Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well, here we are.

Another Monday.

Another start to a new month…the sixth one of 2023!

We are almost halfway through…say what?!

Happy June, folks!

And happy PRIDE!

It is officially short shorts season too in case you didn’t know!

YAHS.

I would also say that it is officially ice cream season as well, but in my world, it is always ice cream season!

Anyhoo, let’s get down to business and on with this week’s post.

Many of you already know, but June is the official celebration of gay pride.

And, here we are, in 2023, still seeing headlines that relate to those of the LGBTQ+ community where we continue to be chastised, mocked, and hated upon.

Some of you might still ask the question of what is gay pride?

I took to the Internet and Dictionary.com to do some definition digging and this was what I came up with:

–Confidence, self-respect, and solidarity as expressed by gay people, associated with openness about one’s own sexual identity, and the celebration of gay culture and history

Gay pride is so much more than the above definition.

It goes so much deeper than the words that I’m writing to you.

Gay pride is more about just putting out the rainbow flags and celebrating with parades.

Gay pride is about the conversations with those that don’t understand and leading with love and not hate.

Gay pride is starting from the beginning which I will do now.

For those who may not know, my name is JP Welliver and I am an extremely proud gay man who has been out of the closet since 2005–the junior year of my high school career. 

And while the experience of coming out of the closet was one that lifted an incredibly huge weight off my shoulders and while I was supported (and continue to be supported) by extremely loving parents, family, and friends–I know that is not a reality for everyone.

The year is 2023 and people continue to be chastised, judged, treated unfairly, beaten, abused, marginalized.

Individuals who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and embrace love for all can’t even walk around in public holding hands without being stared at or given verbal abuse. 

We can’t go a single day without a news article talking about the latest ban of something related to our LGBTQ+ community.

We can’t just wake up in the morning after our alarms alert us to get without the fear in the back of our minds that we could get hurt or treated badly because of who we choose to be or who we choose to love.

And that breaks my heart. 

And it should break yours as well. 

When I started to write the words in this week’s post, I tried to think about things in life that bring me joy. 

And I landed on the rainbow. 

The rainbow. 

A symbol that is intensely joyful that when it transforms the sky with its thin band of beautiful colors, it stops crowds of people in their tracks…

…grabbing their photo to capture the moment and experience the magic and beauty of its majestic colors. 

Just thinking about a rainbow image makes me smile.

The rainbow is something that can bring a sense of energy and enthusiasm that unites crusaders of LGBTQ+ activism under a banner of activism with a feeling of joy. The rainbow welcomes outsiders and unites all in a common cause. 

I want to take a moment to share reflections with those out there struggling with their identity and sexuality. Always be true to yourself and never sacrifice anything for what you feel in your heart. Know that you are not alone and that there will always be people around to wrap you in love and warmth when the world seems cold and closes in with darkness. Find your support system. They are out there and are ready to love and support you in life’s toughest moment of weakness.

I want to take a moment to share some reflections to those who view me and my fellow LGBTQ+ community as different. I hope that you will one day be able to look past the walls of judgement that you have built up and realize that we are no different than you. And while we may identify with feelings for those of the same sex, we are still human beings full of love and pride.   

I encourage all of you to celebrate the rainbow and the LGBTQ+ community and to extend a hand to all in this world by spreading love and kindness.  Not just this month, but every month of the year. Do it today, tomorrow, and each day after. 

There may be days in my life left on this Earth that I (along with some others who might be reading this) get bullied, called faggot or other derogatory terms, or struggle with the thoughts of suicide and harming the body negatively. Hate, prejudice, and bigotry are still very much alive in our Country.

And if you are someone or happen to know someone who thinks these entities do not exist, I would kindly ask you to look around you–or when you find yourself in the comfort of your home–look out the window. 

And as you gaze out that window, I ask you to look at the world around you and realize that it is not perfect and far from it.

And after looking out the window and at the world, go look at yourself in the mirror.

And as you look at yourself in the mirror, take a moment to ask yourself this question:

“Am I enabling the problem or helping to end it.”

While I realize that some of you have never experienced a moment of bigotry, prejudice, or hate (and might never experience one), I need you to understand that it still exists.

Very much so.

For so many people from all different walks of life…not just those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

And it is a reality that I have lived in these 35 years of life more than once. More times that can be counted on your fingers and toes combined.

Do you ever walk out of your house in fear that you might get hurt because of the person you are and people you love? 

Do you ever think that you will be discriminated against because of the people you love? 

Do you ever think that you will be made fun of or bullied because of who you are?

Do you ever feel like you could lose a job or not get hired for one because of the person you are?

These are all questions that I have (and continue to) answer ‘yes’ to on the daily.

And while I hope and pray that we will eventually live in a world where none of this hatred and prejudice exist, I sincerely hope and pray that you will do your best to show love and kindness to everyone you meet and to help bring an end to discrimination and all the elements of hatred that come along with it.

But I do know this. I am a believer in sharing love and kindness to everyone regardless of social status, ethnicity, religion, skin color, or sexual orientation. 

I fight for what I believe in.

Every morning, I wake up and look in the mirror and repeat the below mantra to myself:

I am loved. I am worthy. I am colorful.

I stand before you in this very moment with great pride in my true colors and can’t wait to continue sharing with the world who I am and what I’m about. 

We need to stop the hating, the judgments, the bullying, and work together as one to break down the walls of hate that have paralyzed our society with the belief that the LGBTQ+ community is different. This world needs more love.

The events that have unfolded and continue to unfold in the world around us are clear examples that we are in need of so much more love and kindness. Clear examples that our fight is far from over.

Where are the open arms of love that we should be extending to ALL humans regardless of the gender of the humans they love? 

When will the hating stop? 

When will the violence end? 

When are we going to wake up as a human race and realize that people who love the same sex are no different than anyone else? 

When is the world going to realize that love is love is love?

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one that will continue to be the symbol of joy to puncture the despair around us and send up a flag signaling hope to all. 

Let’s continue to be those flags of hope together. 

To those of my fellow LGBTQ+ community and ou allies fighting with us, loving you, and supporting us..

YOU ARE WORTHY.

YOU ARE LOVED.

To those who continue to be part of the problem enabling the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community…

I will continue to lead with open arms, ears, and an open heart to help break down the walls of judgment that have been up against us.

Gay pride is so much more than these words and emotions that I have shared with you today.

Gay pride is being authentically and unapologetically you through the sunshine, the storms, and the rainbows.

Gay pride is standing up to a broken world when no one else will.

Gay pride is extending the hand to someone in need.

Gay pride is providing a hug of love and support just because.

Gay pride is listening with an open mind and heart to others regardless of what side of the fence you fall on.

Gay pride is all of us.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

We are almost to June–the halfway month of 2023!

WOW!

Time is flying.

Also, welcome to post number 219!

How thankful and grateful I am that you have been continuing to come back week after week to read these words.

I hope that you continue to feel a level of hope, love, kindness, and inspiration.

As we continue mental health awareness month, the terms “self love” and “self care” seem to come up in conversation more than ever these days.

It is more important now than ever as we continue to live in a society where we can get easily burned out, experience compassion fatigue, and feel the need to shut down.

In case you didn’t know…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

And if you are struggling personally with these above mantras, I would encourage you to take just a few minutes out of your upcoming days this week to practice the following self care practices:

1. 10 minutes of breathing exercises to center your energy to a place of calm. This was something that I never really practiced before; however, there have been several times where my fitness coach, Ryan, has taken me through a guided practice of doing this when my energy appears to be all over the place. And it works and is SO helpful.
2. 5 minutes of affirmation journaling.
3. Time where your phone is on DND and you can just be…without any disturbance, ringing, or buzzing.
4. Take a hot shower.
5. Splurge on your favorite dessert.
6. Cuddle with a blanket.
7. Watch your favorite Disney movie.
8. Enjoy your favorite adult cocktail beverage (or mocktail).
9. Spend time with family/people you love.
10. Spend that extra few dollars on a guilty pleasure.

In case you forgot already…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

Please make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and sprinkling some extra self care and love.

Listen to your body.

Listen to your needs.

YOU. DESERVE. IT.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

And a belated happy Mother’s day to all the fierce women in our lives–past, present, and future who have taught us to live out our passions and lead with compassion, grace, and kindness.

A special shout out to my very favorite Mama Welliver who has always taught me to love and care for others…and to also have that extra scoop of ice cream.

The Summer season certainly felt like it was upon us this past week as Mother Nature presented us with some degrees of mid 80’s that brought some humid sunshine into our lives.

Vitamin D always feels good for our souls.

Just not sure I was ready for that heat already in May. That sunshine is usually something I’m more prepared for when Memorial Day weekend rolls around with the welcome of June and the summer season.

At the moment, I’m getting distracted by episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit…I just can’t stop watching.

Anyhoo, I don’t really have a true “theme” to this week’s post.

Once again, it is more like a hodge podge of thoughts and emotions.

And yes, I put soft serve in the title because I want to have some of that right now and will need lots of it throughout this coming summer.

Within the coming months, there is lots that will be happening for Mr. Sunshine.

14 days until I celebrity scoop at Greco’s Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream in Lititz! This is happening Monday, May 29th from 5-7pm!

26 days until the first 2023 beach trip to North Wildwood!

35 days until Sunshine Cottage goes on the market! GHASP!

47 days until Costa Rica! My first time traveling out of the Country in over a decade! YIKES!

67 days until I get keys to my new place at The Apartments at Lititz Springs! Say what?!? I literally have driven past at least a dozen times already.

This means…bring on the soft serve because there is going to lots of excitement and change coming up in my life!

Do you have suggestions or tips for moving or moving companies?

Send them my way!

What all should I bring to Costa Rica?!

I want to hear from you!

Do you need any pieces of furniture, artwork, or other knick knacks?

Well, keep your eyes peeled because I’ll be selling some items in the coming weeks!

Would you like to share some soft serve ice cream together?!

Well, let’s see if we can make it happen!

That’s my story.

I’m sticking to it.

I’ll need all the boxes, all the soft service, all the suggestions for moving and traveling to Costa Rica.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

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!