week as I decided to take a little break from blogging.

The white flag of surrender was waving in front of my eyes and I decided to listen and just do some resting.

Time to get out your planners!

Well, those of you who might use planners.

I might still be one of the only ones in the world who still LOVES writing everything down in their old-fashioned planner.

At the end of each month, I always take time in my room to make sure I have everything updated for the upcoming month.

It’s therapeutic.

It’s satisfying.

And those of you who know me are quite aware of the fact that my days and nights are usually packed with all the things.

All. The. Things.

Well, do you have your planner (or whatever other organizational device you use to keep your life together) at the ready?

Here are three upcoming events to mark on your calendar before the end of the month that you should check out!

-Thursday, May 4th-May 13th at varied times.

Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion. It was a show that I had no idea about and it stirred emotions in my heart, made me think about love and how it binds and breaks us. Each individual in the show carries their weight with beautiful, outstanding performances that do not disappoint. The costumes, lights, set, and voices are incredible. You can purchase tickets online at the below link. The show runs 2 hours with no intermission and Jamie and I will be at the bar ready to serve you up a cocktail for enjoyment too!

https://epactheatre.org

-Saturday, May 20th at 4pm.

This is St. Paul Lutheran Church in Penryn’s fourth annual cornh0le tournament in the backyard space that allows for all to gather safely. A food truck will be available and there will also be beer available. Come out and support the faith community and have a fun night of fellowship! You can sign up to play by calling the church office and leaving a message at 717-665-6093.

-Monday, May 29th from 5-7pm

Come out to Greco’s in Lititz as I get to participate in some “celebrity scooping” of ice cream! We all know that ice cream is one of my favorite food groups and what better way to enjoy some in the cool town of Lititz, supporting small business, and seeing Mr. Sunshine?! It’s a win, win, WIN!

Well, that’s a wrap.

Make sure your calendars are updated with these spectacular and fun events happening in May…

…or else.

Be kind to all.

Love each other.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

I decided to take time to myself this week.

There’s a lot that has happened in this last week to unpack and writing a blog post was the last thing I wanted to do.

Catch up by reading all the past blog posts and enjoy!

Be kind and love all.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

Here we are…another Monday!

Just another week of me spending the Sunday evening trying to figure out what words to write.

It is one of those weeks where I sit looking at the computer screen watching the constant of the cursor flashing.

And before I begin, in case you were wondering (because I know you were), I TOTALLY sang the title of this blog post when I wrote it.

In case you don’t know what song I’m talking about, I’m of course talking about the classic “My Favorite Things” song from the classic musical, The Sound of Music.

Anyhoo, time to get on with it.

Grab your favorite breakfast treat and hot coffee (or iced coffee) and let’s get going!

Buckle your seat belts.

Here we go.

On Sunday morning, before the church service started, I was out walking around the front grounds of the church when I noticed a beautiful yellow tulip covered in raindrops.

It was beautiful.

And something I don’t think I normally would’ve noticed, but I was intentional about bending down to grab a glance at it and snap a picture.

The air around me was crisp, perfectly still.

Quaint. Peaceful.

And all I could think about was how discovering that piece of beauty was aligned with my 2023.

The raindrops to me were symbols of refreshing renewal that are taking place in the life of Mr. Sunshine.

Big changes have happened this year and more are to come as I say goodbye to The Sunshine Cottage.

Yes, you read that right.

The time to move on to the next chapter of my life is coming to fruition and the raindrops on the sun-colored tulip outside the church was the visual proof to confirm that this in fact aligned for me and my needs.

And that was when the thousands of questions started to flood my head…

What do I sell my house for?

What furniture do I take with me?

What stays behind to be sold?

What items need to be thrown away or discarded of?

How does one get furniture to the apartment on a 5th floor?

What are the best moving companies to utilize?

And the list goes on and on.

If you were to look at my phone currently, you would probably get overwhelmed with the number of lists that are currently created in the notes app.

Lists of questions to ask the property manager, lists of items that I want to sell, lists of items I want to buy, lists of things to complete before moving…

Lists upon lists upon lists.

Random side note…I just ate two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

I hope each and every one of you takes a few moments this week to observe the beauty of nature around to see visuals of true wonder that will hopefully help confirm an alignment for you in your life.

The raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, or brown paper packages tied up with string…

There is something out there for you to find beauty in.

Go.

Explore.

Find.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

P.S.—For anyone interested, the current plan is to put the house on the market around 7/1 and officially close and be moved back to Lititz of 8/31! Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for The Sunshine Cottage listing!

Happy Monday and day after Easter, folks!

I hope you were all able to hippity hoppity this past weekend with whatever April holiday you observe and celebrate!

Welcome to post #213!

Let the sunshine in!

Speaking of sunshine, it appears that Mother Nature will be giving us some bright days in the coming week ahead!

I certainly don’t mind the sunshine, but I’m not sure I’m ready for temperatures in the 80’s…that should be kept hidden until the Summer season…at least in my humble opinion.

Well, I think it is time to get down to this week’s post.

Shall we?

Grab that pina colada, margarita, or other fun summery beverage and keep reading!

Also, as I write these words, I’m currently watching the World Ice Skating Championships on TV and I don’t know about you, but each time a skater goes to do a jump or fancy something, I literally hold my breath and go into panic mode.

Anyone else?

Or am I in the minority?

Like who doesn’t want to be able to do a triple sow cow with a triple quad axle on skates?!

Now, let’s all go practice in our living room.

AND GO!

Anyhoo, I digress…shocker.

“Thank you for showing up.”

A bit different from the infamous mantra, “Thank you for being a friend” that The Golden Girls reminds us of, but just as important.

Say it again with me.

“Thank you for showing up.”

These are five simple words that my fitness coach, Ryan Chalfant (The Fitness Alchemist), says to me every week during our video call.

Make sure you check him out because I honestly can’t say enough about how wonderful and beautiful of a soul he is:

https://www.thefitnessalchemist.com/

“Thank you for showing up.”

For some, getting out of bed to put two feet on the ground can be a daunting task.

Opening the front door to explore the world where stimulation can be overwhelming is a victory.

Keeping it together after emotionally draining situations can be daunting.

Sharing the love in your soul to someone struggling because of some darkness in their world can be life-changing.

While showing up can look differently for every single person, its common denominator no matter what the equation is that it should be recognized and celebrated.

–Thank you for showing up to the people who take away the weekly garbage and recycling.

–Thank you for showing up to the people who run restaurants and show us hospitality.

–Thank you for showing up to teachers who share knowledge and wisdom daily.

–Thank you for showing up to our healthcare workers who heal, nurse, and support.

–Thank you for showing up to the individuals suffering depression, but decide to get out of bed.

–Thank you for showing up to our families, parents, and friends who love us unconditionally.

–Thank you for showing up to everyone who tries to lead in the world with love and kindness.

–Thank you for showing up to everyone in the St. Paul Penryn faith community to help share love be love for all.

–Thank you for showing up to my fitness coach Ryan for helping me to understand the extreme importance and beauty of these five simple words and re-iterating them constantly for me and my soul.

–Thank you for showing up week after week to read these words that I write for you that I hope spark inspiration and some positive energy for your day and week ahead.

“Thank you for showing up.”

You are beautiful.

You are loved.

You are worthy.

And remember to celebrate and recognize not only others, but yourself too with these five simple words.

“Thank you for showing up.”

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

Happy first Monday of the fourth month of 2023!

It is April!

And Easter is just DAYS away.

How.

Is.

That.

Possible?!

I will admit that as I write these words, I am indulging in a few homemade peanut butter eggs…in both dark and milk chocolate.

THE BEST.

Anyhoo…enough about the Easter sweets.

Let’s get on with this week’s post.

And it is once again one that will be short and sweet.

14 years ago, I played an April Fools prank and told people via social media that I had an audition for Wheel of Fortune.

Today…Monday April 3rd…14 years later, that prank is becoming a reality.

A virtual Zoom audition that will involve simulation toss up puzzles and a possible timed test of word puzzles that will hopefully lead to being picked to actually do a physical taping of the show.

I’ve talked a lot about alignment in the past weeks.

And this.

This.

Feels.

SO.

Aligned.

Patience and persistence have paid off.

For the first time in a long time, it just feels like everything in my life is happening as it should.

A focus on ME.

MY body.

MY fitness.

MY energy.

MY needs.

MY life.

I hope alignment finds its way into your life.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

Here we are…the last Monday of March already!

Isn’t that crazy?!

Easter is literally only two weeks away!

Hope you have your marshmallow peeps, chocolate bunnies, and peanut butter eggs secured and ready to go!

I won’t keep you long this week.

Short and sweet words for your eyes to read.

Grab the beverage of your choice and cuddle up in your favorite corner!

This week was an exhausting one to say the least.

Within the first two days, the volume of work I had completed at my full-time job was almost the same amount that I had completed in the five days of last week.

On Tuesday, I almost cried in the car on my way to get my haircut because I was just that exhausted. And it wasn’t even halfway yet!

I got to my haircut and the gracious and beautiful Alison offered me a seltzer water, a neck and shoulder massage, and a loving hug at the end of the appointment.

It was a much-needed moment in the hustle and bustle of what I was experiencing.

The evenings of last week involved a lot of cuddles with my weighted blankets, episodes of The Golden Girls, falling asleep in the first ten minutes of Encanto, and candle scents of warm apple pie.

It also involved a lot of…

REST.

As a society who seems to always have members of it that are on the go, go, go 24/7, it is all too common for us to forget the vital moments of rest that are bodies need.

Ever since quarantine 2020 and the end of Miles4Smiles in 2021, I personally feel that I have really tried to make a conscious effort to focus more on me.

Focus on MY needs, MY body, MY life.

And believe me, as someone with a big heart, it can be hard to not feel guilty about putting me first.

Especially when so much of your life’s energy has been focused on the needs of others around you.

Balancing out my own personal needs and those of the world and individuals around me is a very fine balance to master.

There is no perfect equation.

There never will be.

And I’m still learning that balance.

The needs of yourself and the rest your body craves will always keep you on your toes week after week, month after month, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, and second after second.

Listen to your body.

Always remember, rest.

Take that extra 20 minutes after your alarm goes off in the morning to stay under the covers.

Embrace falling asleep before 9pm on the couch as your favorite TV show plays in the background.

Indulge yourself and take that Saturday and Sunday afternoon nap to give your eyes the closure they have been craving.

Embrace the rest.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are!

Another Monday, another post!

Thank you again so much for joining me week after week to read my words.

I honestly can’t express how much it means to me.

Well, shall we get to this week’s post?

For those who are not familiar with me and my personality, I am a HUGE Katy Perry fan.

And I have found myself resonating with the lyrics of her song “Resilent” which was released on her last album from 2020.

The lyrics go as follows:

I know there’s gotta be rain if I want the rainbows
And I know the higher I climb, the harder the wind blows
Yeah, I’ve gone to sleep night after night punching a pillow
But do you know the darker the night, the brighter the stars glow?

‘Cause I am resilient
A full flower moment
Won’t let the concrete hold me back, oh, no
I am resilient
Born to be brilliant
You’ll see me grow right through the cracks, yeah
‘Cause you’re gonna watch this flower grow
Right through the cracks

‘Cause I am resilient
Open to better
Won’t let the concrete hold me back, oh, yeah
I am resilient (I am, I am)
Born to be brilliant
I’m gonna grow right through the cracks
Oh, yeah

Oh, I am resilient (I am resilient)
Born to be brilliant
I’m gonna grow right through the cracks
Oh, you’re gonna watch this flower grow
Right through the cracks

These lyrics have been giving me life during my workouts and helping me cope with the toxic behavior of social media scrolling and comparing.

I am 35 years old and I still get caught in the shit of telling myself “I’m not as good as that person” or “That person looks better than me.”

STOP.

Red. Light. STOP.

I.

Am.

Resilient.

You.

Are.

Resilient.

You are going to be the flower that grows through the cracks.

Why?

Because…

You…

Are…

Capable.

Worthy.

Beautiful.

Kind.

Loyal.

Trustworthy.

Loving.

Special.

All. The. Things.

You…

Are..

ALL THE THINGS.

You.

Are.

Worth.

It.

There are moments in my life when I wonder where I’m going to find the money to pay the monthly bills…and that is even with having 4 jobs.

There are moments in my life when I wonder what is going to happen when my parents are no longer here.

I’m actually terrified for that moment.

There are moments in my life when I wonder who I’m going to spend my life with for the aging years.

Will I just be someone who has great friendships until I die or will I find that special someone?

There are moments when I feel socially anxious because I hear others talk about marriage, engagement, and families (in regards to straight couples), and I just clam up.

There are moments when I lay in my bed and cuddle the pillow just a bit tighter because it gives me comfort that everything will be fine.

Don’t let yourself fall through the cracks with the feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and the what ifs.

In these moments that I listed above, I take a breath, close my eyes, and realize…

I…

AM…

Capable.

Worthly.

Beautiful.

Kind.

Loyal.

Trustworthy.

Loving.

Special.

All. The. Things.

The next time you want to fall through the cracks, take a breath, close your eyes, and remember the following:

YOU…

ARE…

Capable.

Worthly.

Beautiful.

Kind.

Loyal.

Trustworthy.

Loving.

Special.

All. The. Things.

ALL. THE. THINGS.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hi there folks!

A very happy Monday to you all!

Welcome to post number 209! That is the OFFICIAL number!

Woo!

I am currently writing these words for you as I sit against the pillows on top of my bed with Frozen II playing in the background.

I am NOT thinking about the alarm that will go off at 6:40am telling me that it is Monday once again.

Well, let’s get on with it…shall we?

Grab your favorite side kick beverage, get cozy, and read on!

Just last week, I was talking about being misaligned.

And ended the post with the following two sentences:

Don’t let a misalignment consume you. Take what comes at you and turn it into something that will align with you, your energy, your beliefs, and allow you to be your best self.

And that is exactly what I write to you in words this week.

Everything this week aligned.

Perfectly.

And if there were any moments of negative anything, I bundled them up and turned them into something that aligned with my energy, my beliefs, and my best self.

And that is what I call an uplifting renewal.

It was beautiful.

Here are just a few places where I experienced joy, love, and energy that contributed to my uplifting renewal.

1. Personal bests during my lift workouts in the gym along with continued strength.
2. Pizza and conversation with my parents on Tuesday night. (Missed my nieces and brother and sister-in-law due to sickness).
3. Kicking off an exciting 2023 season at EPAC as bartender and house manager with partner in crime, Jamie.
4. Cuddling in my bed with the weighted blanket, candle burning, and I Love Lucy episodes playing in the background.
5. Seeing some of my favorite customers from the day of McElroy’s during my Saturday shift at the apothecary and catching up in conversation that was full of life.
6. Laughs and smiles from the kids during the children’s message at the Sunday morning service.
7. Giving a hug to someone at church who just lost a loved one.
8. A video call with my fitness coach, Ryan where he pulled a card during our call because it felt called to do so. That card happen to symbolize the mantra of “Be fearless and bold.”
9. Playing Katy Perry’s Firework on the piano and belting the lyrics with my voice in the sanctuary on Sunday afternoon while no one else was around.
10. Being asked to return to John Beck Elementary school to present for their Fine Arts Day in April.

From misalignment to uplifting renewal.

What a difference the week has made.

Blessings and positive energy to all of you this week on your journey through life.

May you find love, kindness, and joy in the simple moments of life this week.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

And happy March!

This is the official first blog post of the third month of 2023!

WOO!

Also, before I move on, don’t forget to turn your clocks forward by one hour this weekend on Saturday!

That means…Daylight Savings Time is upon us…

Along with Palm Sunday, Easter, and maybe possibly a snowstorm that dumps some of the white stuff we haven’t seen much of here in Pennsylvania?

We can only hope.

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business, shall we?

Do you have your cozy blanket?

Do you have your favorite beverage by your side?

Have you done something kind for someone else today?

Have you given yourself some self-love?

I hope you answered ‘YES!’ to at least one of the above!

Here we go!

Have you ever felt misaligned with your life or your energy?

Well, this week, I was definitely misaligned.

And just for the record (and a little side note of a tangent), I have started to become slightly obsessed with watching reels on Instagram of chiropractors and the cracking noise of bones, the spine, and other parts of the body.

It is actually soothing to me.

Don’t judge me.

You should try it.

But…I digress.

The bones of my body and spine were not what made me misaligned this past week.

Have you ever really stopped to think how something negative around you can just throw you off your game and create such an energy of non-positivity?

It is toxic.

Well, last Sunday I experienced one of those moments and it just seemed to engulf my entire being and set such a gloomy tone for the week ahead.

I got derailed from the track and didn’t seem to find my way back to get on it again.

And this wasn’t something that I really thought about deeply until Wednesday after having my weekly check-in call with my fitness trainer, Ryan.

At the end of our call, he mentioned that things just didn’t seem aligned for me.

And he was 150% right.

I sat on my bed for about 30 minutes after the call thinking about the energy that had been emoting from me.

I let the negative moment at the beginning of the week seep into my life in a way that consumed me and caused me to miss joy in the things around me that I normally notice.

My work week interactions seemed less rejuvenating, my sleep cycle wasn’t the greatest, and the stressors of life seemed to be greater than normal causing more panic and fear.

Misalignment.

Negative energy.

This week, I refuse to let them overtake the joy that I find in my daily life.

Don’t let a misalignment consume you.

Take what comes at you and turn it into something that will align with you, your energy, your beliefs, and allow you to be your best self.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!